An Achilles steroid jab?
the cause of vertigo and dizziness and involves putting first hot, then cold water into the ears, which induces eye movements that can be measured.
However, it is not an appropriate test in patients who have a history of cardiac problems, including those who have had a recent heart attack, or who have had an irregular pulse.
I suggest you ask to see your ENT specialist and inquire if there are alternative tests that can be done instead.
My 39-year-old son has not been well for the past 10 months, with severe pains in his head and neck. He has also become very sensitive to light and needs to wear special glasses to protect his vision. He has had an MRI scan which was clear. What else could be causing this and could it be serious? It is starting to get him down.
AALTHOUGH light sensitivity, also known as photophobia, can be caused by a specific eye condition, such as inflammation of one of the membranes in the front of the eye or cataracts, in some people no reason can be found. Not only is it very uncomfortable but it can trigger headaches and it may be that your son’s eye condition came first, rather than the headaches.
It is reassuring for you and him that an MRI has ruled out a serious underlying cause and the special tinted lenses he has been given should help to make his life more comfortable (although he should not wear these while driving at night).
The RNIB has a lot of information on its website about light sensitivity and tips for coping with it, so is worth a look. You can also ring its helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visitrnib.org.uk.
If you have a health question for Dr Rosemary please write to her in confidence at The Northern & Shell Building, 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6EN or email health@express.co.uk
Dr Rosemary’s reply will appear in this column. She regrets that she cannot enter into personal correspondence and that, due to the volume of letters, she cannot reply to everyone. Find out more about Dr Rosemary at drrosemaryleonard.co.uk