With the significant temperature changes in spring, blood vessels are prone to constriction, leading to headaches, dizziness, and tinnitus often accompanying them. However, common discomfort symptoms in the ears due to temperature changes are mostly related to peripheral blood vessel blockages or poor peripheral blood circulation. But if unusual symptoms such as severe headaches, dizziness, facial drooping, unilateral weakness in limbs, or sudden hearing loss occur, the causes could be more complex and severe. Immediate medical attention is necessary to avoid delaying treatment.
**Physician Analyzes Common Causes of Dizziness, Meniere’s Disease Related to Peripheral Inner Ear Blood Circulation**
Dr. Yeh Zhong-hui from the Tainan Giraffe Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic stated that common causes of dizziness include: peripheral vertigo caused by dislodged ear stones, Meniere’s disease, or central vertigo caused by vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) or stroke.
Normally, the cause of dislodged ear stones is unknown but may be related to trauma. Conditions like Meniere’s disease, such as inner ear lymphatic swelling, vascular blockage in the inner ear, or poor blood circulation, can lead to dizziness and tinnitus. Additionally, elderly individuals with high blood lipids, combined with arterial atherosclerosis and narrowing, or those with poor vascular quality due to diabetes or smoking, can accelerate arterial sclerosis, making blood viscous and vessels less elastic. Dr. Yeh pointed out that dizziness in some elderly individuals is caused by multiple factors, including poor inner ear blood circulation, chronic diseases, and variable weather changes, which can exacerbate the symptoms and frequency of dizziness.
Dr. Yeh explained that during dizziness attacks, individuals may experience a sensation of spinning, blurred vision, unsteady gait, and possibly nausea and vomiting. Vertigo, on the other hand, feels like a heavy head and light feet without a spinning sensation. Typical occurrences of Meniere’s disease-associated dizziness may also include tinnitus and even temporary hearing loss, which usually improves as the symptoms subside, and hearing returns. If it’s a common case of dislodged ear stones, individuals may experience spinning without significant hearing problems, and typically, their condition improves after repositioning the ear stones.
If dizziness is not caused by the aforementioned reasons, patients are advised to seek further examination at a major hospital’s neurology or neurosurgery department to identify the underlying cause of the disease.
**Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Components Reduce Homocysteine Levels, Alleviating Related Vascular Sclerosis Issues**
Dr. Yeh treated an elderly patient with severe dislodged ear stones accompanied by migraines. Hospital examinations showed no abnormalities such as intracranial tumors, and the diagnosis was “vestibular migraine.” Since taking certain anti-dizziness medications had side effects, the patient chose to take ginkgo biloba long-term, which significantly improved their condition. They are currently stable and under regular follow-up.
Studies have shown that whether it’s Meniere’s disease, dislodged ear stones, or vertebrobasilar insufficiency patients, taking ginkgo biloba has shown good clinical efficacy. Prolonged hyperhomocysteinemia can lead to vascular sclerosis and damage to the vascular wall, resulting in stroke, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and blood clots in the deep veins of the legs.
Since ginkgo biloba leaf components can reduce homocysteine levels, they can improve symptoms of poor blood circulation in vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Additionally, combining repositioning surgery for dislodged ear stones with ginkgo biloba supplementation can improve dizziness symptoms and reduce recurrence rates. For patients with Meniere’s disease, using ginkgo biloba can help shorten the duration of dizziness attacks and improve hearing loss and tinnitus symptoms.
**Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract Promotes Microvascular Circulation, Choose Products from Recognized Brands**
There are many products on the market that claim to improve blood circulation, such as fish oil, red yeast rice, natto, and ginkgo biloba, which can help replenish neurological nutrients and promote vascular circulation. Pharmacist Zeng Yu-zhe from Kaohsiung Yixin Tang Pharmacy explained that fish oil, natto, and red yeast rice mainly act on relatively large blood vessels, while ginkgo biloba leaf extract components can act on small blood vessels, promoting microcirculation in the brain and ears, thereby improving blood flow circulation and significantly alleviating dizziness and tinnitus.
Pharmacist Zeng further pointed out that when choosing ginkgo biloba leaf extract products, it is essential to ensure that the ingredients are derived from ginkgo biloba leaves rather than ginkgo fruits since ginkgo fruits themselves do not promote blood circulation. Moreover, the dosage per capsule should be sufficient, with at least 40 milligrams of ginkgo biloba leaf extract per capsule recommended. It’s advisable to choose products from reputable brands since extraction methods vary among different manufacturers, resulting in variations in effectiveness.
**Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extracts Possess Anticoagulant Properties, Caution Advised for Certain Groups Before Use**
Pharmacist Zeng encountered a woman in her 60s who had visited an ear, nose, and throat specialist due to dizziness and tinnitus. After six months of medication, dizziness improved, but tinnitus persisted and occurred intermittently. The diagnosis did not indicate dislodged ear stones or structural issues, nor was it a central nervous system disorder. Since her lifestyle and diet were normal, she was advised to take ginkgo biloba leaf extract to improve blood circulation. After about three months of use, both dizziness and tinnitus improved, with fewer occurrences. She continues to maintain her condition with regular supplementation.
However, Pharmacist Zeng emphasized that ginkgo biloba leaf extract itself possesses anticoagulant properties. Therefore, individuals with a history of stroke, stent placement, or those currently taking anticoagulants must consult with a doctor or pharmacist before use to ensure safety. Additionally, combining ginkgo biloba leaf products with antiepileptic drugs may diminish their efficacy, and pregnant women are not recommended to use them.
Dr. Yeh reminded that individuals under significant work stress, obese individuals, smokers, and those with chronic diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes are prone to dizziness and tinnitus. To prevent dizziness, it is advisable to maintain a light diet, adequate sleep, and regular exercise. Ginkgo biloba leaf supplements can promote blood circulation, especially for the elderly, who should pay extra attention to neck and body warmth during seasonal changes. If unusual dizziness occurs or symptoms such as imbalance or drooling appear, immediate medical attention is necessary. Pharmacist Zeng also recommended reducing stress, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding staying up late, as even middle-aged individuals can experience dizziness and tinnitus, and maintaining a healthy body and mind is crucial.