Does Sinusitis Cause Dizziness ❲2026 Update❳

[Your Name/Institution] Journal: Journal of Otolaryngology and Vestibular Disorders (Hypothetical) Date: April 14, 2026 Abstract Background: Dizziness is a common but multifactorial complaint in primary care. While sinusitis is frequently cited by patients as a cause of their dizziness, the pathophysiological link remains controversial. Objective: To critically evaluate the evidence for and against a causal relationship between sinusitis and dizziness. Methods: A narrative review of otolaryngology, neurology, and vestibular literature was conducted, focusing on mechanisms including eustachian tube dysfunction, perilymphatic fistulas, and autonomic reflexes. Results: Sinusitis does not directly cause true vertigo (spinning sensation) in most cases. However, it can induce dizziness through three primary mechanisms: 1) Eustachian tube obstruction leading to middle ear pressure changes and mild disequilibrium; 2) Mucosal inflammation extending to the vestibular apparatus via the round window (rare); and 3) Sinusitis-associated dizziness —a sensation of lightheadedness or floating driven by inflammation-mediated autonomic dysregulation or fatigue. Conclusion: Sinusitis is an indirect, not direct, cause of dizziness. The sensation is typically non-vertiginous and resolves with treatment of the underlying sinus inflammation. Clinicians should avoid attributing true rotatory vertigo to sinusitis without ruling out central or peripheral vestibular disorders.

The Rhinogenic Vertigo Hypothesis: Investigating the Causal Link Between Sinusitis and Dizziness does sinusitis cause dizziness

Sinusitis, dizziness, vertigo, eustachian tube, vestibular system, rhinosinusitis 1. Introduction Dizziness accounts for approximately 5-10% of primary care visits. Among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), up to 30% report some form of dizziness or imbalance (Lal et al., 2016). This association has led to the clinical concept of “rhinogenic vertigo” —a term that is widely used but poorly defined. The core clinical question is: does sinusitis genuinely cause dizziness, or is this a coincidental comorbidity with conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or migraine? Conclusion: Sinusitis is an indirect, not direct, cause