Carbon monoxide poisoning: an unusual cause of dizziness

Abstract

AbstractObjective:We report an unusual case of dizziness caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.Case report:A 55-year-old man was referred to an ENT surgeon with dizziness. The patient described vague, non-specific symptoms not consistent with a diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, labyrinthitis or Ménière's disease. It emerged later that the patient had been suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning from a leaky gas hot water boiler in his house. After having the boiler fixed, the patient's symptoms completely resolved.Conclusion:When the more common causes of dizziness cannot be found, less common but important differential diagnoses, such as carbon monoxide poisoning, should be considered.