2nd bout of Vertigo.
Posted , 3 users are following.
I had a bad episode of Vertigo (army crawling to get around the house, dry heaves, pressure in my ears and ringing) right after Thanksgiving. I felt like everything was spinning clockwise. Was given Meclizine and a nausea pill. It took a good 2-3 days for the symptoms to start to go away. Now it started again last night where I get up and start to stumble. This morning I had to have my daughter walk me to the bathroom without tipping over. Reclining in the chair can barely move my head side to side without getting nauseous and dizzy. Ears are ringing again and pressure. My maternal grandmother had Meniere’s disease. Is it hereditary? I am going to be 43 this year. Any advice is appreciated.
0 likes, 16 replies
lily65668 sara16355
Posted
So sorry to hear about this. I know what vertigo can be like, though I've never had it as bad as yours.
The specialist you need to see is a neurotologist, if you haven't already. They are trained in all aspects of balance, whether controlled by the brain or the inner ear.
Just one word of advice. Don't be tempted to try any manoeuvres or exercises you see on-line (or might even be advised to do by a few posters on this site). And don't shell out your hard-earned cash for any hats(!) or other devices that claim to cure vertigo. Even if they don't do any permanent damage, they can make you feel a whole lot worse. They're all specific for separate conditions, and if you don't have an exact diagnosis there's no way you can work out which one to use. They also need to be performed, or at least taught initially, by experienced practitioners.
Ménière's disease can be inherited, but usually it isn't. However, a neurotologist would be best placed to advise you on this as well. They can be found in most university hospitals or in specialist balance or vertigo clinics.
Guest sara16355
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sara16355
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lily65668 sara16355
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Depends on the cause. If it's BPPV, it will resolve on its own. This happened to me the first time I had it, 25 years ago. However, it doesn't sound like that in your case.
Even if it is BPPV, I don't think it's likely to resolve before then. All the sites I've seen say it resolves of its own accord within two months, but I'm not convinced. First time I had it (when it was made worse by inept treatment by an ENT doctor) it took at least a year to resolve spontaneously. The second time - a year ago - it started in January and was still going strong in March, when I finally saw a physiotherapist.
I'd suggest keeping a diary of your symptoms while you're waiting for the appointment.
Guest lily65668
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If your symptoms are gone by the time you go to the doctor then no he can't diagnose it. I had my first episode which lasted over 2 months and it never resolved itself. After the Epley I felt worse for 2 days and then slowly started I've had three other episodes in the last 7 years. Wish you the very best if you get in before February 7th
sara16355
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Guest sara16355
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I never took any medication because if it is bppv it's not that have any effect on your ear crystals. Actually some medication can make you even dizzier. And to be honest I don't usually respond to any post or people are taking medication because I don't understand the implications.
lily65668 sara16355
Posted
Oh that's rough, Sara. I recall having terrible problems trying to wash my hair during my attacks of BPPV.
Yours does sound like more than that though, because BPPV only causes real spinning and nausea when you tilt your head into the wrong position, and doesn't cause ear discomfort. It makes you feel generally unstable the rest of the time, but you can actually walk around as long as you keep your head still and straight.
It's only another week or so to your appointment, so I suspect your symptoms will last that long.
sara16355
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lily65668 sara16355
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You're right - BPPV is often diagnosed when it's something else, but usually only by doctors who don't know much about it. Still, I would think a Balance Center would have the expertise to diagnose and treat you correctly.
Good luck for Monday! And come back and let us all know what happened.
sara16355
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sara16355
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lily65668 sara16355
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Hi Sara,
I'm glad to hear you've had all the tests. It's always best to go to a specialised centre like that if you can find one. I'm sure you'll get the correct diagnosis and treatment now.
sara16355
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lily65668 sara16355
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So glad to hear you've finally got a diagnosis and can get on with managing your condition. It really pays to go to a balance centre if you can get to one.
I don't know a lot about amitriptyline but I've heard that a lot of vestibular migraine sufferers find it helpful. I was prescribed it 50 years ago, but that was for depression (it's one of the tricyclic group of antidepressants). I don't think it did much for the depression and I didn't like the side-effects, so stopped it suddenly after about three months. I only learned years later that you're not supposed to stop amitriptyline without tapering, but I don't recall getting any alarming withdrawal effects!
In my case the side-effects when taking it were sensations of numbness around my lips, dry mouth and postural hypotension. However, I think the latter was due to the fact I was young and very slim at the time, and had a low blood pressure to start with. This resulted in my feeling faint if I stood up too quickly when I was on the amitriptyline. I believe most people tolerate it very well.
Do keep us all posted with your progress from time to time.