1. Community
  2. Ears, nose, throat and mouth
  3. Vertigo and Dizziness

A scary episode

Posted , 7 users are following.

Meganpooch
Meganpooch

In the last couple of weeks i have some debilitating episodes where it feels like the room is spinning and i've had to lean on the nearest object, ususally a wall, until it passes.

Yesterday however i had just got out of a friend's car and we were walking down to a supermarket when my legs started losing balance and then i had the sense of everything spinning around my head. Leaning on a wall was not enough. I had to also grab on to a post and couldn't let go.

I didn't get nausea or wanted to be sick but felt very scared. My mate suggested walking back to the car but i couldn't move so he went and got the car. After feeling my way around the car and sitting down for 10 mins i was okay.

I will be visiting my doctor next week but wonder what on earth is causing this? I do get a lot of headaches but this is partially a problem with my nervous system and muscle problems plus i am still getting side effects from taking Gabapentin - dose increased in early June to 1200mg.

The episodes i've had in the past couple of weeks have been minor compared to yesterday's. It makes me scared to go out.

Any ideas would be gratefully received.

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • melody08508
    melody08508 Meganpooch

    Posted

    It could be a viral inner ear illness like vestibular neuritis.
    • Basia19
      Basia19 melody08508

      Posted

      High doses of Gabapentin do have side effects, Google it, that may answer your query, good luck
    • Meganpooch
      Meganpooch melody08508

      Posted

      Thanks Melody - i'm hoping the doctor on Monday can help with a diagnosis. I'll mention this to him.

    • Meganpooch
      Meganpooch Basia19

      Posted

      Thanks Basia. Have been taking a graduated upwards dose of Gabapentin in 2 weekly upgrades 300mg, then 600mg and 900mg which i started in Nov 15 but the only increase since end of May has been to 1200mg yet these symptoms have only surfaced in the last couple of weeks. I did have a fall head first into a door but that was 2 months ago so concussion is not a possibility.
  • Waffalobill
    Waffalobill Meganpooch

    Posted

    I hate those. Get a couple spins. Feel funny. Then they either don't come back. Or it's a sign of gearing up for a big one. Having that issue now. It's terrifying not knowing if it's done or gonna hit hard. Had tests done. Waiting on results now. I was told years ago most people with this problem usually experience at least one real bad episode of vertigo. After that you may get them but not as severe. My worse one was 8 years ago or so. Lasted 3 days. But even the lesser episodes suck. Wish someone would figure it out and cure us. It's such a bad thing to have and deal with. Had a therapist tell me vertigo is a symptom not considered a disease. So we will suffer till someone decides there's enough people suffering to finally do something about it.

  • vee2222
    vee2222 Meganpooch

    Posted

    Definitely have a brain MRI,  You may have had a tia (mini stroke).  Also an ultrasound to check blockage of your carotid arteries. (my right carotid went from a normal 40-50 blockage to 70-80 in 14 months).  

    I've had dizziness and lightheadedness (not really vertigo except for the first occurence) for 3 years.  Have been to some of the best ent docs, neurologists, etc. Vestibular rehab and balance physical therapy has helped some.  

     

  • pdzang58
    pdzang58 Meganpooch

    Posted

    Could be a inner ear problem

    Causing you to have vertigo. I've been like this for 3 weeks. Feeling better but still lightheaded and with my left ear clogged and ringing sensation. It's terrible, I will set up appt for ENT. Any questions, please let me know. Hope you

    Feel better!

  • Meganpooch
    Meganpooch

    Posted

    Thank you all for your valuable input. I also put my experience up on the Gabapentin part of this website. It would seem that it is one of the more unpleasant side effects. Simply says on the leaflet that comes with the meds 'spinning sensation' - well that underates it somewhat. I asked a friend who suffers with Vertigo what her experiences were like as well as a friend who had to come off Gabapentin for this very resaon.

    I hadn't put the 2 together but the more you take of this horrible drug the more severe the mild symptoms you had, become. I will be arranging to see the doctor soon after gleaning some more information on how to come off this drug.

    Thank you all again, it is most appreciated. 

  • Dbmetsfan
    Dbmetsfan Meganpooch

    Posted

    I hear you. I have had episodes like that scary as hell. I know everybody says it s anxiety but I can't help but feel there is more too it. I have had CT scans and MRI everything good. I hate this constant unbalanced dizzy feeling 

    • Meganpooch
      Meganpooch Dbmetsfan

      Posted

      Maybe it is linked to anxiety Dbmetsfan. I put my post on the Gabapentin forum too and many have suffered with exactly the same symptoms. My feet swelled up in the warmer summer months so the doc did a fasting blood test on me. It came back clear as every test i ever have including MRI's etc always do. One of the side effects of Gabapentin is limb swelling including feet (i only found this out in the last couple of days for feet) yet the doc didn't know this. That's scary in itself.

      I'm tired of being used as a guinea pig for chemical drugs with horrible side effects.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.