Brain fog, dizziness, vision problems, head pressure, headache PLEASE HELP

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Hi everyone!

I don't know where else to go, and was hoping someone could please help me. I'll start off by saying I'm a 23 year old Caucasian female. Going on 5 months now, I have had absolutely debilitating symptoms which have hindered my daily life. I feel these symptoms every moment of every day.

It started with dizziness and a persistent brain fog. I just thought I had a bug, and tried to go on about my life. However, my symptoms have never gone away. This "brain fog" I am talking about is a feeling of complete mental confusion, I have no memory, I cannot concentrate on anything, it feels like there's a dark blanket on my brain clouding all my thoughts. I have extreme disorientation and haziness. I feel like I'm always in a dream like state.

I am constantly dizzy and feel a pulling sensation, as if I'm ready to fall over at any moment. It feels like there's air inside my head, and I'm always very lightheaded. Whenever I try to drive I feel this pulling sensation pulling me down.

Another problem I have is with my vision. I am having very blurred vision and have double vision. Everytime I look at something up close it is extremely blurry and I cannot see at all. My perception on things has completely changed. I feel like everything looks very odd and strange and I don't have the right depth perception. It's like I'm in a horrible dream like state all the time.

I have been having headaches and head pressure as well, and having horrible pains behind my eyes. The pin starts from the back of my head close to my neck and continues up my head and the sides of my temples. My eyes hurt so bad, and it feels like knives are jabbing my eyes. My head also feels extremely heavy all the time.

All these symptoms have been causing me severe anxiety, and I have been having panic attacks from them and feel like I'm dying. It is causing a strange disrespity sensation, where I feel like I'm not even here anymore and there's a detachment from myself and my body. I have had to drop all my classes at college and quit my job because these symptoms make me lay in bed all day long. I have been unable to drive for months and can barely get up to walk around. If anyone could please help me or know anything as a suggestion to try.

I have been to my general doctor, 2 ENTs, 1 neurologist, have had 2 MRIs, a hearing test, VNG, multiple blood tests, and no one knows what is wrong. I can't live like this anymore. Any help is greatly appreciated.

-Elise

14 likes, 1771 replies

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  • Posted

    Hi Elise

    So sorry you've suffered so long.

    My symptoms were identical to yours. Anxiety made everything worse.

    I am healed now but it took 2 years to: -find the right doctor

    -get the proper diagnosis

    -do the therapy

    AND STOP FREAKING OUT BECAUSE I FELT SO HORRIBLE EVERY DAY

    • Posted

      My diagnosis initially was labirynthitis but was later changed to vestibular neuritis as I never experienced vertigo only the drunk feeling. Since your symptoms centre around your eyes more than your ears, it really doesn't seem like you have VN. I had significant ear pain and plugging but my eyes had trouble focussing and I did have brain fog and light sensitivity. I would get ill in grocery stores especially due to overstimulation of sights and sounds. I had a pulling sensation from the back of my head pulling me to the floor and felt drunk or wonky 24/7. It was the worst two years of my life! I have some residual effects from it such as plugging and tinnitus in my left ear and occasional wonkiness but nothing I can't handle.

      I hope you get your diagnosis soon and that you will be helped ASAP. Hang in there and don't give up!

      Debbie

    • Posted

      Anxiety definitely makes everything worse, it’s a vicious cycle. I didn’t have any anxiety until I was sick with this for months then I started freaking out. This whole pregnancy has really put a halt on my progress. Right when my baby is born, I’m going to start searching again! How’d you finally find the right doctor) 
    • Posted

      My ENT suggested I see this doctor but my family doctor referred me to my vestibular rehab therapist.

      I can't imagine being pregnant with this disorder!!! 😨 Maybe it will be gone after you give birth 😁

    • Posted

      The doctor your ent referred you to, what kind of doctor is it?that’s what I’m hoping so much! Thy after I give birth some miracle will happen with me! 
    • Posted

      Hello Debbie, what type of doctor diagnosed  and what type of test did he do?

      I can relate to many of yiur symptoms but my ears don’t realky bother me. It’s really more of my eyes.. they feel tired from how drunk I feel. I also have light sensitivity and my eyes feel over stimulated at malls and grocery stores. 

      I do get migraines occasionally..

    • Posted

      I also never get ear pain maybe a few times I got a ear pain and it went away like a sting feeling . 
    • Posted

      Your symptoms sound a lot like mine That’s exactly my symptoms no ear pain really I have had before but it goes away but it’s more my eyes also . And I’m always tired no energy 
    • Posted

      YES! My eyes feel so strained and ache and like they’re pulling apart like trying to cross or separate or just not working together properly. It’s like they can’t focus anymore or can properly see things without being overstimulated. In stores the sensory overload is so bad for me and my eyes, I feel like my eyes are just wigging out and are so over stimulated and shaking 
  • Posted

    I mentioned this before, but I'll say it again. I found a chiropractor who cracks my ears. Sounds weird but that and acupuncture in my greater occipital nerve have helped me stay at least partially functional. Her name is Dr. Lok Upper Sandusky, Ohio. She has been treating me for vertigo and it has helped make this all more manageable. She suggested after pregnancy I be tested for POTS. Google it.

    • Posted

      Thank you so much!!!! I’ve never heard of them cracking your ears. I’m looking her up now! 
    • Posted

      Would any type of chiropractor be able to crack ears?? I just started seeing one I might suggested.
    • Posted

      I don't think every chiropractor does it. I've been to a couple others and never had my ears cracked. It was an odd sensation, didn't even know it was possible to be honest but she does it with great confidence. You could always Google the number and try to call and get more info, also I will ask her when I go in next which is supposed to be Wednesday but I have bronchitis I'm fighting through right now my ears are actually clogged so I am going to do my best to make that appointment. She has given me hope in a time of darkness with her ear cracking stuff and acupuncture. Medicaid recently started covering acupuncture unlimited because it has been scientifically proven event though it is Chinese medicine. Which clearly has alot more merit than some of the quack medical docs I've seen as of late.

    • Posted

      Hi! Question. Does the adjustment or acupuncture make you feel temporarily worse? I’ve had acupuncture but nothing consistently. I am thinking about trying it again, but I’m nervous bc I remember it sort of making me feel even more wonky/out of it afterwards. I’m wondering if Maybe that was a fluke, or something that dissipates after the body starts getting used to it! I hate doing anything and worrying about it stirring symptoms up more- very fearful of that...

      Thanks. 

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