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CAUTION. Have had poor results. How do I proceed?

Posted , 5 users are following.

raymond88355
raymond88355

I am 85 years old and am still physically strong. I have had episodes of imbalance for fifteen years that has become progressively worse. I have been the typical route of seeing many specialist in various medical fields, Neurologists, Ents, etc. I have had the typical treatment including injections, Mastoid bone removal with tube insertion , insertion of a "grommet" for Miniette device. Six months ago, in desperation, I requested Gentamicin injections. I had the usual reaction 24 hours after the initial injection. Room spinning, vision blurred. It cleared in several days but no cure. Two weeks later had the second injection. I did not experience as severe reaction but still no improvement in balance. I went for a third injection and my ENT was concerned that it was not the treatment for me and referred me to a well known and highly qualified Neurologist. The Neurologist advised me that all previous diagnosis were wrong and that I did not have Menierres since the room did not spin the pressure and spinning was in my head. He quite arrogantly told me to seek a "Dizzy doctor" but he didn't know any. My balance has become much worse and is now 24/7 with very few days of being able to fully function. My eyes are now extremely bouncy and when I attempt to walk outside I must use a walker. With every step I loose focus and become increasingly dizzy. I am now wondering if I should have more Gentamicin injections but am concerned that it could make my condition worse.

My current condition and symptoms:

Constant pressure in my head

Pressure moves to different locations

Peripheral motion bothers me. (riding in a car)

Uneven surfaces throw me

Barometric changes bother me

Wind bothers me

Loud noises startle me.

ANY SUGGESTIONS OR SIMILAR EXPERIENCES?

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • tanney
    tanney raymond88355

    Posted

    Hi Ray. So sorry to hear about all of the problems you have. Have you been to a vestibular physical therapist? A VPT is the person to see regarding your imbalance. They will put you through eye exercises that will, over time, restore your balance. You will go to three sessions per week + do home exercises for about 6-10 weeks. If all goes well you will begin feeling improvement after about the 3d week.

    Regarding gentamicin injections....they are completely effective in eliminating vertigo in the affected ear in about 90% of patients when administered correctly and when the patient does not swallow for the 15-20 minutes immediately after the injection....swallowing causes the fluid to "escape" before it can deaden the balance nerve in the inner ear. You mention only an imbalance problem and nothing about vertigo. Do you get vertigo? If not, then I would not try for more gentamicin and just pursue the VPT. Good luck.

  • gerard90471
    gerard90471 raymond88355

    Posted

    I endorse the use of a vestibular physical therapist. While I am still subject to Meniere's episodes the therapy has made me generally more stable.

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