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Dizzyness on lowering my head

Posted , 12 users are following.

ricky23486
ricky23486

after 3 years on prednisone  for pmr I have tapered from 15 to 8 mg daily.  A few days ago I noticed a new symptom ....that my sense of balance is impaired when I bend down or bend my head  forwards.  I wanted to read what others have said in the past about dizzyness but don't know how to find the discussions.  I know that if it is not pmr related that it could be caused by pressure on the blood vessels. But I wonder what it indicates ...am I developing something new? . Or is it typical of pmr / prednisone / and if there is anything at all that I can do about it?    

 

0 likes, 61 replies

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  • gillian82551
    gillian82551 ricky23486

    Posted

    Hello Ricky

    I have had PMR for nearly 4 years now - the last ESR reading was 6 - am on 9mg Prednisolone and trying to reduce slowly as the Dr took me off steroids too rapidly earlier this year as I was suffering from severe muscle weakness and in agony every day. I only recently noticed that I become very dizzy when bending my head backwards or even lying down flat. I have to sleep sitting up. 

    I presume this is now occuring because of the length of time I have been on

    steroids.

    Gill

  • Michdonn
    Michdonn ricky23486

    Posted

    ricky23486, I have the same problem, had it to a lesser degree last year while on Pred. This year is worse, have fallen a few times and not ridden my bicycle. This is a real problem as I work as a ski instructor in the winter. I have found if I move quickly I get dizzy, so I have been trying to move slowly. If anyone has any ideas I would appreciate some input. Thanks

    Still have a smile on my face. 🙂

    • ricky23486
      ricky23486 Michdonn

      Posted

      Michdonn I take it that your dizzyness began while on prednisone but that it has continued even though you no longer take steroids?
    • Michdonn
      Michdonn ricky23486

      Posted

      ricky23496, from eHealthMe

      Prednisone and Loss of balance - from FDA reports

      Summary

      Loss of balance is found among people who take Prednisone, especially for people who are female, 60+ old , have been taking the drug for < 1 month, also take medication Methotrexate, and have Pain. This review analyzes which people have Loss of balance with Prednisone. It is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 247,408 people who have side effects when taking Prednisone from FDA , and is updated regularly.

      But I am still smiling, waiting to get my balance back. Thinking positively! 🙂

  • brenda69464
    brenda69464 ricky23486

    Posted

    I am not too sure what it means; I have only been taking prednisone since the 15th August 2017, but I have noticed occasionally I have lost my balance and staggered as if I had been drinking . Kind of odd but I try not to dwell on it as I know from experience that I will end up having an anxiety attack or fall into a depressive state.

    If you are concerned about it, I would recommend going to the Doctor to discuss the issue.

    Good luck

    • ricky23486
      ricky23486 brenda69464

      Posted

      Thank you Brenda...so with you it began immediately with taking the pred. I hope it improves for you soon.
    • brenda69464
      brenda69464 ricky23486

      Posted

      Thank-you

      Yes the lightheaded spells came on about a week after and I really just make light of it  when it happens ! I would rather experience that than the pain and immobility of PMR !

      They are not so bad and they might only happen every few days, so not too bad!

      Best wishes to you!

    • Michdonn
      Michdonn brenda69464

      Posted

      brenda69464, I have been taking phenylephrine couple days ago and I think I have had fewer dizzy spells. This drug can be found in many over cold products. Good luck, think positive. Smiling 🙂

    • brenda69464
      brenda69464 Michdonn

      Posted

      Thank-you.

      My dizzy spells seem to be related to the quality and duration of my sleep, does that make any sense ?

      Today was a weak and tender day so....I coasted !( hahaha)

      Thanks to everyone here I am finding encouragement and answers.

      It is a wonderful resource!

    • Michdonn
      Michdonn brenda69464

      Posted

      brenda69464, we all react differently to Pred and PMR. We have to listen to our bodies and find our way on this journey. Good luck. Smiling 🙂

  • Reeceregan
    Reeceregan ricky23486

    Posted

    Hi Ricky, 

    yes, I also have the lIght head, loss of balance etc. I could blame the pred ( on 50mg 31.5.17 and now down to 17.5 mg) or the PMR/GCA, but I don't remember the light head prior to pred. I did have trouble walking and extreme weakness with the pain,and stumbling resulting in the need for a walking stick prior to pred,  but not the light head. So...I just deal with it and move forward blessing each day I open my eyes because it could be something worse. 💪

    • ricky23486
      ricky23486 Reeceregan

      Posted

      Hi reeceregan. I wonder whether your rheumatologist felt that the light headedness was from the prednisone.... And that it is OK?
  • linda17563
    linda17563 ricky23486

    Posted

    Yes, certainly have balance/ dizzy problems....sometimes I have to hold on to arms of friends etc when out, or it looks like I`m drunk.....and I don`t drink!!rolleyes
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