Having trouble with car lights at night
Posted , 8 users are following.
I have had Meniere's Disease for many years and manage it with a very strict diet. Lately, I find that when I'm in a car (especially as a passenger) at night the headlights from opposite side traffic cause me to feel that I will have an attack. I manage it by closing my eyes. Also, even during the day, if there is a lot of traffic in the opposite direction I find I can't "manage" all the stimulation. Has anyone else experienced this?
0 likes, 19 replies
daniel_43572 naomi68931
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naomi68931 daniel_43572
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daniel_43572 naomi68931
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Nothing other than trying to stay focused straight ahead some days it doesn't bother me at all then other days it's bad especially at night.
naomi68931 daniel_43572
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louise98846 naomi68931
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Hi Naomi, I find that when I am at a very busy intersection, with multiple cars turning, I have to focus on something else, or try to. It sometimes causes me to have anxiety waiting for what seems to be a very long light to change! The constant motion in different directions is a real challenge with Ménière's. I don't drive much at night and haven't been a passenger at night much. I usually do deep breathing if I am getting anxious about an imminent attack. It does work, for the most part. Hope it can work for you.
naomi68931 louise98846
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Louise, thank you for your response. Yes, I find that deep breathing helps a lot. I've been keeping my eyes closed (as a passenger, obviously) at night which also helps. During the day I find that staring at one thing steadily helps.
Thanks again...as I wrote to someone else, it helps to feel validated about symptoms that non-Meniere's sufferers find strange.
MackH naomi68931
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Yes, I find it very difficult to concentrate whilst driving at night as the glare from the lights of the oncoming traffic really blinds me. It feels like everyone has full beams on. I find myself blinking alot to refocus my eyes and concentrate really hard on holding my position on my side of the road. I have to admit I try and avoid driving at night and try to get home before dark as I find it too stressful and upsetting. S.
naomi68931 MackH
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donna16710 naomi68931
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naomi68931 donna16710
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Thank you for your helpful explanation. Can you please tell me what medication you are referring to? I generally cannot take them as I have strange reactions to medication. I control my MD with a strict very low-salt, no alcohol and no caffeine diet. I don't take medication and have not (thank goodness) had a vertigo attack in about two years. I appreciate your responding to me.
donna16710 naomi68931
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I use dimenhydrinate 50 mg (generic name). I don't know what country you are in but here in the US you find it pretty easy. It is labeled as an antiemetic and is thought to inhibit vestibular stimulation which is the nerve also coming off of the cochlea. It has also been used to reduce congestion of the ears. It can cause drowsiness so it is one of those things you don't want to be driving with until you know how you will react to it. For me, it worked way better than the meclizine I was given.
naomi68931 donna16710
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donna16710 naomi68931
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daniel_43572 donna16710
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Yes I was doing it last year and it really helped but my insurance changed so I had to stop going but I have new insurance now and I'm supposed to start back going tomorrow morning
naomi68931 donna16710
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