Light-headed, dizzy & spaced out for 2 years, can anyone help?

Can you tell us  s what the test was he did, etc., and his diagnosis?

I am beginning to smell a rat here - I don't think johnny is as genuine as we first thought - why didn't he mention what cured it for him in any of his postings?

I totally agree I think we have to ignore this person.

Hi - Johnny here

Sorry for the late reply, I work abroad a lot of the time and everyone's replies went in to the Junk Folder. I promise I am very genuine.

I was diagnosed with BPPV - Benign Paroximal Positional Vertigo - PLEASE google it!!

Apparently it was the result of an ear infection - this is what happens - the small crystals inside the inner ear, which regulate balance, (they're calcium crystals) float loose and cause the dizziness. The Consultant I saw did a simple test which involved making me lie down quickly, with my head tilted over the edge of the bed, and apparently the eyeballs wobble, ever so lightly, and very quickly.

When he diagnosed it - he did some manoeuvres (all involved lying down quickly with specific head movements) to put the crystals back in place. It worked instantly!!!!

He then sent me to have a full set of tests called Calorics and they further diagnosed the extend of the problem.

I still sometimes get the problem, if I bend down too quickly sometimes it sets it off again, but they've taught me how to fix it on my own at home.

PLEASE Google it.

For years I saw neurologists, had scans, meds and everything. I promise you this is a genuine case.

If anyone wants to talk to me directly about it I am happy to do so.

I have only just joined this forum and don't know if everyone can see this reply - I hope they can.

It may not be what is causing everyone's problems - but from what I have read on here I guarantee it is what is causing some of them.

Also, apparently, this condition and it's cause and treatment was only discovered in 2009 - which is why when I first got it people struggled to accurately diagnose it.

Thank you! I have neck pain so I am going to look into that first. Then check the ear crystals. What were all your symptoms? It is nice hearing someone getting better!

Hi Barnie

Sorry for the late reply, I work abroad a lot of the time and everyone's replies went in to the Junk Folder. I promise I am very genuine.

I was diagnosed with BPPV - Benign Paroximal Positional Vertigo - PLEASE google it!!

Apparently it was the result of an ear infection - this is what happens - the small crystals inside the inner ear, which regulate balance, (they're calcium crystals) float loose and cause the dizziness. The Consultant I saw did a simple test which involved making me lie down quickly, with my head tilted over the edge of the bed, and apparently the eyeballs wobble, ever so lightly, and very quickly.

When he diagnosed it - he did some manoeuvres (all involved lying down quickly with specific head movements) to put the crystals back in place. It worked instantly!!!!

He then sent me to have a full set of tests called Calorics and they further diagnosed the extend of the problem.

I still sometimes get the problem, if I bend down too quickly sometimes it sets it off again, but they've taught me how to fix it on my own at home.

PLEASE Google it.

For years I saw neurologists, had scans, meds and everything. I promise you this is a genuine case.

If anyone wants to talk to me directly about it I am happy to do so.

I have only just joined this forum and don't know if everyone can see this reply - I hope they can.

It may not be what is causing everyone's problems - but from what I have read on here I guarantee it is what is causing some of them.

Also, apparently, this condition and it's cause and treatment was only discovered in 2009 - which is why when I first got it people struggled to accurately diagnose it.

How long were you dizzy for?

Hi

7 years - EVERY DAY!

Some days were better/worse than others. I didn't have room spinning - it was more an 'out of body' feeling. Everything was off, the floor was spongy, it was like looking through someone else's eyes, it was just weird. Sense of everything is not right, and it was really noticeable walking down corridors or supermarket aisles.

I had neck pain, but because I was dizzy I would tense my shoulders and neck - and didn't even realise I was doing it. Please just google BPPV - watch the YouTube clips on the diagnosis and treatment. I seriously went 7 years feeling like I had just stepped off a boat - and they fixed it.

The 'illness' is relatively new and the treatment has only been available since 2009 apparantly. I had MRI's, X-rays, physio etc.etc. At one point I was scanned for a tumour!

It's been nearly two years now since 'fixed '. Still get the odd bad day - but I can rectify it on my own at home in 10 minutes.

Please just check it out and let me know how you get on.

Hi Johnny - I was diagnosed with BPPV by the GP but never was offered The Epley Manouver which is what you are describing i think.  i have been left with an off-balance feeling (not the awful spinning you get when you first get BPPV) after the BPPV attack.  I may well go back to the GP to see if I can get this manouver done.  Glad you are doing well now - great to hear a success story.

Hi Jonny

What was the name of the consultant?

Thanks

James

Hi Bernie

Yes, the Epley Manouvre, and there's another one I can't remember the name of. It worked for me - I can't believe you were diagnosed with BPPV and they didn't offer you the treatments - that's very poor.

You can actually do them on your own - I do them when mine goes wobbly from time to time.

Keep at it!

My GP just diagnosed it herself and said it should go of its own accord with time.   This was over two years ago.  She did say though to come back if it didn't settle but i have just lived with it hoping it would go away.  Like you I found that some days are better than others.  So I suppose it is my fault really that i have never gone back for further testing.  i have heard about the Epley but was a bit scared to do it in case it made things worse!  When you do the exercises on your own do you find that the off-balance goes straight away?

Hi Barnie

You need to do them properly, but in my experience you can't make it worse. Sometimes it takes a couple of attempts to hit the spot - but within minutes everything settles back to normal.

I had this for seven years Barnie, please go back to your GP and let someone show you how to fix it.

I think I will summon up the courage to go back and I will look at the Eppley too. I just hate having tests done as I always worry about the results - silly I know - thanks for your help - very much appreciated

Wow that is amazing. Yes I googled it. Definitely going to try it. I always feel out of it. I hate it. Thanks for all your info

Hi James

It was a Mr Peter Rae at the Leicester Spire hospital.

Thanks, that's a name I've seen come up a few times. I have a referall for vestibular assessment in Manchester but if I have no joy I'll be paying to see Mr Rae