Sudden awful dizziness attack

Posted , 4 users are following.

I first had dizziness in 1996 when I was 46 yrs old. It went on for almost a year. It came back in 2000 & again it stayed with me for months. Since then it appeared on & off. It was very annoying. I had seen neurologist, ent, cardiologist physician, endocrinologist but none could help me to get rid of my problem. My problem could be due to not having good sleep. I have enlarged prostate which disrupts my sleep as I have to urinate 3/4 times. Urologist suggests TURP but I was told by one doctor not to unless it is absolutely needed. So I tried taking a nap in the day to make up for the loss in the night. This arrangement seemed ok for me till a month ago when I was suddenly hit by a severe dizziness while working as a volunteer in a church kitchen. I couldn't stand up & walk. I could only sit & look straight up. No vertigo, just that horrible dizziness. My blood sugar was ok but blood pressure was at 175. Note before this incidence my blood pressure was always normal at 120/75. I went to hospital where many tests were carried out & they turned out ok. MRI was done the following day & it turned out ok as well. I was given medicines for dizziness & nausea and was told to rest more. Since this last episode of severe dizziness, I am having lightheadedness every morning & afternoon. Nights are not too bad. I have hearing loss in both ears but more on the left. I have loud buzzing noise in left ear. Other than these I am ok. I can exercise, do push up everyday & do normal things like cooking, washing etc. Can somebody help me? Really appreciate it. I'm now 68 yrs old, retired & looking forward to more travelling with my wife.

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Jack. It appears that you have not had a satisfactory diagnosis. There are several other vestibular disorders such as labyrinthitis that it could be. I would want to see a neurotologist and then hopefully have the correct medication. I am on betahistine and follow a low salt and caffeine diet. No alcohol either. Are you in U.K.?  Not sure what TURP is. I’ll have to google it. 
    • Posted

      Hi Christine, thanks a lot for your reply. Yes, I think I may have a vestibular disorder & your suggestion to see a specialist in neuro otology is exactly what a church friend of mine has told me last evening right after I had posted my problem in this forum. You guys are my angels. No, I am not in UK, I'm in sunny Singapore (it's hot here 😊wink. Btw TURP is a medical operation that essentially allows a patient to empty his bladder completely. Without it a patient needs to urinate more often. I didn't want it bcos it doesn't address the growing prostate directly.

  • Posted

    I agree with Christine. Keep pushing for more answers. All the best to you!
    • Posted

      Hi Mary, thanks to you too. Will certainly keep pushing for a solution. God bless you all.
  • Posted

    Agree with other respondents - you need a proper diagnosis to exclude other possibilities like BPPV or something else affecting the auditory nerve. If you are in N America you may have difficulty getting betahistine prescribed but it is very likely to help if you indeed have Meniere's. As high a dose as necessary to get full control (it takes about a month to become fully effective) and continue for 5 to 6 months without attacks before weaning off.

    • Posted

      Thanks NeddyO for reply. Noted the medicine that both you & Christine have mentioned. Will see what doctor say abt my problem. I'm eagerly looking forward to a happy outcome which I hope will be soon. Thanks again guys. Take good care & god bless you all.

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