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This might be hard to diagnose

Posted , 5 users are following.

julie.
julie.

Having been to the Dr on the day I had 3 spins, he diagnosed BPPV (almost 6 weeks ago). After 2 weeks I went back to Dr who said it didn't sound like BPPV anymore, as I have no spins and can turn my head etc. I have an MRI and ENT appointment in April both of which I'm dreading.

I've googled the hell out of the 4 inner ears problems so BPPV, Labarinthisis, Vestibular N. and Menieres but don't seem to fall in any category?

Yes I had the spins on day one hence BPPV diagnosis but now I just have an intermittent fuzzy/buzzy/whooshy head feeling and very slight unbalance like I'm swaying or my head is wobbling (so hard to explain). There's an improvement now compared to weeks 1-4 but still not right. I can tolerate walking more and being in town more although if it's too long I get the swaying motion so come straight home. It's triggered with the more I do I suppose. Work is getting better but I'm up and down for 4 hrs a day from my computer walking around the office, from computer to printer, to talk to engineers etc, looking from paperwork back to computer screen so a lot of movement which has probably helped with compensation lol. I'm just worried that with so few symptoms (loads are listed on the different ear disorders, I'm not going to get to the bottom of this problem....such a worry as I'm on my own with 3 kids x

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • gillian76726
    gillian76726 julie.

    Posted

    First off Julie, dont worry about the MRI or ENT appointments.. the MRI just to rule things out, and most,of us have had them on here with no probs.  The ENT appointment will be to,check yr hearing etc.  Again it's a breeze and nothing to,worry about.  You sound like i was at beginning and all that movement yr doing at work is aggravating it, although some may be 'compensation'.  Alosmthe looking back and forth from computer to whatever else, as your eyes are doing a lot of compensation to make up for the lack of  sync with yr vestibular system.  I know its hard as you have kids, but f there are any ways u can slow things down a bit, get help from friends with kids etc as you dont need to get into the 'anxiety zone' which can make it feel worse.

    try and go with the flow for now, when you feel 'strange', sit down, dont push whatever you are doing. 

    If you want to get some good info, go,to,the Vestibular Disorders Association, Veda website (They also have a FB page) very informative  and comprehensive

    • julie.
      julie. gillian76726

      Posted

      Thanks for the feedback Gillian, I'll try not to worry about the appointments. I've decided to stop looking for info on everything now as it makes my anxiety worse and I go through the 'what's ifs' I've had to come off a Vertigo fb group as it just scared me. What I'm dealing with is mild compared to some people, at least I can function despite not feeling right. Some people on this site I was on were bed bound/housebound etc. 😢 I do find weekends easier as I'm more relaxed. I make myself go and do the weekly shop and have a stroll around town to help with compensation. I'm sure movement is the key to a quicker recovery...at least I hope so x

      I just don't appear to fall into any of the catorgories as (thankfully) my symptoms are on the milder side although still scary. X

    • gillian76726
      gillian76726 julie.

      Posted

      Yes dont worry. Just make use of yr appointments to get good feedback,on yr condition, that's how i approach it.  I only do this forum. Gave up FB over a yr ago as found it 'too much'. Imorefermto do my research and learn about my conditon, and the latest innovations , natural,therapies etc.  VEda does that for me, although i know a,lot now. I usuall,y find odds and bobs i hadnt known about. Am looking into Vestibulopathy with Visual Preference atm as I have always felt my eyes are doing a lot,of the work in keeping me balanced.  I'm not aware of it at the time, more a subconsious thing and am better with my eyes shut (Not when moving of course).  Onwards and upwards hey?!

  • Waffalobill
    Waffalobill julie.

    Posted

    The only thing I didn't like about the MRI is having your head in the machine . That thing was loud. They give you ear plugs but could still hear it. ENT will probably do more tests. VNG will help narrow down the problem. Give him more answers.

    • rocksolid
      rocksolid Waffalobill

      Posted

      See if you can do an open MRI. Instead of a tube they will sit you in a chair. It's more relaxing. Call around to the places that do MRI's and ask about an open MRI.

  • gary97183
    gary97183 julie.

    Posted

    Did you do your movement excerise to get the crystal back in the right chanel. Did your dr. do it for you?
    • julie.
      julie. gary97183

      Posted

      On day one (1st visit to Dr with spins) he said BPPV and just gave me Brandt Daroff exercises to do at home and tablets which he said try not to take so haven't. I went back two weeks later and he said it's now not classic BPPV as no spins but did Epley anyway (although slightly different to what I've seen on line). Felt rough after but no improvement due to it. Did one at home 2 weeks later and spun on sitting up at last step. I've got to wait till ENT referral so another 5.5 weeks 😢

    • gary97183
      gary97183 julie.

      Posted

      You will learn if you do not do your Epley correctly, it will linger for weeks until  it dissolves on its own. You will have a general feeling that something is off. 

      As I said before, if you take magnesium and drink water, it probable will not come back. 

      To check if the crystal is still there. Try lying on your left side for 30 seconds and watch the wall and see if you feel funny or spin, then try the right side. 

      If you notice a change then the crystal is still there and you need to do the Epley correctly, or have someone do it for you. It will go away intstanly with a residual effect over the next 24 hours.

      Hope that helps. 

      I was lucky the first time I got BPPV I went to the Immergency room.

      They did Epley for me and explained everything. But I got tired of getting every month or so. I deceided to find the reason for it and to cure it. 

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