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Vertigo does it ever end??

Posted , 9 users are following.

Suzie45
Suzie45

Hi everyone

I had an attack of severe vertigo about a year ago which gradually subsided after about a week. I went to A&E and they diagnosed labyrinthitis.

Throughout the past year I have felt off balance practically everyday especially when my neck is tense or I look up on down for example.

The other day I suffered another attack (both started upon waking). When it happens I cannot get up or move my head and I feel awful and have no sense of equilibrium. I have been taking Stemetil for the past few days, however this morning i felt a little better so decided to go into work - big mistake as soon as i got in I felt dizzy, lightheaded, shaky and like everything including myself was moving. i'm now at a lost as to what to do. My doctor said it could be BPPV but my attacks last hours rather than minutes. I have had blood tests, I also had a MRI on my ear about 3 years ago as I also suffer from tinnitus. What sort of testing should I get done? I cannot carry on like this as I am constantly waiting for another attack to happen and I never feel "right".

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • bluelady
    bluelady

    Posted

    Hi there. I have suffered with this for years and so has my brother. I asked to be referred to consultant at the hospital and I also got my GP to carry out the epley manouver (you can find details of this on the web). Since having this done a couple of times It has really really subsided. I was told not to take the Stemitil or the serc 16 by the hospital as you become used to it. Do let me know how you get on

    Blue

  • mark238
    mark238

    Posted

    Hi, hope things are getting a bit better for you. I can totally relate to wanting to get to work and being unable o do so. I've had vertigo symptoms for about 5 years, relatively minor but had a big one on 2nd August and still not recovered my balance properly. Off to ENT in September

    Sheesh, so frustrating!

  • Suzie45
    Suzie45

    Posted

    I went back to my doctor and they have diagnosed Meniere's Disease, but I am not so sure. For a start I believe you have fullness in your ears and hearing changes, which I have not noticed. Anyway I have been givenSerc and I have to go back in 4 weeks. I will try it for a while to see how I am as I have read conflicting advice.
  • workingmom
    workingmom

    Posted

    If it's BPV (benign positional vertigo) then head maneuvers can be very effective for treating them, but I thought doing them everyday would get annoying. Plus how to do you do them when your already feeling dizzy?

    My friend's sister recommended a SimBalance Pillow System. It's an effortless way to do head maneuvers while you sleep. She started using it more than a year ago, and almost immediately her positional vertigo went away and has not recurred even once since.

    Hope this is helpful for anyone else with BPV!

  • Alejandra11
    Alejandra11

    Posted

    A couple of us have BPPV in our household, and we've been using a SimBalance pillow too! Basically you sleep on the pillow system and adjust it so that your head is elevated to a good angle for the Epley exercises, and then you just naturally do them while you sleep.

    I think that attacks lasting hours could still be BPPV - my aunts have had them for a few days sometimes.

    I hope this helps! Best of luck!

    • krista_59844
      krista_59844 Alejandra11

      Posted

      Hi there! Are you able to use the simbalance pillow even when you are having the vertigo symptoms? My symptoms are very on and off; sometimes even a year in between if I'm careful with my head placements at all times. Thanks!

  • Dbmetsfan
    Dbmetsfan Suzie45

    Posted

    I feel for you. I have the exact same thing and it is a horrible feeling of almost not being in control of yourself. Feel better
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