The Dizziness Group: For those who are floating, boating, falling or flying

[[La...]]

Hi Everyone,

It's been quiet around here! I'm not sure if no news is good news, or if everyone is just laying low for the moment. Anyway, I just wanted to share a study I read. It's about a new medication for visual vertigo. I'm certainly not a fan of medications these days, but I thought it would be good to share it here, in case it's of interest to others.

 

"Acetazolamide: A New Treatment for Visual Vertigo"

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29344071

 

In the meantime, I hope everyone is doing okay and staying upright! Take care, Everyone! If I come across other studies that I think people around here might be interested in, then I'll post them.

[[La...]]

Here's another study that's worth checking out. It's called "Discussion about Visual Dependence in Balance Control: European Society for Clinical Evaluation of Balance Disorders".

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29360093 

 

Check out the conclusion:

 

CONCLUSION: Visual dependence can often be present in a patient, although little, if any, measurable pathology is present. It is important to emphasize that although we cannot accurately measure this with either standardized testing or pertinent questionnaires, "hypersensitive" patients have a genuine disease and their symptoms are not of psychiatric origin.

 

So, what it's saying is that although we cannot measure a particular symptom, it nevertheless exists, and it's not "all in their heads". These patients have "a genuine disease".

 

This is related to our situaiton. For example, many of us get tested and find out the results are normal despite our intense disequilibrium. The testing does NOT reflect what's actually happening, but it doesn't mean that it's not happening.

 

[[La...]]

"A New Diagnostic Approach to the Adult Patient with Acute Dizziness"

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29395695

[[Th...]]

Hi Lapis, thanks about new links, interesting!  Well, my dizziness went mostly away so it was BPPV type but I want to follow anyway...

[[La...]]

Fantastic news, Thomas! I'm pleased to hear that. In the studies that I've read about BPPV, it does seem that just about everyone gets better from it.

[Guest [...]]

Thanks for the links Lapis!

 

How are you doing lately?Any improvements in the dizzy level and how is your foot healing also?

 

 

I had about a week of light dizziness,would say about a 2-3 level.Today is ramped up a bit more,and so it goes like a see- saw of symptoms,coming and going!I get these times during the day where I feel very close to normal,then a wave of anxiety,nerve zaps and weird tingling sets in and then leaves.Does that a few times a day.Gets the old health fears kicked into gear while it lasts too!

But,I notice in the course of the day that my baseline is improving,and that gives me hope!

I hope you and some of the others on here are noticing improvements,even though it is very slow.

I really want to be healed from this,so I cling to that like a pit bull to a soup bone! 

 

More snow here this weekend,and I am so ready for spring!My dog plays in the snow like it is the best thing ever,and I laugh while she tries to run across the deep parts and two of her long legs sink into the snow,  while the other two stay on top of the hard snow,as she tries to play!I think she does it to make me laugh,she is such a clown.Feels good to laugh more!

 

Have a good rest of the weekend everybody! 

[[La...]]

Hi 2200,

Good to hear (see?!) from you! A week of 2-3 level dizziness sounds phenomenal! I'm sure that must have felt wonderful. True to form, the benzo beast is giving you the usual run around with windows and waves, but a week of low-level dizziness is a good thing whichever way you slice it.

 

Thanks for the fun description of your dog playing in the snow! I can imagine it in my mind's eye, since I remember our dog doing that when I was little. They don't worry about the next step and whether the snow is crispy or soft, so they just do whatever the heck they want to do and throw caution to the wind. It's a bit of sink-or-swim mentality in the snow!

 

Thanks, too, for asking about my foot. Actually, it's hard to tell what's up. I need to get another Xray and see the doc, but the dizziness, pain and other circumstances have kept me scared and housebound. I left a message at the doctor's office a couple of days ago, so perhaps I'll hear back soon. Tomorrow is a holiday hear, so the earliest I might hear something would be Tuesday. My foot is still very painful, and swollen, which is probably par for the course. The doc did say that foot fractures can mean there's swelling for six to nine months afterwards.  :'(

 

Okay, take care, 2200 -- and everyone else too!

[[go...]]

I've had about 3 weeks of constant dizziness, after none during my use, taper or directly after it.

 

Is there anything that helps? I'm coming up on 3 months off after short term use. Does anyone have experience with Betahistines?

 

I have some leftover from years ago but I'm not sure if they would help with benzo related dizziness.

 

Thanks

[[La...]]

Hi gooner,

Dizziness is a pretty common withdrawal effect, so it's not surprising that you're getting a bit of it. With regards to betahistine, I believe it's indicated specifically for Meniere's Disease. I tried it early on but had no relief. The pharmacist told me it would work fairly quickly if it was the right medication, so I realized it wasn't helpful for my situation, and I stopped. If I were you, I'd ask the doctor or pharmacist what they think in your case and based on your particular symptoms. Also, if you do decide to take it, I'd check the expiry date. If it's from a few years ago, it may be beyond its prime.

 

 

[[jo...]]

My regular boating sxs have remained pretty consistently at a moderate level, but the vertigo I experience whenever I change the position of my head in any direction has become more severe, especially with lying down and getting up. Is this typical? My apologies if you've already addressed this but I still can't remember much of anything right now. FYI, I'm at 4.5 months out of an 11+ year clonazepam CT.

[[La...]]

Hi joantics,

Have you ever been checked for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo? We've certainly had people around here who have been diagnosed with that. I've never had any vertigo myself -- just the boatiness. There are some useful tests and treatments for BPPV, so it's definitely worthwhile to get that checked out. Some physiotherapists do the treatment -- Epley Maneuver -- and assign appropriate exercises. The success rate tends to be quite high.

 

If it's benzo-dizziness, then it seems to be a matter of riding the waves (!). Time is the main treatment -- well, as far as we know around here. Bear in mind that clonazepam is a high-potency, long-acting benzo, so it's a bit of a beast. 4.5 months out is still very, very early.

[[jo...]]

Thanks, Lapis2! Do you know how I can determine whether it's my left or right ear, or do people just have the therapy exercises performed on both sides for maximum effect? Or could that make it worse? I'm reading and trying to learn as much as possible before calling my doctor.

[[La...]]

Based on the testing, a practitioner can figure out what's going on. They'd be checking your eyes for nystagmus (a type of movement), and watching what happens as they asked you to perform certain movements. I think the testing takes about an hour, but of course, it depends on who does it. I had the testing done by both a doctor and a physiotherapist, and neither one found BPPV. One found "unilateral hypofunction", but then, I didn't respond to the exercises, which were very specific and updated weekly. In the end, he changed his opinion on what it was. I did the exercises religiously for at least three months on two different occasions. I think I gave it a very good try!

 

I believe BPPV has pretty distinctive symptoms, so a properly trained medical professional should be able to rule it in or out for you based on the various tests.

[[Lo...]]

How can we know our dizziness isn’t stroke, anueresm or brain bleed related ?

[[Th...]]

Well, in my case I went to ER and they ruled out the most serious things. Well, we know that benzos cause diziness and I thought I have it but later on my doc told me I have something called BPPV type of dizziness and there is manual treatment available which woorked great. As Lapis2 wrote BPPV can be analysed by checking nystagmus from the eyes. In my case doc used special glasses to do it.

[[Lo...]]

Just wanted to forward my post cause I’m panicking rn

 

I’m so shaky right now at work

Had a good morning and then out of no where I feel dizzy and my head and neck feel heavy

If you guys know me you guys know how bad my health anxiety is

I feel so sick like throwing up

My mouth and face feel tense

My family has a history of stroke and brain aneurism.

Could this be that? I can’t think straight right now

Someone please let in because at this point I’m about to go back on a benzo or some kind of muscle relaxer

Also fell asleep around 10pm woke up at 1130pm

Went back to sleep at 4am & woke up at 7am

[[La...]]

Hi lovelyduck,

Have you consulted any doctors about your dizziness thus far? I've had my dizziness checked out, and all of the very serious causes were ruled out. If you're unsure, please do get checked. The things you mentioned are serious, but there are other, less serious causes of dizziness too. As you likely know, many medications can cause dizziness, as can low or high blood pressure, low iron, dehydration, anxiety, etc. If you go to the ER, they'll do testing that's appropriate based on whatever you present with. There are different sensations that people called "dizziness", such as light-headedness, vertigo and disequilibrium.

 

So, none of us can diagnose another person here on BB, but we can share our experiences. If you need some reassurance that what you're experiencing is not serious or life-threatening, then by all means, do get it checked out, okay?

 

 

[[jo...]]

Based on the testing, a practitioner can figure out what's going on. They'd be checking your eyes for nystagmus (a type of movement), and watching what happens as they asked you to perform certain movements. I think the testing takes about an hour, but of course, it depends on who does it. I had the testing done by both a doctor and a physiotherapist, and neither one found BPPV. One found "unilateral hypofunction", but then, I didn't respond to the exercises, which were very specific and updated weekly. In the end, he changed his opinion on what it was. I did the exercises religiously for at least three months on two different occasions. I think I gave it a very good try!

 

I believe BPPV has pretty distinctive symptoms, so a properly trained medical professional should be able to rule it in or out for you based on the various tests.

I made notes from yours, Lapis2, and I'll share with my GP at my next appt. 20 bucks says he sends me to an ENT, though, because that's the model in my network. TY again!

[[La...]]

You're welcome, joantics. An ENT is definitely an appropriate specialist to consult about this. I saw more than one when my dizziness first started. I also consulted an opthalmologist, neuro-opthalmologist, neurologist, physiatrist, physiotherapist (w/vestibular specialty), psychologist and psychiatrist. Diagnoses are often made by the process of "differential diagnosis", i.e. weeding out possible causes.

 

Because dizziness can have so many causes, and because people use a variety of words to describe what they're feeling, it's a bit of a slippery thing. Lovelyduck asked about the possibility of very serious causes for it, and I do think it's best to get things checked out properly. At BB, we're just helping each other along, but we're certainly not able to diagnose one another. Each one of us has to make the decisions for ourselves about next steps based on what we're experiencing. And lots of BBs head to Emergency when they feel they need to do so.

 

 

[[Aj...]]

Hi Lapis,

 

Thank you so much for the list in the first page of this thread. It is very helpful.

 

I am wondering if some of the symptoms I'm having like my head feeking kike it is being pushed ul and bobbing around are in fact vestibular as well as muscular.

 

My ME/CFS began in 1996 with several bouts of Viral Labyrinthitis which caused severe spinning vertigo for years and a partial loss of hearing in one ear.

 

Since withdrawal I am getting horrid disequilibium and can't sit or stand without it getting worse but because it feels muscular I hadn't considered it might be a form of vertigo until I read your list so that is really helpful.

 

I took Cinnarizine for years but none of it has ever properly resolved so I think after all this time it might be time to ask for a referral to a specialist.

 

 

[[La...]]

Hi Ajusta,

Balance is a central nervous system issue, and it depends on three elements -- vision, proprioception and the vestibular system. All three things must be providing the same messages via the cerebellum at the same time, or you wil feel dizzy. So, when you say that it might be "muscular", I'm not quite sure what you mean. Proprioception has to do with how you feel your body in space, and it depends on the function of the legs and feet, and feeling the ground. Do you have some issue with sensation in those areas?

 

Here's a link to info about proprioception:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proprioception

 

The vestibular system can be affected by many medications, including benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antihistamines, anticholinergics, antipsychotics, antibiotics, analgesics, and a number of others. Depending on how they work in the body, they may cause issues with hearing and/or balance. So, it's definitely worthwhile to look at which medications you've taken and how they might have contributed to any vestibular issues you might be having.

[[Ir...]]

This may be a trigger for someone’s anxiety so be careful

 

Thoughts on this? It’s sent me into a deep dark depression.

 

http://mentalhealthtalk.info/2011/05/08/floating-anxiet/

[[La...]]

Hi IrishMonkey,

Is there something new in this article that triggered you? There's a lot in there. It's all over the place, in my opinion, so I'm not quite sure which part of it is upsetting for you.

 

Here's what we know: Yes, anxiety can trigger dizziness in some people. So, that's not new. And yes, Mal de Debarquement, Lyme, benzodiazepines, other ototoxic meds, migraines and a whole long list of things can cause dizziness. I agree with her that it's important to see a doctor to get tested and to rule things out. It's also important to deal with anxiety, if anxiety is the thing that's causing your symptoms.

 

Beyond that, I don't see much in the article. Dizziness is one of the most common complaints that sends people to the emergency department and to their doctors. Sometimes, it's a sign of something serious, and sometimes it isn't, but again, that's where appropriate testing comes in to rule out the serious stuff.

 

Around here, we're pretty much dealing with the symptoms that go along with taking or coming off benzodiazepines -- and, in some cases, antidepressants too. I haven't checked other online forums on this topic, but I'm guessing there are many out there, and maybe they have other suggestions or ideas. I prefer to keep my focus on PubMed (for research articles) and news media, so I can't say much about those other sources of information.

 

IrishMonkey, if your symptoms come on with anxiety, then, by all means, please get some help and support. It's important to do so, and it may make you feel a lot better. Also, if you feel that there's some testing that needs to be done, again, please, speak to your doctor about it. I'd love to hear more about which specific parts of the article have upset you so much. In the meantime, please take care! I assume it's quite late now in Ireland, so I do hope you can try to relax and get some sleep. Don't forget to breathe.....

 

 

[Guest [...]]

Hi Lapis!Just wanted to drop in to say hi,and see how you and the other dizzy buds are doing?Any good news with your dizziness level,and your foot healing,Lapis?

 

I am reading Don Killian's book,Home and Dry.It is really good,and hard for me to put down.I feel so emotional reading it,and this long painful road we have been on.I found it so comforting to read how someone else who went through so many of the hard symptoms we all have,could put it into words so well.

 

He also had some drinking problems,but the side effects from the benzos and other meds he took sure hits home with me.I also had tried antidepressants years ago and had some bad side effects,so it all hits home!

 

I also wanted to mention that my husband woke up one morning dizzy!He said he only gets it when he starts to lie down or when he first gets up.He got checked out and the doc thought he had an ear infection,so he took antibiotics but he still feels dizzy.He is taking quite a few meds,and a new one he got prescribed is a daily aspirin.Maybe that triggered it,I just don't know,it maybe could be ear crystals,etc.She told him to come back and be checked again if the antibiotics didn't stop it,so the doctor may find a new treatment for him.

 

I think he is understanding more of how I have been feeling for so long,as he got a bit scared by it.I am glad he can get how I have been feeling being dizzy,but sure hate to see him suffer from it too.Wouldn't wish this on anyone!

 

I hope you are doing better everyone!I sure wish spring would show up around here,so tired of winter!

[[Th...]]

Hi 2200,  your husband might have BPPV dizziness. I had it 3 weeks ago and symptoms you descibed fits to it. There is easy manual treatment for it. In my case it disappeared in couple of days after doing the manual treatment. Well, Lapis is much more experienced in this but this is my try to help you so you might want to check treatment, I linked some material:

 

https://www.google.fi/search?source=hp&ei=xH-VWqP-LsG4sQH5hoCwCw&q=bppv+maneuver&oq=bppv+&gs_l=mobile-gws-hp.1.2.0l3j0i203l2.1928.5740..9198...0....310.1137.0j4j1j1..........1..mobile-gws-wiz-hp.....3..35i39j0i131j0i10.bGX6G69l6f4%3D

 

Take care! T.