Vertigo

[4eva]

Well, I just went to my regular doctor as a follow up to the ER visit. She checked my ears (normal). Asked if I was previously ill or congested (healthy). Did a neuro exam (normal). I told her that, although the dizziness is not as severe as the first episode, I still feel off balanced when I move my head in certain positions, and that my life has not been the same as before that first episode. She then told me what I feared...it's just something that happens to some people. One could be symptom free for months or even years, but then have another attack. The only thing that can be done now is to alleviate the symptoms w/ meds. If it continues in the following week, the doctor told me she can refer me to an ENT. I'm wondering now if it's worth it...going through all the trouble, yet knowing that there's really nothing that can cure it (from what I've read so far). It's like chasing a shadow, and counting the days when the next attack is going to happen. For those who have gone through numerous specialists and tests already, what do you guys think? Should I proceed with the ENT?

[missg1971]

yes and second opinions never hurts

[melschool]

Hi,
I'm 50 years old and have had several episodes with this debilitating health issue. A great doctor gave me a very simple exercise I can do on the edge of my bed with my feet dangling off the side. If you do it several times a day (I do it 3 times a day - depending on the severity and my nausea level), you can get rid of it earlier. I suggest you keep doing the exercise for about a week or two even after the verigo is gone. The exercise goes like this:

1. The bed should not have any pillows and be a flat surface before you begin. Begin by sitting straight up and looking forward (I count to 10 "one thousand").

2. Then slowly lower your body so that your shoulder touches the bed, but before your head touches the bed you tilt your head up so that your eyes are looking to the ceiling. This can be immensley uncomfortable and sets on the dizziness - maybe to the point of throwing up, depending on how severe it is - but this is suppose to happen.

3. When the dizziness stops you sit up and look straight ahead - count again - and wait for the dizziness to stop.

4. Then you do the other side and so on. I repeat this 3 times on each side. There's no magic number as far as I know. The more, the better.

Believe me it's not fun but it WORKS! I had it so bad once my daughter had to hold my hands in front of me and I cried. But since that most aweful episode the cases have been less severe. As soon as I feel a vertigo episode coming on I do the exercises right away and it goes away within a few days. Good-luck. I know what you're going through. In fact, I've been battling an episode this week - which is how I found this site.

[BethC]

I have suffered for more than 12 years with vertigo. I am now seeing a specialist at the Mass Eye & Ear. My doctor told me that there are only about 25 specialist like him in the country. He understands what I am going through and hopefully he will be able to help me. I will let you know.

[Kathy444]

It is worth trying the ent he is the one who has helped me more than the other doctors. That and a lot of time for my inner ear to start healing

[nicol]

hello I hope you are still reading this post. I have been thru it all! and I can tell you I was told nothing on how to deal with this but, my situation was I have had surgery to remove a brain tumor, and i asumed it was normal tohave vertigo But now it is not normal. I am not on medication for it, I just deal with it the best I can I do not have symptoms all the time, But it is very present when i make any kind of head or neck movements exspcially exercising.

[Kathy444]

I am so sorry to hear you are still feeling so bad.
I still have the swaying feeling feeling on and off not as bad as it use to be.
I am scheduled to see my ent again on the 2nd of October but not so sure there is anymore he can do.

[nicol]

good luck at the ENT. I am seeing a my neurologist in october will go over things again.

[Kathy444]

Good Luck with you neurologist appointment keep me updated on how it goes