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Dizziness, does anyone else have this rotten condition?

(40 Posts)
spabbygirl Mon 21-Aug-23 17:19:04

Does anyone else here suffer from dizziness? A few years ago I had my 1st spell and had lots of investigations from the GP & all were negative so I was just prescribed betahistaine. That helps & I have found that it goes away for a few weeks then comes back again.
I have various health conditions including a rare type of muscular dystrophy that means I'm loosing control of my hands & feet plus other things that mean I'm generally weak and fall even when I'm not dizzy, the last thing I need is to be dizzy as well as having wobbly feet.
I'm now looking for ways to control it without tablets & so far I've found that ballerinas can control dizziness & I'm trying to do similar by taking a deep breath and forcing myself not to allow the feeling to wash over me.
It is reducing the length of the spells but I'm hoping to get better and better at it.
Does anyone else have any tips?

narrowboatnan Wed 23-Aug-23 14:22:18

My GP changed my BP tablets last year. They made me so dizzy that I could hardly stand up and when I walked I was staggering about like a drunkard but without the benefit, or the expense, of the whisky. Tablets changed, problem resolved. Might be worth reading the patient info leaflet that comes with your regular medication in case it’s a side effect of one (or more) of those. Like mine was.

Primrose53 Wed 23-Aug-23 14:47:39

I have a type of vertigo called BPPV (google for full name) which is caused by the build up of crystals in the ear.

If I lay completely flat I feel very dizzy so for massages, treatments etc I have to have pillows and get up really slowly.

I have had the special manoeuvre a couple of times which helps but I think I need to go again because when I bend over or reach up and put my head back, I nearly fall over.

Some nights I get into bed, close my eyes and feel like I am being tipped out of the bed.

Glenco Wed 23-Aug-23 15:26:50

If all else fails dizziness can be caused by reflux. I used to get dizzy when I stood up or sat up from lying and my GP suggested reflux, which sounded improbable to me, but I now take Salpraz Pantoprazole and have no dizziness whatsoever. It's amazing.

icanhandthemback Wed 23-Aug-23 15:40:49

Have you looks up PoTS (Postural tachycardia syndrome)? It might be that and it doesn't always show up on the first tests.

inishowen Wed 23-Aug-23 15:44:11

I suffer from dizziness and was diagnosed with low B12. I get injections every 12 weeks now. However I still had four days of dizziness last week.

Lizzardd65 Wed 23-Aug-23 15:50:44

Hi I often feel light headed since being diagnosed with spinal cervical stenosis
Not nice!

Smg1950 Wed 23-Aug-23 15:55:41

I have/had this caused by ear problems and pernicious anaemia . I felt very disorientated and unable to eat at times due to nausea. I saw ENT consultant who sent me to a physio for specific ex’s and that has really helped. I had to go privately unfortunately -the physio also treated my neck. I went about 3 times and made a huge difference . I hope you find someone who can help.The physio said she’s had more people post Covid

Everythingstopsfortea Wed 23-Aug-23 15:57:10

I agree Crazygrandma2…The Epley manoeuvre certainly helps. I have permanent sinus problems plus intermittent unilateral screeching tinnitus and when I have a bout of vertigo it’s always on the same side as the T. It’s a horrible inner ear problem and quite scary as it’s a knock to the self confidence. I now keep a supply of Prochlorperazine about my person all the time just in case. It helps stop the dizziness and quells any nausea. At last I’m literally living up to my dizzy blonde status. Remove my head and the rest of me is doing quite well…👍

Gwenisgreat Wed 23-Aug-23 15:58:07

Used to have dizzy spells which apparently were because my blood pressure was on the low side, I had medication called Stemetil. It would come on at any moment and was quite frightening. Happily I've grown out of it!

Everythingstopsfortea Wed 23-Aug-23 16:05:23

Smg1950

I have/had this caused by ear problems and pernicious anaemia . I felt very disorientated and unable to eat at times due to nausea. I saw ENT consultant who sent me to a physio for specific ex’s and that has really helped. I had to go privately unfortunately -the physio also treated my neck. I went about 3 times and made a huge difference . I hope you find someone who can help.The physio said she’s had more people post Covid

This sounds well worth looking into Smg1950:
It’s interesting to hear about the possible links to Covid. An hour after my second Covid jab. I experienced a moment of amnesia. In fact it went on for an hour and I eventually ended up in hospital where various tests were carried out. It was decided that I had Transient Global Amnesia but nobody would or could link it to the vaccination….🤔

Hetty58 Wed 23-Aug-23 16:22:23

narrowboatnan, some people can suddenly react to BP meds that they've taken for years, without any problems. Others, like me, just can't take them. The risk v benefit has to be considered.

I tried (well, my doctor insisted) all five types (available at the time) with severe reactions, including awful dizziness, burning feet, brain fog, collapse and intestinal anaphylaxis.

Rushed off to hospital, where they (bullied me) tried to make me take - BP pills - I had to escape (before they killed me). The funny thing is - I don't have high BP, I have autism so if anyone gets too near or I feel cornered - up goes the reading!

sandye Wed 23-Aug-23 16:23:51

I had and still have bad dizzy spells. please keep having it checked as mine was a brain tumour. It was accompanied one day by a feeling of splitting in two, so please go back to your doctor if you experience this. sorry not trying to frighten you.

MayBee70 Wed 23-Aug-23 16:28:55

I think it’s really important that you go to a balance clinic if possible, because they will advise you on ways to adapt to minimise the risk of falling. My neighbour goes every day but I haven’t asked him what advice they give. The older I get the more aware I am of the possibility of falling especially as my house is a trip hazard which I’m working on.

Lizzardd65 Wed 23-Aug-23 17:58:47

Hi I have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis and often feel quite dizzy and light headed.