Virus

Hmm difficult. I think you will just have to wait it out till you see ENT. The virus should pass once it works its way out of your system, hopefully you will feel better soon but keep the appointment, even if you do. Unfortunately viruses just run their course. Take care and hope you feel better soon. I would just rest and try not to do too much.

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this and hesitate to post as my experience may not be too encouraging. In late June I was hit with a sudden, severe attack of extreme vertigo and vomiting that landed me in hospital to rule out a stroke. After testing and scans, I was diagnosed with vestibular neuritis/labyrinthitis/BPPV and referred to ENT who concurred and said that basically, a virus had attacked the balance nerve in the inner ear and that as such, would have to run it's course. In the meantime, I was referred to balance clinic to retrain my balance. It's been a difficult, frustrating process and twice during therapy sessions I've experienced vertigo and they've performed the Epley maneuver which seemed to help, briefly. I've been diligent with rehab and the home exercises and though the headache, neck ache and fatigue have improved somewhat, dizziness, disequilibrium and terrible tinnitus continue and I'm still not able to drive. Initially at hospital I was given meclizine for the vertigo in addition to zofran for nausea and something for the resulting headache the meds would cause. Two days later when I saw the ENT, he said to stop the meclizine as soon as possible as it would impede the balance retraining process. I stopped all the meds at that point and have also completely quit caffeine, chocolate, alcohol and tried to limit sodium while increasing water consumption. Also, I have been advised to rest in quiet place with eyes closed for 30 min each day. It has been life changing and though dh has been supportive, can tell he is getting weary. It scares me that it's hung on so long and especially to hear that you are experiencing your second episode of this in such a short time frame. I'd like to ask you luckylegs if you experienced vertigo and vomiting at onset and also how long your first episode, 6 mos ago lasted. BTW, I had no cold or virus symptoms prior to the attack but was going through a lengthy period of serious stress, which I've been told can be a trigger. It seems it is difficult to obtain an accurate diagnose as the various vestibular conditions have overlapping symptoms. I do hope your recovery will be quick and complete.

Thank you, both of you, for your replies. Sukie you sound as if you’ve gone through the mill! Last time, I was sent to A and E because it was all pointing to a stroke. Neither time have I experienced nausea or tinnitus, thank goodness. Both times, a sudden disturbing vertigo occurred which completely floored me. You have put a new complexion on it all for me, thank you very much and I note you wrote that early this morning so you’re obviously not sleeping very well.

It’s interesting that it might be a virus attacking my inner ear, hadn’t thought of that. My GP did mention a manoeuvre which might be carried out at ENT so it’s probably that. I worry that it will mean turning me upside down which is what I can’t do! I’ll google it. Last time it took several weeks to go off, this time its only been ten days or so. I have had a bit of a cough for a couple of weeks but no other symptoms. I haven’t been particularly stressed, nothing to pin it to. In fact, I’d been on holiday and felt very well prior but we’d driven a very long journey from Portugal to north west England so assumed I was ‘woozy’ from that.

I’m only taking the Betahistine for this (a million other drugs for other things) and just seeing how the higher dose will affect me.

It’s so kind of you to reply, I’d assumed no one would reply to me as usually happens when I post. I know what you mean, my husband is getting a bit fed up of me moaning and unable to function normally. I really hope you feel better soon. I’m just waiting for the ENT appointment next week now.

Luckylegs and Sukie you both have my utmost sympathy. I had a couple of bouts of labyrinthitis which ended up with me twice being ambulanced to hospital. It was utterly vile, it literally floored me. I bent to get something out of the dishwasher and the world turned upside down and I fell over.

No cause was ever tracked down but I was suffering from a dreadful allergic reaction at the time, I think to oil seed rape flowers. My eyes were so swollen they were almost closed and I felt as though I had dreadful flu. Then the labyrinthitis. I felt sure they were connected even though nothing was proven.

Could your virus be an allergy, do you think, Luckylegs? I was prescribed prochlorperazine by the hospital which managed to get it under control. It really was the most awful experience, though, and I hope to heaven I never get it again.

I had this about twenty years ago and it seemed to go on forever but it did improve very gradually.

I attended an interview in a building with a sweeping staircase and followed the receptionist clutching the stair rail with both hands. Luckily she didn’t look back and hopefully CCTV cameras weren’t as common. I sat on a chair in a very large overheated room in front of a panel of six rather officious looking dignitaries- and promptly keeled over to the left and ended up on the floor. Fortunately I didn’t throw up. Strangely enough I didn’t get the job!

Poor you, Sussexborn! I can’t imagine the strength it must have taken for you to even attend the interview, never mind try and answer questions!

No nausea or tinnitus luckylegs, you really are lucky! And yes, my sleep has been affected too. Everything has changed with this. I hope you'll be in touch about your ENT visit next week, anything you learn and can share might be helpful. Sussexborn your experience with this during a job interview sounds distressing but your last line sure tickled me!