Dizzy, vertigo, heavy head, pressure in ears, etc...

[Lil7500]

So after seeing my GP twice and ENT once, had EKG, MRI, blood work, physical tests for light stroke, all of which showed no abnormalities, all anyone can say is "it's stress/anxiety related". I've read so many entries on this site describing exactly what I've been experiencing for the past 3 weeks. I first had mild dizzy spells that I ignored for about a month, then one night I went to bed fine and woke up feeling like my brain had been scrambled. When I tried to move that first morning I felt as if I was falling off the earth. So maybe that's it, anxiety. Didn't want to accept it but is better than what I was imagining. Even now am having tingling at base of skull, tightness in arms and shoulders, and worry about the next day. The first week after the initial attack I couldn't drive, barely could walk without falling the dizziness and vertigo were so bad. Turning my head to one side seems to make it worse. Is it possible to take a break from life to rest and heal?

[Delbert]

Hi there,

This sounds like exactly what I've encountered for years and was finally diagnosed with Menieres Disease..... All the symptoms you describe. Anxiety and depression go hand in hand with this so it can feel like a viscous circle! Look it up and see what you think but that's exactly how I would describe my 'episodes'.

Hope you feel better soon because vertigo is horrendous to deal with xxx

[Hidden]

Hi Lil7500.

Welcome to our community.You have had a lot of tests done and all show nothing,has the doctor given you any medication for anxiety if not I would suggest that you go back and see them and ask if they think it could be anything else.I know it is hard to understand how anxiety can cause so many horrible symptoms but unfortunately it does.I hope you get help soon.

Take care Kenny-w

[cat3]

Hi Lil. I suffer with BPV (benign positional vertigo) and it is at times very distressing. Like Kenny,I'm wondering if you've been prescribed anything to help with the dizziness until it subsides.

I think it's the sudden onset and not understanding the cause which is so scary in the early days.

There are many caused of dizziness/loss of balance i.e. menieres disease, BPV, Labyrinthitis but, despite not having a definite diagnosis, your GP could prescribe medication to relieve the symptoms. I take Prochlorperazine (Stemetil) if and when I need it.

Try not to worry too much as stress definitely aggravates this problem. Suddenly lying down during an attack is also a bad idea, and avoid sudden head movements. I'm sure it isn't life-threatening, I've had this now for 40 years. In the early days I've ended up in A&E when I thought it was something serious but now it's just a nuisance which I've learned to cope with.

Best wishes, Cat x

[Lil7500 in reply to cat3]

Thanks Cat- doc prescribed lorazepam so I tried that for a couple days but didn't like how droopy it made me feel, plus it's addictive, maybe I need different drug until things calm down.

[cat3]

The Lorazepam can make you drowsy being a benzodiazepine. I imagine your doctor was aiming at reducing your stress levels which is what this drug is designed for but you could try taking half a tablet to minimize the drowsiness.

The Stemetil are used routinely for dizziness and nausea and don't have addictive qualities and they've helped a great deal in reducing my dizziness. I know everyone's different but I've never experienced any side effects from them. Why not ask your GP whether he thinks they'd be appropriate.

It sometimes takes a while to find medication which is right for you but I hope you don't have to wait to long.

Good luck Lil. xx

[SandySings]

These problems that I have too can cause anxiety. Had many tests that ruled out the positional vertigo, Menieres. ENT said I have maigraine related vertigo. No prescriptions or surgery will help. He did say there are anecdotal reports that taking the following has helped some people:

Fish oil

Magnesium

Vitamin B2

Just started those. Also just purchased some essential oils that might help.

Audiologist also told me that circulation problems can also cause these symptoms. Next step is to pursuance my interest to refer me for those tests. She seems to think that if I just lose weight the problems will go away. ;-(

[Hidden]

I suffer the same for 30 years. It's a terrible thing to have. I get relief from Stemetil and SERC (helps to improve circulation) when the attack comes.

[Tnhundley]

Have you had your B12 levels checked? Vertigo and dizziness can be caused by B12 deficiency, I experience this myself.