Hi Lucy I would request full bloods as you should have them done every 6months as things change. There is BPPV (vertigo) and what you have said PPPD (type of vertigo) I found going to a physio has helped mine a lot.
What you need to know for sure, Lucyjane2305, is whether the unsteadiness is due to anxiety (which is the most likely suspect) or something organic.
If it was me I'd ask my doctor for a tablet thay counteracts the feeling of unsteadiness, I would suggest the best is something called Serc. If the unsteadiness stops then it's an organic thing, something to do with the balancing mechanism in the inner ear.
Then I would ask your doc for a few 5mg diazepam (Valium) and take one when you feel the swaying feeling. If it stops you know it's anxiety for sure.
At least you would then know for sure what it is.
If as you and I suspect it's over sensitised nerves then I recommend the acceptance method as an effective therapy to reduce your levels of fear and the hormones of fear which is what could be keeping your nerves hyper.
Lucyjane, I have anxiety but I had BPPV - displaced crystals in ear canal. Had Epley manouver done a few times, at ENT, which repositioned crystals. I finally managed to access physio with therapists, who specialise in balances problems. I was given exercises to do, purpose of which is to retrain the brain/vestibular system. Physio explained that when the VS is damaged, your balance capabilty drops in function. I was doing well but have had considerable stress over a long period, culminating in the loss of my father in recent weeks. My anxiety level has increased and I feel physical weak, at the moment. This has had a direct effect on my balance. It is a viscious circle, when trying to rehabilitate the vestibular system. Lack of balance, makes us resistant to go out walking (on rough uneven ground) but, in fact, it's good therapy to help retrain the brain. Exercises I was given involved standing with feet close together for a period of time, then with eyes closed, repeated standing on a soft surface, graduating to a cushion. Firstly, though, eliminating other causes of your imbalance is starting point.
Doesn't surprise me that they didn't check you thoroughly. I waited years to finally be sent to ENT, then I had to ask to be re-referred because they only did the checks, you mentioned. I had a hearing test, too, but nurse did these tests and I didn't see a consultant for weeks. Even after they did the epleys, i still had to 'beg' GP to send me for Vestibular Rehabilitation, which was overseen by a physio at a health centre (apparently only 2 physios in all of Lanarkshire who are specialised in VRT. Can't believe why GPs don't do epleys, it would have saved me a lot of anxiety and time. Yes best done by someone experienced. They have to check if you have Bppv, firstly, i.e. which ear is affected. This done by using first position of Epley to establish if any spinning occurs. They basically turn you head at an angle and put you in a reclining position. I'm under Scottish NHS, by the way. losing the fear helps, knowing you can do something to improve it, helps, too. Reduced fear, reduced anxiety.
I think I had a combination of 2 separate problems. Bppv, which was physically resolved but left balance system functioning at perhaps 80%, but the anxiety/stress impacted on my already compromised vestibular system. At times, I felt my feet sinking into the floor. had feeling of being on a boat. I hated tilting my head to the side, I'm still cautious, but physio says it's best to do these movements. I also think that tension in my neck (whole spine, really) has an impact on the balance sensors in the neck region.
Hi There. I, too have that exact same feeling. It is constant 24/7.
I have seen so many doctors, in the past 5 years, (I am on my 6th year of this constant motion inside of me, it does not go).
It is anxiety. Because, all the doctors and specialists I have seen cannot allll be wrong.
I have paid thousands of rands on this feeling. My hubby and I have been broke the one year out of the 5 paying nurologists, ENTs, for scans, blood tests, specialists in other fields and they have all come up with one single word.
Anxiety.
so now, I just accept it, it took a long time to accept I must tell you and I still have very bad days.
Hi Lucy Jane: Anything that affects your balance refers to the inner ear. I think my vertigo, swaying, off balance, etc. came on when I dug into my ear with a bobby pin. I dug so deep that I hurt deep in my ear & thought I punctured my ear drum. Do you remember anything with your ear before your episode? This damage to the middle ear can also affect the optic nerve.???
Mild tbi sustained in head first impact into ground from 10ft ,. Cord trauma, cervical laminectomy yr later to decompress cord ,removal of spinous processes C3-C6 inclusive...
THEN I started with dizziness,/balance ,
Photophobia, phonophobia, synethstasia, sleep apnea and best of all.......
Alice in Wonderland Syndrome.
Neuro's galore at The Walton Centre (UK).
"Hmm , that's interesting"
Drugs and jabs including Botox.....
Nowt much difference, deterioration of anything over the four years,
PPPD...... aka
Visual vertigo.....
I could ride a roller coaster fine,
AS LONG AS MY EYES ARE SHUT!
Ps.
Even eat off plastic plates to avoid 'screeching of cutlery' , and if someone stirs a cup of tea.......Aaaargh.
I've been encouraged to research PPPD, It's relatively new, but by God it ticks EVERY box, nothing else does!
I know this is an old thread, but perhaps someone new will be looking at it. PPPD is usually preceded by a "vestibular event" and is just a group of symptoms that were recently lumped together to create a clinical diagnosis.
Whether you have PPPD or anxiety induced dizziness the general plan is the same. Address your anxiety and manage your sympathetic nervous system. And, if needed, work with a vestibular specialist to increase your awareness of your body regain your balance. You can do this.
yes I was looking for something on PPPD. Can't understand why there is so little information and help in this country. I have been diagnosed with PPPD by UHCL after a lengthy and frustrating journey through the health system. Also GAD by my GP. Citalopram didn't help with any of this nd the Cawthorne Cooksey exercises for balance didn't help either.
I am very aware of the anxiety but not so sure of the balance diagnosis.
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Constant sick feeling and worrying 24/7
Anxiety 
I am anxiety.
