Vertigo

[Singathome]

Had AVR in February and now developed vertigo. It is something I suffer with occasionally and I usually just sit it out and wear my seabands. Should I seek medical advice this time? Could it be to do with my heart? Anyone else have this?

[Supernanu]

Don’t know if this is common but I also had avr in Feb and I’ve noticed more frequent (short) instances of vertigo. It is something I’ve suffered previously but now it seems more regular.

Maybe others have more knowledge about it?

[Singathome in reply to Supernanu]

Thanks for your thoughts. That is interesting, wonder if it is to do with meds? I take Atenolol, Furosemide and aspirin. Are you on similar?

[Hatchjd in reply to Supernanu]

My 89 year old very active mother in law recently suffered severe vertigo out of the blue. After a trip to A&E to confirm she had not had a minor stroke ( sent by her GP) she was diagnosed with Verstibular Neuritis. Medication helped but caused drowsiness and after 3 weeks of miserable dizzy episodes, nausea and being unable to drive, she was referred to a physical therapist ( private- £45 session ) She has now had 2 sessions of Eply Maneuver exercises medicalnewstoday.com/articl... which has been amazingly successful. The day after the 1st session she was a bit foggy but the dizziness was 50-60% improved , 2nd session was 2 days ago and already she feels almost back to normal. She has the 3rd and final session next week. I have been very surprised at how effective it has been.

[Singathome in reply to Hatchjd]

What a story. How strange that I have a friend also diagnosed with this problem, will certainly pass on your advice. It is a very debilitating thing, vertigo, and not easy to eradicate. However your mum-in-law seems to be doing really well. Mine seems to be clearing up and I have finally received an appointment from the hospital for my post op checkup! Hallelujah. Just hope Covid doesn’t stop it. Will mention the vertigo then. Thanks for your reply

[Diver2 in reply to Supernanu]

I’ve had vertigo a few time mostly the first 2 to three years after diagnosis. I was given meclizine 25 mg which made it go away within a half hour. I usually lay down after the vertigo and fall asleep when I wake up I’m fine. The doctor told me vertigo is pretty common with Afib.... I had never had it before

[Maisie2014]

I’ve had a bad episode recently. I’ve suffered for a few years but it got worse. I rang GP and he said I had picked up a viral infection. I asked how because I had been keeping away from everyone and he said there were a lot of viruses about at the moment that are easy to pick up. He prescribed Serc (betahistine) and it cleared up to my usual vertigo. It could also be your heart meds. Ring your GP. It’s not very nice but feels great when it’s sorted.

[Singathome in reply to Maisie2014]

Thanks for that, Maisie. That’s interesting, which meds do you think could cause it? Certainly feeling better as day goes on - my BP was high this morning, but seems OK now. Not currently taking BP medication other than water tablet. Will see what tomorrow brings before contacting GP, fingers crossed.

[Maisie2014]

I can’t help with the meds I’m afraid. BP meds can lower BP too much. I collapsed in the shower once and someone on this site suggested it could be that the shower was too hot. I now take cooler showers and have a seat in it.

[Mikedabike]

Hello, I had an AVR in December 2019. I had never suffered from any kind of vertigo until after my AVR. It may be worth noting that ever since a teenager I often got dizzy after standing up too quickly, and I always suffered with brief visual migraines (with no pain whatsoever). Since my operation I have brief, but very worrying bouts of what I can only describe as vertigo. I am in the midst of trying to get an answer, though this is proving very difficult with Covid restrictions etc. I have had an MRI scan to see if it is ear/balance related, or maybe related to a ‘possible’ TIA I had just two weeks after my AVR. I am waiting results at the moment. The only medication I am on is the warfarin for the mechanical valve. In your case I would contact your GP and also inform the cardiologist secretary just to keep them updated. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. You should find that your surgery will now have you flagged up on their system after your AVR and this should immediately prompt them to investigate the matter, rather than fob you off. Good luck. I shall try and update the forum if I get an answer to my ‘episodes’.

[Singathome in reply to Mikedabike]

Thanks Mike, I’m wondering how your ocular migraines are now? I have suffered with migraines since I was a teenager but since my op seem to have lost them just get visual disturbance but no pain. Have more of those now, but they quickly pass without need for any medication. Wonder if the vertigo is related? I was advised years ago by my dr to try the medication I used to take for travel sickness to combat vertigo. It was much more acceptable than heavy meds. Currently I use seabands for travel sickness and now require no meds. Using these for the vertigo and think they do help. It’s just a thought, but better than taking lots of pills. Currently feeling much better, but still wearing my trusty seabands. Thanks for your advice.

[Diver2 in reply to Singathome]

Meclizine is a motion sickness medication and has always worked quickly to stop the vertigo.

[Mikedabike]

Hi singathome. It’s strange, but I hadn’t realised until you said it, but I’ve just realised I don’t get the ocular migraines with anything like the frequency I used to. I never had to take any medication for them, and they always used to pass within minutes, or ten to fifteen minutes at the most. I’ve certainly read some articles somewhere ( but can’t remember where) where they suggested there may be a correlation between types of migraine and vertigo. As I’m sure you realise they can be very frustrating and at times worrying. I’m just hoping to eventually get an answer, I shall keep you posted.

[Diver2 in reply to Mikedabike]

I only got the ocular migraines for a few months after my ablations also with no pain. I used to have migraines multiple times per month with pain, but no pain since afib. I just assumed the no pain was due to the toporol. Xl. I was so happy for the no pain I didn’t really question it.

[Singathome]

Good luck. Hope you manage to get sorted.