dizzy spells

[BK47]

does anyone else experience dizzy spells on lying down? I’ve had my eyes tested and my ears checked but can’t find a reason for the awful dizziness I experience every time I lie down. I also get dizzy sometimes when turning my head or leaning back. The rheumatologist thought it might be a problem with the muscles in my neck restricting something but he had no suggestions for curing it.

My daughter wisely doesn’t want me to drive until the dizziness goes away so I’m very keen to find a solution.

[PMRpro]

That sounds very typical of something called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, BPPV. It is due to crystals in the ears moving as the position of the head changes and that causes the vertigo. It can be sorted by some simple movements called the Epley manoeuvre. Not impressed your rheumy doesn't recognise it - but your GP should be much more use.

[BK47 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for the useful and informative reply. Thank goodness for this site! I’m going to investigate how to do the Epley manoeuvre. I live on my own since my husband died of Covid so I’ll have to find a therapist if I can’t do it myself!

[LuluM25]

I agree totally with PMRpro, your medical professionals should know about this and recognise it. I've had BPPV and my GP sorted by doing the Epley manoeuvre. It's very disorienting to actually have this condition and the Epley manoeuvre also made me feel 'upside down' for a short time but it worked very well. It's easy to find info about both online. Hope you get sorted quicker now.

[BK47 in reply to LuluM25]

Several people have mentioned the Epley manoeuvre so I will definitely look into it. Thank you for the reply x

[LuluM25 in reply to BK47]

I would see your GP and ask if the doc or a nurse could do it or at the very least ask your daughter to be with you if you attempt it yourself. My GP did give me info and said I could do it myself but I would be apprehensive about that.

[Bakbre]

Hi there

Sorry to hear of your dizziness and I am shocked that your Rheumatologist isn’t really helping. Do you think it could be the result of some of your medication? The reason I ask is there are always side effects from the strong meds we all take.

I have the exact opposite in that I go dizzy when I get up or move quickly. My GP is useless and he basically told me not too move quickly!

My Rheumy told me he thought it was vertigo, which can be a side affect of one of the medications I take and affects a lot of people who take this particular tablet. He has cut down these tablets from 4 a day to 2 a day and I don’t have as many dizzy spells as I had, so he is probably right.

Maybe it’s worth thinking about and then asking your GP or Rheumy if it could be the case.

I hope you find a solution quickly. Take care

[BK47 in reply to Bakbre]

Thank you for the reply x I’ve been wondering about the meds and if one of them is causing the dizziness. I’ll ask again at my next appointment if I’m still suffering with dizziness x

[Chris21]

honestly! What’s wrong with the medical profession these days.if he thinks it’s ‘something’ in your neck being compressed by muscle, it still needs addressing! I occasionally get it if I turned my head quickly or at night lying in bed. Mine is caused by a nerve compressed and I was shown by physio how to correct my position. Does help.

Having said that, it is possible that it is what PMRpro & Lulu25 say. My daughter had it, think it was ENT who she saw her, they lay her on a table & explained they would manipulate/turning/rotating her head, it wasn’t pleasant but didnt last long and she’s never had it since.

Hope you find the answer with your GP.

[BK47 in reply to Chris21]

That sounds interesting. I’ll see if I can find a therapist to do this manoeuvre with me.

[0936725]

I too get dizzy spells laying down, sitting, standing up. I don’t take any meds as told all of the lupus symptoms/ANA+ are not lupus…? I can’t drive/work because of this.

GP tells me to take decongest tablets & nasal spray (same Ingredients) which does help clear constant phlegm(2.5yrs).

Have you tried Vagus Nerve massages, head ones are good. Thai massages are my regular therapy to move blockages in the system.

YouTube Epley Manoeuvre guides also worth trying. Pinching your ears & blowing regularly also pulling ear lugs & lifting cheek bone out helps clear blockage too.

We try anything don’t we! Hope any of this helps x

[BK47 in reply to 0936725]

Wow thank you for the tips! I will try all of them and see if anything helps. I did a steam inhalation thing with menthol and I’ve booked to have ears syringed too! I’ll try everything as I hate the dizzy spells.

[Butt3rf1y]

I was going to say you might need a blood test to see in your deficient in any vitamins. That is how I knew why I was feeling dizzy. Take care ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 💗

[BK47 in reply to Butt3rf1y]

Thank you 💞 I’m taking multivitamins and folic acid but I will ask if any deficiency shows up in my next blood test.