Will my dizziness get better...….

[lookinup]

Hi I am 4mths post bacterial meningitis. I spent 4wks in hospital and now recovering at home. The illness has let me deaf in both ears and a I am finding it difficult to even get around my home. I'm wondering if anyone has any advice.

[Susieny]

I was left deaf in one ear . My vestibular nerve was damaged ( balance nerve). I had bacterial meningitis 21 months ago. It takes time but gradually you will find the dizziness being less affective in your daily life . The brain does adjust to the “ new you “. I still have some residual effects from the illness with regard to movement in cars and big crowds and dizziness and balance . But, I am so much better than I was a year ago. You will continue to improve too. Try vestibular therapy and working on balance on your own . I did it constantly and still do . Try yoga . It helps a lot . I know losing your hearing affects balance as well .

Good Luck and God Bless you on your journey of healing

[lookinup in reply to Susieny]

Thank you for your kind words and advice. I will try anything to see if I can get some relief.

[kalirachi]

Unfortunately dizziness and vertigo is one of the most common and notoriously difficult complaints to diagnose and treat the medical profession is faced with. So many of us who have had meningitis suffer dizziness as a lingering after effect. In my own particular case the meningitis was eventually misdiagnosed as 'migraines'. This is also extremely common. It took the medics 14 months to realise that the 'migraines' they diagnosed was actually the meningitis virus having destroyed completely the vestibular nerve in my left inner ear. For six months after leaving hospital I couldn't stand or walk at all, my balance was completely shot. Frustratingly they still insisted it was caused by migraines. When finally I got to see an ENT consultant he diagnosed it as BPPV. I knew it wasn't this as BPPV causes brief spells of dizziness activated by head movements and normally lasts for a few minutes at the most. Nonetheless I was referred to the hospitals audiology department where a series of 'Epley Maneuvers were carried out by unqualified staff which made things a hundred times worse. It was an ENG test which finally confirmed the 'wipe out' of my vestibular nerve but amazingly 'spared the cochlea section which meant apart from acute tinnitus my hearing was undamaged. A further nine months of three months sessions of vestibular rehabilitation exercises might have helped a little but were never going to eliminate the dizziness or restore my balance. The neurologists I saw were a complete waste of time all they did was prescribe antidepressants which again made the condition very much worse. The medical profession is completely in the dark as far as understanding what if anything can be done to improve ones quality of life. Ultimately I found a healthy diet, plenty of rest and avoiding any sort of vestibular suppressants or anti dizziness medications was the best way forward. It also helps to keep as active as you can. Three and a half years later I am still constantly dizzy and very poor balance but am grateful not to keep seeing doctors and neurologists who really haven't got a clue. A positive and determined outlook is vital to assist not really recovery but learning to adapt and live with what has been a life changing condition. Good luck and stay positive!

[lookinup in reply to kalirachi]

Thank you for your reply. Was reading about Cranial Therapy yesterday,but it has to be a therapist that knows exactly what they are doing. I think I will do some investigating. 😊

[kalirachi in reply to lookinup]

Has anyone explained to you why you have lost your hearing in both ears? Are the nerves damaged? Sometimes the deafness can be of a temporary nature. On leaving hospital I found there was no after care or follow up, I was pretty desperate being unable to stand or even walk even a few steps on my own as my balance was non existent. I found a private physiotherapist who was qualified in treating balance disorders and she was a great help. After the initial session I saw her once a week for a couple of months and continued following an exercise routine at home that she devised. It did make quite a difference not just in learning to stand and walk a few steps independently but in building my confidence. I'm not sure about cranial therapy, have never tried it but would certainly recommend seeing a physiotherapist with experience in balance disorders.

[Gangstalicious]

I had viral meningitis and after two weeks I was fully recovered, but still experienced dizziness for a good month afterwards. It's gonna be okay. We're all gonna make it.

[lookinup in reply to Gangstalicious]

Oh I do hope so 😊

[Earthfox20]

Sept 2018 my attack. Completely deaf, wheelchair bound, impaired eyesight and doubly incontinent. Think we have to accept it affects us all differently. Different nerves are killed or damaged in every attack.

[Billy51]

My husband was in 5 weeks and got out if hospital 2 weeks ago, he's deaf in one ear 50% in the other been referred to audiologist in March.

[Chip32]

I myself has headaches still and I had bacterial meningitis April 2019 and now we’re glass and hearing aids but as my wife says I am still alive, my advice to you lean to live with it and you will get though it , take care 🙏

[Bonkitty]

Hi, you are in the very early days of recovery yet.

Have you had your hearing checked by an audiologist .. if not I would suggest that you do. I had extreme dizziness for a long time afterwards and had treatment from physio therapy to help correct it.

Now my balance is good unless I get the re - occurring migraine.

Take care and rest .

[lookinup in reply to Bonkitty]

Hi there, yes hearing has been checked and unfortunately I will need cochlear implants. My consultant is arranging for me to see a neurologist about the dizziness. I know it's going to take time, and I need to accept the fact that I must rest more.

Take care 😊

[INDIAN11]

do only thing with dedication-YOGA

I assure, u will recover soon

as I did

[INDIAN11 in reply to INDIAN11]

pranayama in yoga is must

its a breathing exercise

[lookinup in reply to INDIAN11]

I will look into it,thank you.