Vertigo

[spikesnana]

I have been taking 500 mg of hydrea. I now have vertigo. Has anyone had this happen to them? Could it be from the meds?

[catkinspolymer]

I used to get vertigo when my platelet count was high ie about 2000 now its down to 250 or so and that was achieved with hydroxy urea ( hydroxy carbamide) at 1000mg per day it has gone away

all the best Town Crier

[beetle]

Yes, I have had vertigo while on HU but there are many who get it that aren't on HU so who knows. Google "vestibular rehabilitation" for some home treatments. I found the one where you turn your head 45degrees then fall sideways in the opposite direction (I did it on the bed!) completely effective after three each side. It is apparently to do with crystals forming in the balance labyrinth of the inner ear and these manoeuvres help to get rid of the crystals. They sound pretty bizarre but I figured I had nothing to lose by trying them - and they worked. Initially I felt I might vomit but the feeling very soon went away. Hope that helps.

[ashby6708]

Is the vertigo mild or severe? I too have mild vertigo which seemed to coincide with my ET, it's hard to remember which came first, but I have heard others having the same condition. Mine is not debilitating.

[spikesnana]

I think its mild I went to Dr and I'm going to have some therapy for it. They asked if I had head trauma. I thought it could be because of meds. I'm having a hard time working. Lots of people say try home remedies. My Dr said not to I could lodge them somewhere else. Waiting for treatment. I'm going to try myself.

[jamieisabella]

Hi Spikesnana,

I was diagnosed with ET 5 years ago and on daily 75 mg aspirin. I was also diagnosed with BPV (benign positional vertigo) around the same time, however I had the same symptoms for some years. The consultant who had me doing all the head exercises did state that salt was a factor in this condition and reducing intake would help. It did and now I only get this periodically. So try reducing your salt intake which includes the very worst offender, soy sauce! Seek advice from an ENT consultant specialising in vertigo.

[spikesnana]

Thanks all for your help.

[spikesnana]

Went and had treatment for the vertigo. I still felt dizzy so I stopped taking my hydrea for 4 days. All the dizziness went away. I need to start again could this have meant my numbers got too low. Last check my numbers were good. Any advice?