Keeping going

[Gillymar]

As mentioned before I have osteoporosis, glaucoma, lymphodemia etc. But all is taken care of by hospital, doctors et al so I have no complaints. Painful shoulders in care of osteopaths ( lovely people) and medication now I have dumped the dreaded AA in control. But last night I had a massive attack of vertigo out of the blue. Any one know what could cause this? The room goes round and round and is not nice. It eventually goes away but would appreciate any help.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Know what you mean, had labrynthitis many years ago, well before GCA. Horrible feeling!

Have you have a cold or ear infection of any sort recently, or even been in a draft? Low blood pressure? Might be worth checking your tablets for side effects! Not just Pred.

Hope it was a one-off.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There are several causes - including benign paroxysmal postural vertigo which typically manifests in short but repeated episodes:

mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...

and

"Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is caused by a problem in the inner ear. Tiny calcium "stones" inside your inner ear canals help you keep your balance. Normally, when you move a certain way, such as when you stand up or turn your head, these stones move around. But things like infection or inflammation can stop the stones from moving as they should. This sends a false message to your brain and causes the vertigo.

"

Have a read. It can be relieved by a doctor using the Epley manoeuvre but apparently they aren't enthusiastic about doing it in their surgeries because it can make the patient vomit. It does work!

[Jeanmh in reply to PMRpro]

Hello all I can say is this method works for me I do have to do these when I get the dizzy spells which is not very often now

[Annodomini]

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo could be the explanation. I had it on and off for several days last year and at first thought I was having a stroke! But I wasn't. It is caused by tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear which somehow get dislodged and cause episodes of dizziness. There are exercises on Youtube which should help with the condition. The Epley Manoeuvre is the one most recommended:

youtube.com/watch?v=9SLm76j...(Not working as expected?)

[piglette in reply to Annodomini]

My brother had benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and told me about it before Christmas. The GP had said there was nothing he could do, but it would go away. I saw something on TV where someone had it and was cured within minutes by having his head moved about. I found an article in the Daily Mail about it, sent it to my brother and last Wednesday he saw a neuropathic physiotherapist. He was cured in ten minutes and says it was the best forty five pounds he has ever spent.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to piglette]

Could have saved it and bought you a bottle of bubbly! My friend's daughter checked on YouTube to get the technique and did it for her mum. Miracle cure! She'd spent a fortune seeing a neurologist (because her rather useless rheumy said she needed one) who recommended the Epley manoeuvre but didn't offer to do it (presumably because she might have puked)...

PS, had a sparkling Saumur last week (that was the preferred Loire fizz wasn't it?)

[piglette in reply to PMRpro]

It is my father who is the sparkling Saumur lover, although I am a close second. I hope you enjoyed it.

I reckon a lot of people have the dizzy problem and have to suffer in silence. My brother would have done if I had not seen that TV programme a week earlier. GPs seem to think that prescribing tablets so much easier.

[Gillymar]

Thank you all so much. It is better today but it is good to know the possible cause.

[Gillymar]

Thanks to everyone. Now I know the cause . Thanks again.

[Mgt1234]

Hi everyone, thank you so much for explaining about BPPV. I hadn't heard of this, I have PMR and GCA. About 18 months ago, I got up out of bed, went extremely dizzy and collapsed on the floor. My husband helped me to a chair and we both realised that I couldn't control the movement of my eyes. We recorded it on my iPad in case the GP needed to see it. I found I was okay with my eyes closed but open, so dizzy. It took a few days before it settled. When I did manage to get an appointment with my GP he said it was probably low blood pressure. I was worried at the time it was a TIA. Thank goodness for this forum, you wonderful people help so many. At least if it happens again, I now know what to do.

Love and blessings.

Margaret

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Mgt1234]

But if you ever think you may have had a TIA - it is 999 you need, not a wait for a GP appointment. It is important for an expert to assess a possible TIA and they, by definition, resolve in 24 hours. But having a few is a warning that something needs attending to to reduce the risk of a stroke.

[Mgt1234]

Hi PMRpro, thanks. I haven't had any more since that one occasion, thankfully. I am probably just over cautious as my grandmother lost her sight and life to what we think was GCA in the 70's and my mother suffered with TIA's. Many thanks and I certainly will take on board your advice.

Margaret x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Mgt1234]

Better call 999 once too often than once too few - though crying wolf isn't advisable either.

[Mgt1234]

I worked in the NHS for 33 years including A & E, glad to have retired ... lol x