Dizziness

[granofthewest]

Have tapered gradually from 20mg to 3mg over 15 months but started having dizzy spells which begin with tingling in lips, fingers and toes and then feeling very giddy. Have seen GP who diagnosed vertigo but has anyone else had this?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I would say that vertigo is a symptom - and a cause needs to be identified.

When you have the dizzy spells - do you notice having palpitations beforehand?

[granofthewest in reply to PMRpro]

No it just starts with the tingling and then i feel like I've been on a roundabout. Feeling nauseous this time too.

[Megams in reply to granofthewest]

~Precise symptoms for me but more exaggerated (vomiting + extreme dizziness) when what transpired to be adrenal insufficiency - wonder if you have got too low too quickly despite your best efforts of reducing gradually~

[Loyd]

I sympathise. I’m getting so dizzy at the moment and can’t stand for any length of time. On 9mg pred but don’t know if this is the cause. Do hope you find an answer to yours. Almost no point in contacting doctors these days. I tried but the best telephone apt is over a month away!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Loyd]

That is ridiculous - and I would contact the local CCG to ask for help.

[Loyd in reply to PMRpro]

Thank FMR pro - what is the CCG?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Loyd]

The Clinical Commissioning Group

citizensadvice.org.uk/healt...

However, you should start by writing to the Practice Manager at your GP practice asking for your problem in getting an appointment of any sort. I have trememndous sympathy for GPs and the changes they have had to implement - but the government can't keep telling the public the NHS is working as normal and it is a concern that, for example, cancer diagnoses are being delayed when you can't get to even speak to a GP in the first place!

nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-...

[Loyd in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks so much I will do that. 👍👍

[beethovenite]

Yes I have permanent tingling, like pins and needles, in my left hand fingers. Awkward to play the piano with this condition, Am down to 12.5mg of pred, was on 60 when the tingling started. It's still here. Beethovenite

[Karenjaninaz in reply to beethovenite]

When I had that I was an anesthetist and needed carpal tunnel release in order to work again. Even driving made my hands numb.

[granofthewest]

I've managed to arrange a GP telephone call for tomorrow with the GP who initially diagnosed my PMR. Have been thinking about links with each of my attacks, they have all come on mid afternoon so maybe adrenal insufficiency as I take meds in evening? I'll see what she thinks.

[granofthewest in reply to granofthewest]

Spoke to GP on phone today, she doesn't think my dizziness and nausea is due to adrenal insufficiency. Didn't give any alternative cause apart from BPPV (vertigo) diagnosed in January. Said to contact her again when I get down to 1mg.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to granofthewest]

Well if that is what she thinks it is, she should be having you down to the practice to try the Epley manouevre to sort the BPPV!

[granofthewest in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for your advice again. Neither of the doctors I've seen since this started have mentioned the Epley manoeuvre. Have seen posts about it but don't really know what it is?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to granofthewest]

hopkinsmedicine.org/health/...

webmd.com/brain/home-remedi...

both describe ways of checking which ear is affected and how to do the manoeuvre as a DIY effort and some other ways of doing it.

[Karenjaninaz]

I have had dizziness, off and on, over the years starting with labrythitis after a viral infection. This lasted many months. I was unable to work until I read about ginger. I started taking one gram ginger root up to 4 times a day so I could work. I had been checked by 3 doctors. The ginger root also helped when distressed by a rocking ship during a cruise. I now use it whenever I get a dizzy and it always works; good for wind too but not recommended if taking blood thinners

[granofthewest in reply to Karenjaninaz]

Will try this next time I have an episode of dizziness, thank you.