Is anyone experiencing vertigo with PMR? This is the second time for me and we thought the sulfasalazine was causing it but not the case.

[Helpisontheway_8]

Vertigo?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Ears can be involved in GCA - the 8th cranial nerve can be affected. And vertigo can be an effect.I found my balance was off (still is in a flare) but I can't say it was bad enough to class as vertigo.

[Helpisontheway_8 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you! I’ve been getting off balance a bit and was checked for gta. They only saw one floater but was put on 30 mgs prednisone for a week then 20 but instead I went to 25 to taper more slowly. Today I start with 20 mgs. I have a telemedicine appt later today so I’ll see what he says but this is full on vertigo. The first time I had vertigo it lasted 2 weeks and was sick as a dog.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Helpisontheway_8]

Here's the reference if you want it:

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/314...

[Helpisontheway_8]

Thank you!

[Pixix]

Yes, but I didn’t think it was related to my PMR…I have friends who’ve had it who don’t have PMR. I find a tendency to relate all other illnesses to this one, & some fit, but not others. My vertigo was full on, lasted ten days, could hardly move some of it, & was on strong anti sickness tablets! It was my first bout & my doctor was very helpful. When a bit better I tried the manoeuvres to clear it which are on the internet, but I think it’s best to ask doctor's advice! Hope it goes sooon.

[Amkoffee]

The maneuver Pixix is referring to is called the Epley maneuver. If the problem is being caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo this will help. Doing this maneuver is harmless and can be quite effective.

[Helpisontheway_8 in reply to Amkoffee]

I’ve tried all the exercises for vertigo and none helped at all.

[BabyRuby1 in reply to Amkoffee]

I’ve had vertigo for 35 years…Eply method didn’t help…been diagnosed with benign positional vertigo Last summer I got PMR but prednisone has not affected my vertigo. Maybe water retention is causing your vertigo on prednisone ? God know most bloat up on prednisone!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Have a look at this - healthline.com/health/fitne...

But do discuss with doctor - I used the BD exercises when I had labyrinthitis many moons ago -long before GCA.

[yogabonnie]

I recently had vertigo... and it turned out to be a virus, or food poisoning, as following it a day later I had both ends involved. Before with vertigo the Epley Maneuver has worked !! Good luck. I hate nausea and dizziness the most!

[Buzybe]

I suffered from Vertigo last year and because my blood pressure was 210 after calling 111 I was admitted to A&E. I stayed in overnight and had some tests, and left on Vertigo medication for a week and put on blood pressure tablets. Not sure if this was as a result of taking steroids. Just something else to worry about as well as PMR. Must say the Vertigo went after a week but my blood pressure is up and down and occasionally I feel a bit wobbly if I climb up on a ladder and reach up for something.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Buzybe]

Might I gently suggest that climbing up on a ladder is not recommended for our age group

The statisitics for accidents in the home in over 65s are quite staggering - and not only cost the NHS a lot but also cost lives. Even a fall from standing can do severe damage and from a ladder it is far worse.

ageuk.org.uk/latest-press/a...

Polypharmacy is also a risk factor - even 4 medications increases the risk greatly, whatever age you are, And however much our brains want to have it we are far fitter than our parents were at our age, the hardware is wearing out and has changed in its ability to heal.

[Buzybe in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your reply, it is more like standing on a small stool to reach items in my kitchen cupboards.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Buzybe]

i hope it is a proper stable step stool? Made for the job.

[Buzybe in reply to PMRpro]

😃