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Post by peano on Dec 26, 2023 15:37:56 GMT
I woke up Christmas Eve with what I later learned was vertigo--sitting, standing, lying down. I didn't think vertigo was even a thing aside from a Hitchcock film. DH took me to the ER and they did a work-up to rule out anything serious and luckily all clear.
I think the vertigo stems from a fall I had a couple of weeks ago where my dog and another one were wrestling and bumped into me and I fell backwards downhill and the jolt to my head and neck was not super hard, but I still felt it. I wasn't having of the severe concussion symptoms according to Google, so didn't get checked, but I did feel like I had whiplash for a couple of days. They prescribed Meclizine in the ER, but it seems to be for severe symptoms like nausea, which I'm not having. And because of the side effects, I'm not sure I want to take it.
What's most troublesome is that no one can give me an idea of when this goes away. If you've had it, would you share your experience.
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zztop11
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Oct 10, 2014 0:54:51 GMT
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Post by zztop11 on Dec 26, 2023 16:01:32 GMT
I'm being treated for this now. Just had MRI of brain and it came back negative. No bleed, stroke or tumor. I've been seeing a physical therapist. There are all kinds of maneuvers they can do to figure out where it's coming from. They put a pair of goggles on you and can see your eye movements (Nystagmus ). Then they move your head in a certain way to get the crystals that are in your ear canals back where they should be. If I were you, I would definitey make an appt. to see a PT.
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Post by gillyp on Dec 26, 2023 16:23:01 GMT
I get it particularly when tipping my head back to look up or when first lying down in bed. As zztop11 says there are manoeuvres you can do that help clear the crystals from the inner ear. A YouTube search will show you (I’m useless linking on my phone) but check with a professional first.
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Post by katlady on Dec 26, 2023 16:27:49 GMT
Yes, I’ve had vertigo. I did one of the maneuvers I found on YouTube and it helped a lot. I’ll see if I can find the video. It involves tilting and turning your head in a prescribed fashion to move the crystals in your ear around. youtu.be/Wez9SZJ7ABs?si=bd0blRERZpIVi8GVHere is the one that helped me.
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Post by scrapmaven on Dec 26, 2023 16:33:20 GMT
Please google the Epley Maneuver. It takes 30 seconds and works wonders for dh. He learned it in PT. I hope this resolves right away for you.
You'll see a few youtube videos showing you how to do it. It's easy. I am horrible w/links.
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garcia5050
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Post by garcia5050 on Dec 26, 2023 16:33:21 GMT
It’s the eppley maneuver. It also helps me. I feel like I get little morning bouts of vertigo when I’ve not had enough water. My DH has permanent vertigo. Went through all the specialists for a couple of years and found none of the usual causes. So he went to therapy to learn to live with it. I hope this isn’t the case for you. Doc says he likely had an inner ear infection, and didn’t know. Then he could have damaged it by holding in a sneeze, or even tweezing his ear hairs. Who knows?
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Anita
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Post by Anita on Dec 26, 2023 16:57:25 GMT
I'd had episodes of vertigo for decades. Annoying, but I lived with it. But earlier this year, I had an episode so severe I could barely sit up, much less stand and walk. And it went on for WEEKS. I couldn't get in to be seen for weeks, so I tried everything Dr. Google could tell me. And from my research, I convinced myself I had Meniere's Disease. I was so convinced that I gave up caffeine cold turkey. It actually helped a lot, but it didn't solve the problem. It still made it livable until I got to the specialist. They put me through so many bizarre tests with helmets on my head, goggles, spinning chairs, counting backward, balance tests. It was intense. Turned out I had sustained nerve damage in one of my ears. I had to take six weeks of physical therapy to learn how to overcome it. Over time it did improve, but it can come and go. I just have exercises now that help with it. They said it was likely from a cold or covid virus that I'd had a couple of weeks before the onset of dizziness.
I tried to back to caffeine and noticed my dizziness increased, so I made the decision to cut it out permanently. And honestly, I am not 100% convinced that I don't also have Meniere's because other symptoms (extreme heaviness feeling in one ear) just fit too well. So I figure it's better to avoid it as much as I can.
Good luck!
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Post by taylortroop on Dec 26, 2023 17:22:49 GMT
I’ve had vertigo twice. Both times, I was totally fine but woke up in the morning with it. Dr prescribed Valium and it helped. The worst was the nausea that the dizziness caused. Both times it lasted about a week. Apparently if you’ve had it once, you will be prone to getting it again.
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CeeScraps
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Jun 26, 2014 12:56:40 GMT
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Post by CeeScraps on Dec 26, 2023 17:37:48 GMT
There is a doctor in Denver that has created a maneuver that you can do at home. I do it when it hits. I've screamed through doing it, but it works.
Google Denver Dr vertigo.
You need to get on the floor on your hands/knees. Go from there with the video.
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Post by librarylady on Dec 26, 2023 17:41:43 GMT
Mine lasted only a couple of days. Epley movement did help me.
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Post by piebaker on Dec 26, 2023 19:08:13 GMT
I had a two day migraine then vertigo started at night that left me sleeping on only one side. If I turned into my back or the others side, the room would spin for a minute or two each time. When I was upright, everything was fine.
My vertigo was caused by an infection in a tooth that had been root canaled and capped years before. The infection was found during a cleaning when I had sensitivity with that tooth and I had to see an endodontist. The endodontist drilled through the cap, removed the fillings and retreated/medicated two of three canals(third canal contained the post.) He also gave me antibiotics and filled all the temporary work one month later.
I hope you find the cause or a treatment that helps you find relief.
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leeny
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Post by leeny on Dec 26, 2023 19:32:42 GMT
I have been dealing with it since May. I had one episode 30 years ago and the Epley maneuver solved it. This time it has not. I've been to physical therapy and since it has not been solved I saw a neurologist who referred me for a CT and to Audiologist. CT is clear but the test at the audiologist said I have a form of Vestibular Dysfunction. This translates to my eyes, ears and brain are not coordinating for some reason. Back to physical therapy and have a different set of exercises. Found out that I will have to live with this. I did not have a fall or brain injury prior to it starting in May. If I am out and about and having some dizziness I take Dramamine. It takes the edge off and the only side effect I have is tiredness.
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pilcas
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Post by pilcas on Dec 26, 2023 19:36:13 GMT
My mother had it, went to the ER, they did all the testing and was told to do the manouver. They did not prescribe anything. It went away in about a week.
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Post by Basket1lady on Dec 26, 2023 19:46:00 GMT
I had a severe case of it about 10 years ago. I’m even in the medical journals! Most cases resolve themselves on their own after a few days. Trying the Epley maneuver certainly can’t hurt and will tell you if it’s from your ear crystals dislodging.
Certainly read the precautions, but meclizine is a pretty common medication sold over the counter for motion sickness. It dulls your vestibular system and will definitely help with the vertigo. Don’t drive while taking it until you know how it affects you. It can make you sleepy, even up to 24 hours after taking it.
They think that my case was a sinus infection that ate into my inner ear. I have a large mass of scar tissue there. I couldn’t walk or talk properly, read, or even watch tv. I spent 18 months in OT and PT to essentially retrain my brain around the damage. I worked with professionals at the Wounded Warrior Center at Walter Reed who really knew their stuff.
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Post by KikiPea on Dec 26, 2023 19:51:25 GMT
Yes, I got it after having Covid. I was given Meclizine as well by my PCP, and it seemed to help. I did not have nausea either.
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gensmith
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Post by gensmith on Dec 26, 2023 20:54:11 GMT
I have been suffering from this since summer off and on when I lay down or tilt my head back. The only thing that has helped is if I stay upright and I’ve even been sleeping sitting up in recliner.
I tried the epley maneuver mentioned here a bit ago and as soon as I did first part laying back I got extremely dizzy and sat right up. It went away after a few seconds but I feel nauseous. That was awful and I have no idea what it means.
I hope you find something that helps. It’s awful to deal with.
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Post by angel97701 on Dec 26, 2023 22:41:42 GMT
Please google the Epley Maneuver. It takes 30 seconds and works wonders for dh. He learned it in PT. I hope this resolves right away for you.
You'll see a few youtube videos showing you how to do it. It's easy. I am horrible w/links.
I had severe Vertigo in my 30+ years ago from a Traumatic Brain Injury, diagnosed by an ENT. About 2 years of PT, acupuncture, and osteopathic rehab. Thankfully I did recover. About 2 years ago I had a spell of it again. Went to an ENT and one of the PAs did the Epley. If it is a sudden onset it is often the crystal in your inner ear canals that are misplaced.
Not fun, and hopefully yours is not long term!
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Post by Basket1lady on Dec 26, 2023 22:54:57 GMT
I have been suffering from this since summer off and on when I lay down or tilt my head back. The only thing that has helped is if I stay upright and I’ve even been sleeping sitting up in recliner. I tried the epley maneuver mentioned here a bit ago and as soon as I did first part laying back I got extremely dizzy and sat right up. It went away after a few seconds but I feel nauseous. That was awful and I have no idea what it means. I hope you find something that helps. It’s awful to deal with. It sounds like it could be your ear crystals. Either force yourself to keep going or see a PT. If it is the crystals, relief is almost immediate.
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Post by mom2kbs on Dec 26, 2023 23:11:49 GMT
I take meclizine and then sleep. There is a newer maneuver that is like a somersault that works for me
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Post by lisae on Dec 26, 2023 23:15:35 GMT
DH has had this. The first round of it he went to his GP and I don't really think they gave him anything. He struggled along with it for months and eventually it did go away. When it came back again, I got him into see and ENT. what a difference! They used a special table to rebalance those crystals you have in your ears and gave him exercises to do at home. Went away much quicker. I highly recommend visiting an Ear Nose and Throat doctor that treats vertigo.
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Post by Lexica on Dec 26, 2023 23:54:59 GMT
I have had several episodes over a few years. Mine hit suddenly without warning or apparent causation. Well, other than the one episode that occurred a few hours after falling down the stairs. They usually lasted between 30 minutes to an hour. They all brought on vomiting from the extreme dizziness except for once. I was fortunate that they went away on their own. The only time I ended up at the hospital was after falling down the stairs. That fall resulted in broken ribs and collar bones, as well as a fractured cheek and orbital bone. They did imaging of my head a few times to locate the internal bleeding in my head. Fortunately, the blood was not coming from the brain itself, it was due to a fractured orbital bone. I still have a dent in my forehead that I guess will always be there now. At least the ability to move my eyebrow returned. That was so strange looking, to only be surprised on half of my face.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Dec 27, 2023 3:42:59 GMT
I've had it, most of the time it is very mild and more like feeling off balance for a few seconds. But one time I woke up during the night and everything was spinning like I was really drunk but I wasn't. I couldn't walk or anything because I was so dizzy. DH took me to the ER and like you, they prescribed Meclizine (Dramamine) and Ativan. They said to use the Meclizine as needed but I haven't had to use it too many times. I didn't really have side effects but at home I have the non-drowsy version.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Dec 27, 2023 3:45:36 GMT
I have been suffering from this since summer off and on when I lay down or tilt my head back. The only thing that has helped is if I stay upright and I’ve even been sleeping sitting up in recliner. I tried the epley maneuver mentioned here a bit ago and as soon as I did first part laying back I got extremely dizzy and sat right up. It went away after a few seconds but I feel nauseous. That was awful and I have no idea what it means. I hope you find something that helps. It’s awful to deal with. Several years ago I was having the feeling of being off balance or dizzy quite often. I went somewhere that did Balance testing. They tested for crystals and some other things. They ended up diagnosing vestibular migraines for me but this type of testing might be helpful for you.
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zella
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Post by zella on Dec 27, 2023 4:15:04 GMT
Oh hell yes. I've had everything from suffering horribly with it for months, having to crawl to the kitchen and bathroom to just recently having odd bouts of a day or two. I agree about the Epley maneuvers, the half somersault, just start doing anything you can find on YouTube. I would take the meclizine even if you don't feel sick... the nausea can come on suddenly. And if you still need help, Valium is the drug of choice. I'm not kidding about that, it really is helpful. But there is no way to foresee how long a bout will last. I presume my recent episodes were also triggered by a head bonk when I got a mild concussion. I didn't realize I was concussed until I realized I had about a five hour memory gap. But the vertigo happened months after the concussion. Weird. Hope yours goes away quickly.
And to everyone suffering with vertigo, I FEEL YOUR SPINNING AND SHIP MOVING! Vertigo is really awful and I'm so sorry for anyone who has it.
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Post by SallyPA on Dec 27, 2023 5:29:25 GMT
I have had it on again, odd again for several years with episodes that last minutes to hours. I have meclizine to take when it’s very bad. It’s weird.
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Post by peano on Dec 27, 2023 6:02:49 GMT
Thanks for everyone's responses. Very helpful. I didn't get much info on what to do after the ER--I imagine it's because they were busy and short-staffed. But will look into PT and the ear crystal thing, although I do think my vertigo is related to my fall.
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smartypants71
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Jun 25, 2014 22:47:49 GMT
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Post by smartypants71 on Dec 27, 2023 20:47:27 GMT
I used to get vertigo every year or so for about a month at a time. MY ENT determined that it was viral since no medication or PT helped. She said it was most likely related to the herpes zoster virus. I haven't had any issues since I've gotten the shingles vaccine.
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stittsygirl
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Post by stittsygirl on Dec 28, 2023 3:43:58 GMT
Yes, for several weeks after COVID last year, then reoccurring regularly since then. I’ve had most of the tests and procedures mentioned in previous posts. They did discover signs of a small stroke at some point, and the crystals in my left ear like to stick together.
I do a modified form of Epley’s when it gets bad. I don’t like Meclazine because it makes me so tired and I often have my issues at work because I move so much. I do tend to get very nauseated with my vertigo and dizziness and treat that with occasional Zofran when it gets too bad to function well.
Hope you get it figured out 😊.
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Post by danalz on Dec 28, 2023 21:13:56 GMT
I had a severe case of Vertigo in October 2022 which landed me in the hospital for 3 days. I couldn't walk and I was almost constantly vomiting. Went to the ER and they did a CT, which was negative for all of the big stuff (stroke, brain bleed, etc) I had a cold for a week or so before the episode and they think that it turned into a severe sinus infection, which then affected something in my inner ears.
Spent 3 days in observation at the hospital because I wasn't safe to go home because I couldn't walk. Discharged home with a walker and no driving for a month. They gave me meclizine 3 times per day which eventually cleared it up.
I wouldn't wish vertigo on my worst enemy. It was pretty awful.
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Post by needtime2scrap on Jan 4, 2024 2:15:53 GMT
I ended up with vertigo a couple of weeks ago and I tried the elpey maneuver and wound up with the worse case of nausea! Is that normal?
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