Constant dizziness/imbalance

Posted by Chester @chester, Jul 21, 2011

I'm a 47 year old male, and I've been experiencing a non-spinning dizziness/imbalance feeling for over ten months now. It all started after having a sinus and ear infection. I've had and MRI of the head, balance testing, blood tests for any deficiencies, heart tests, all of which are negative. I am suppose to see a neurologist next. Anyone else having similar problems?

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Some sleep medications (like Ativan, Trazadone) can impair balance. Try to go for a few days with as few medications as possible.

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@sb4ca

I have the same thing right now. This started with an acute bilateral herpes eye infection. I already have orthostatic hypotension (I hope they've ruled this out for you) and it's made it way worse. I have to squat down to avoid fainting (I've hurt myself trying to ignore it). Now I'm wondering if it's related to medication they put me on and I've finished the course today. Have you had a full eye inspection? Or any eye symptoms at all? I'm wondering if you could have an issue with a nerve of your ear or eyes. Just a thought anyway

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I developed a dizziness problem after taking suprep prior to an colonoscopy. It came and went but caused me to fall and whiplash my neck, which made it increasingly worse. Then after cataract surgery, I developed diplopia when I look at an object straight ahead and turn my head to left or right. That required me to wear prism glasses, which made my depth perception worse and caused me to fall again, which really whiplashed my neck and multiplied my dizziness and balance problems and sent me to a neurologist for help. Hr gave me an MRI of my cervical spine which showed serious damage to my C4 - C7 discs. As a result, I was evaluated by a neurosurgeon at Mayo, who will perform a ACDF in a month. My neurosurgeon did not think my cervical spine problem could be causing my diplopia, but we have decided to have a cardiovascular surgeon evaluate me to rule out the possibility of my head twist to the side could be blocking a vein or artery carrying oxygen to my brain.. Will let you know if anything turns up to explain that problem.

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@johnbishop

Welcome @dlydia, Thanks for sharing what helped you. Do you mind sharing what type of eye exercises helped and how you found them?

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So eye exercises helps you they have me doing retraining looking at cards and exercises for my leg's

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@dlydia

My diagnosis was by the ENT doctor. The inner ear does two things. It allows you to hear and it helps you maintain balance, because mine doesn’t function properly my balance is off. The idea of the exercises is to retrain the brain and stimulate the inner ear, to improve the balance.
I have a post note with a big X on it on my kitchen cabinet that is eye level. I stare at the X and move my head from side to side to the beat of a metronome, which is going 120 beats a minute.
I repeat that moving my head up and down. I do this three times for a total of six minutes. I do the whole exercise again Two more times during the day. This for a total of three times a day, and I try to space it out equally. I saw improvement after about 10 - 14 days.
Hopefully this will be helpful for you. Keep me posted.

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I'm also doing this .but I don't see where it's helping me.

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Review with your physician, pharmacist and your own research. I was dizzy for 8 months with bouts of horrendous vertigo until I research myself....it was being caused by the Eliquis I was changed to in place of the warfarin. Don't bother with ENTs, stick with your neurologists. neurosurgeons.

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I'm just asking for clarification. When you say dizzy do you mean like light-headed/out of balance? Or do you mean vertigo, where the whole room spins?
I get dizzy from low blood pressure, but a few years ago I had vertigo which was result of crystals in inner ear and Dr taught me Eply manuver which solved my problem.

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I stopped drinking alcohol two years ago as advised as it destroys brain cells I was told. The other night I could not sleep so I lied there counting how many units I have drank over a life time and came to the conclusion I have only one brain cell left, clinging onto the back of my skull for grim life. I call it my Harry.

I know some people who have no Harries at all!

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I have Ataxia as a result of brain issues in my Cerebellum. Ataxia is rare, sometimes genetic, and has no cure.

Some of what I experience: off balance when I walk (not dizziness), double vision, uncoordinated movements (clumsy), I need to use a walker or cane when I’m out. I need shoes that hold my feet in place (not too wide or floppy), and a few other things.

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@1995victoria

I'm just asking for clarification. When you say dizzy do you mean like light-headed/out of balance? Or do you mean vertigo, where the whole room spins?
I get dizzy from low blood pressure, but a few years ago I had vertigo which was result of crystals in inner ear and Dr taught me Eply manuver which solved my problem.

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No I was tested for the crystals and it wasn't that so I had a VNG done and found out it's Vestibular hypofunction and I also have neuropathy just doing physical therapy but it's been a life change. I get very unbalanced while walking i useca walking stick now

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@SusanEllen66

I have Ataxia as a result of brain issues in my Cerebellum. Ataxia is rare, sometimes genetic, and has no cure.

Some of what I experience: off balance when I walk (not dizziness), double vision, uncoordinated movements (clumsy), I need to use a walker or cane when I’m out. I need shoes that hold my feet in place (not too wide or floppy), and a few other things.

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That sounds like me
this past year .haven't worked in a year .how did you find out about axatia?
I was told I have vestibular hypofunction and neuropathy and I also use a walking stick and wear converse shoes now because they hold my feet in place.
But I can't do crowds

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