Treating vertigo?

Get new doctor

That’s exactly what I have done! I hate that in retirement that we did not chose an area close to a large medical center… ie the Research Triangle, Cleveland, Mayo etc!

I experienced my first feelings of vertigo (room spinning, no nausea) last Sunday morning and went to the ER fearing a stroke (70 years old.) I had 2 instances each lasting perhaps 10 sec or less (although felt like longer.) I also felt pressure and what I call a “tingling” around my head but no further spinning. A head CT w/contrast found no indications of stroke. I was given meclizine but did not seem to have an effect. Again the vertigo feelings had stopped before I got there. The ER said most likely ear crystals and referred me to the internet for the Epley Manuever. (I experienced the pressure/tingling for several weeks last summer and finally went to ER which found no cause. PCP follow-up saw swollen sinuses and gave me an antibiotic which cleared things up. The latest ER did not seem interested in this but only “right now.” I also do not know why the ER could not do the simple positional test to confirm ear crystals. It is quick and easy.) I continued to feel the pressure and mild headache upon returning home. I also researched the Epley and tried several times. I also did the old-fashioned head over a pot of hot water which brought relief. When I saw my PCP yesterday, the ear crystals could not be detected — either not the issue or I had cleared myself. The CT did reveal (though not told to me at the ER) swollen mastoid cysts most likely caused by allergens (of which there are plenty this spring.) This also could have caused the vertigo. I was given a nasal spray Rx and am continuing the steam treatment. I also am trying to be conscious of how I move my head. I have experienced no more vertigo issues. My PCP ok’d me to drive. I do have a referral to ENT for another issue found in the CT and hope to address the sinus issue as well.

I wanted to post this question separately. Has anyone experienced vertigo while driving? I know to pull over — but how do you do this on a multi-lane road with no shoulder? Just would like a little advice.

@maomac As a lifelong vertigo sufferer, I sympathize with the sudden, awful spinning feeling. Meclizine never helped me either. I am glad you are seeing an ENT for followup. Be sure to discuss the vertigo issue, even if it doesn't happen again before your visit!
When you visit the ER, their role is to rule out immediate, serious or life threatening issues. Sadly, in today's health-care only a few ER docs and their staffs have the time to treat beyond that, that's why we nearly always leave the hospital with instructions to "see your PCP for followup."
I was treated at a "dizzy and balance clinic" to positively identify my benign posititional vertigo (BPPV). After many bouts, some lasting a week, I finally know some things that trigger my vertigo, and some signs it may be coming back. Before the first wave hits, I start doing the Epley maneuver at least 3 times a day.
As for driving, curiously, I have never actually had the onset of an attack behind the wheel, but sometimes one will hit as I try to exit the car.
You are right, allergies can be a trigger - do you often suffer from other allergy symptoms?

About 4 yrs ago I experienced my first bout of vertigo after rolling over in bed. It lasted about 5 seconds. ER gave me meclizine which did not help as the dizziness was gone. After internet research, I found Carol Foster MD’s maneuver site. She is an ENT who had a vertigo episode and figured out a maneuver to move the ear crystals back into the inner ear. I use this maneuver every time I get vertigo, which hasn’t happened in a year. So much more effective than the Epley maneuver. I also have discovered that allergies—both seasonal and for dust mites in my case—have caused my vertigo. I now take nasal spray Azelestine in morning and nasal spray Mometasone before bed. I haven’t had vertigo in a year since using these nasal sprays! Please ask your doc for these sprays. They are absolute lifesavers if you have allergies that cause vertigo!

@sueinmn Thank you for your comments. I have never been tested or diagnosed with any allergy issues. I have always experienced minor nasal dripping year round and some stuffiness in springtime. Nothing that was really bothersome. I think this can change with age. I did have a head cold about 4 or 5 weeks prior. This may have left some residual sinus issues that have been exacerbated by the heavy spring blossoming.

@maomac I had vertigo several years ago . I went to a Neurologist . He ran several tests to include looking for a possible brain tumor that can cause it. He finally came to the conclusion that there was probably a build up of fluid in my inner ear so he put me on a diuretic in hopes to drain the fluid and it worked . This may be is some help to you ! All the best . Kay B.

Thank you. If my sinus cysts are so swollen, it makes sense to me that fluid could be in ear as well. I need to see the ENT for a different reason as well. Depending on results, I would consider a neurologist.