Post-Covid dizziness/off-balance, as most troubling symptom

Posted by kirstenk2003 @kirstenk2003, Mar 30, 2022

I contracted Covid in December 2021 and am currently dealing with persistent dizziness (off balance, sometimes feels like swaying, rocking, spinning, or a pull to one side). My other most bothersome symptoms are ear ringing, headaches (pressure in the head), feelings of pressure change in my ears, trouble multitasking or thinking, along with developing anxiety/ depression and some elevated heart rate and blood pressure.

Dizziness was not a symptom of my initial infection. I developed dizziness (not BPPV) around January 15th. I saw a physical therapist who determined I had Vestibular Hypofunction and I began vestibular therapy. It seemed to be working and I even returned to my office job for about 3 weeks, restricted hours. Two weeks ago I began feeling worse again. My physical therapist believes my initial issue has improved - so he doesn't know what's causing my current onset of symptoms. I started an antihistamine to combat any allergy related ear fluid, along with an anxiety medication to try and improve my blood pressure and heart rate.

I'm going to see an ENT next, and hope that I haven't waited too long to try other remedies (if there are any). Has anyone else experienced this overwhelming dizziness and had positive results with treatment or answers as to the cause? I'm scared that this is going to be how I feel forever.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

@kirstenk2003

Interesting you mention that. I had a total thyroidectomy in 2019 and take a hormone replacement drug. I've seen my endo every 6 weeks this year, since having covid. My TSH was extremely off immediately after covid (hyper). My thyroid levels rebounded weeks ago, and I take a RX vitamin D supplement, but just started taking B12 last week. I'll look into the other two you mentioned! Thank you

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I personally found through trial and error supplementing with active forms, so called tissue-ready forms of B vitamins, etc. like the Mayo Clinic online store sells were the most symptom relieving. They are designed for those who cannot convert non-active B vitamins to their active forms (the store's description says). I have developed some absorption problems and have found that these help.
By far the most knowledgeable laypersons I have read on topics such as vitamin B online are a Pernicious Anemia group. They really impress upon the need to have baseline labs drawn for one's doctor to evaluate prior to starting supplementation (I mention this for the benefit of others reading this).

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@kirstenk2003

Thanks for commenting. Knowing you've been dealing with this longer, what do you do that helps or how do you manage your "bad days"? And how long did it take for you to be able to function closer to normal in terms of dizziness (working, driving, etc.)? Meclizine also did nothing but make me tired. I started a non-drowsy antihistamine right after daylight savings, and I think it made a small difference - I don't feel worse so I'm going to keep taking it. I can watch TV, but using my cell phone is really difficult and brings on worsened symptoms. My PT said the key is not avoiding things and exposing my system to help it re-learn, so I'm following his guidance.

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I was unable to work for a period of time, I think about 6 weeks! Like many have said basic daily living tasks were difficult when dizziness set in. I went back to work part time, 15-20 hours per week. I updated my glasses prescription and added bifocals. During covid & post covid, my vision just didn’t seem as clear. I use artificial tear drops as needed if it seems like the dizziness or heaviness feels like it is in my eyes, it doesn’t help a lot but just in case of dry eye. Otherwise, it has been mainly lowering my expectations of myself. I tried to balance my home and work life with regard to my energy level-which affected dizziness & other symptoms. Eventually, it was best for me to stop working (my spouse was our main family support thankfully). My stress was decreased a lot and I could rest when needed. I’m not on disability or anything but in all honesty, I do not know how I would be able to work right now. Prior to making that choice, my mental health really suffered because I was unable to feel better or find validation. Have patience with yourself, I think getting well is going to be a slow journey for some. Touching base with your doctor is good too, just in case some new off label treatment is studied.

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@coopm0m

I was unable to work for a period of time, I think about 6 weeks! Like many have said basic daily living tasks were difficult when dizziness set in. I went back to work part time, 15-20 hours per week. I updated my glasses prescription and added bifocals. During covid & post covid, my vision just didn’t seem as clear. I use artificial tear drops as needed if it seems like the dizziness or heaviness feels like it is in my eyes, it doesn’t help a lot but just in case of dry eye. Otherwise, it has been mainly lowering my expectations of myself. I tried to balance my home and work life with regard to my energy level-which affected dizziness & other symptoms. Eventually, it was best for me to stop working (my spouse was our main family support thankfully). My stress was decreased a lot and I could rest when needed. I’m not on disability or anything but in all honesty, I do not know how I would be able to work right now. Prior to making that choice, my mental health really suffered because I was unable to feel better or find validation. Have patience with yourself, I think getting well is going to be a slow journey for some. Touching base with your doctor is good too, just in case some new off label treatment is studied.

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I totally understand. I'm in my 30s and was working 45+ hours prior to covid as the primary earner in our family. I am thankfully able to get some short term disability, but not sure what happens if this ends up being truly long term (among other concerns). For me, understanding what the realistic expectations are (of how long this will last) is difficult. It's hard to accept all the uncertainty and unknowns when it feels like life is on hold. I have some tiredness and overall weakness, but am lucky not to suffer from the extreme fatigue others do. I really appreciate your input and sharing your story and information.

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@rinadbq

I have difficulty loosing my balance while walking, especially if I am talking, looking around or otherwise distracted. I am working with physical therapy for covid long haulers and do see improvement but I still would not pass a field sobriety test walk doing heel to toe straight line walking. Everything is worse when I am tired or am focusing on other things at the same time-looking around an unfamiliar area when walking outside or looking for items on grocery store shelves.

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These are my symptoms exactly. What have you been doing in physical therapy that seems to help?

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@jmj01

These are my symptoms exactly. What have you been doing in physical therapy that seems to help?

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using a foam square, standing stationary with feet close together, farther apart, heel to toe, staggered in corners; those positions while facing forward ~30 seconds, then same foot positions moving the head up & down/side to side; stepping on & off the foam frontwards and from the side. Look up physical therapy foam square on line, there are a variety of prices

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@rinadbq

using a foam square, standing stationary with feet close together, farther apart, heel to toe, staggered in corners; those positions while facing forward ~30 seconds, then same foot positions moving the head up & down/side to side; stepping on & off the foam frontwards and from the side. Look up physical therapy foam square on line, there are a variety of prices

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also, a 'rocking board'

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@rinadbq

using a foam square, standing stationary with feet close together, farther apart, heel to toe, staggered in corners; those positions while facing forward ~30 seconds, then same foot positions moving the head up & down/side to side; stepping on & off the foam frontwards and from the side. Look up physical therapy foam square on line, there are a variety of prices

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Thank you! I will look into itr comment. These are my symptoms exactly.

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Any positive changes for anyone? Has anyone found relief with anything new?
I am scheduled to have a test done called a VNG to see if it shows anything with my inner ear issues I guess. I'm wondering if it's worthwhile to see a Neurologist?

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@kirstenk2003

Any positive changes for anyone? Has anyone found relief with anything new?
I am scheduled to have a test done called a VNG to see if it shows anything with my inner ear issues I guess. I'm wondering if it's worthwhile to see a Neurologist?

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I'm having headaches, dizziness, memory loss, muscle loss, hair loss. Waiting on CT scan and MRI results. If everything checks out ok I will go until I find out what's going on. I hate feeling this way. Hope you get some answers!

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I had covid pneumonia last June2021. i lost significant hearing in my left ear. when hearing is sufficiently different from one ear to another, the pressures within the ears can be significantly different as well. this will affect how your brain and body coordinate movement and stability. The vng can determine issyes related to vakance and stability by looking at eye movements as your body moves. The doctor show also check for floating crystals in your ears.

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