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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 | @kirstenk2003 | May 23, 2022
In reply to @lynngns "Been through all of this and saw an ENT. Seems its a wait and see blamed..." + (show)
@lynngns

Been through all of this and saw an ENT. Seems its a wait and see blamed on Covid.

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I'm sorry to hear about your struggles and hope that as research continues there will be some answers for all of us! You're not alone, so many dealing with varying issues and timelines. I've seen ENT and Cardiologist with Normal results and no explanation of the root cause of my dizziness. PT was the most helpful in improving symptoms, but I'm out of covered visits and still not back to my pre-covid normal after 5 months. My primary doctor is supportive but not sure how to help mostly, and in the meantime we're trying to treat anything we CAN identify and hope it makes some difference overall. I've seen some progress and try to remind myself to be thankful for anything, but it's not always easy to stay positive. Hang in there.

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1 reply
kid2thdr | @kid2thdr | May 25, 2022
In reply to @kirstenk2003 "I'm sorry to hear about your struggles and hope that as research continues there will be..." + (show)
@kirstenk2003

I'm sorry to hear about your struggles and hope that as research continues there will be some answers for all of us! You're not alone, so many dealing with varying issues and timelines. I've seen ENT and Cardiologist with Normal results and no explanation of the root cause of my dizziness. PT was the most helpful in improving symptoms, but I'm out of covered visits and still not back to my pre-covid normal after 5 months. My primary doctor is supportive but not sure how to help mostly, and in the meantime we're trying to treat anything we CAN identify and hope it makes some difference overall. I've seen some progress and try to remind myself to be thankful for anything, but it's not always easy to stay positive. Hang in there.

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This very similar to my situation with ENT and PT. Cardiologist referred me to neurologist to role out peripheral neuropathy. In fact I was diagnosed with motor-sensory poly peripheral neuropathy. I’m not sure I understand the dizziness and unsteadiness mechanism but I think maybe because proprioception. An early PT worked on balance, but more so on strength, her rationale being (I think) if I could improve my legs and core strength, I will be more likely to catch myself and reduce my falling if/during my dizzy periods. I’m a 69 yo dentist and travel internationally on a monthly basis in medical teams treating refugees and indigent. I have described walking as if I were wearing ice skates.

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2 replies
kirstenk2003 | @kirstenk2003 | Jun 8, 2022
In reply to @kid2thdr "This very similar to my situation with ENT and PT. Cardiologist referred me to neurologist to..." + (show)
@kid2thdr

This very similar to my situation with ENT and PT. Cardiologist referred me to neurologist to role out peripheral neuropathy. In fact I was diagnosed with motor-sensory poly peripheral neuropathy. I’m not sure I understand the dizziness and unsteadiness mechanism but I think maybe because proprioception. An early PT worked on balance, but more so on strength, her rationale being (I think) if I could improve my legs and core strength, I will be more likely to catch myself and reduce my falling if/during my dizzy periods. I’m a 69 yo dentist and travel internationally on a monthly basis in medical teams treating refugees and indigent. I have described walking as if I were wearing ice skates.

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Interesting - neurologist is the only specialist I've considered but not seen yet. Was there an effective treatment for the neuropathy that improved your issues?

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shaman1955 | @shaman1955 | Jun 8, 2022

If you are having blood pressure issues (high) and heart rate (racing), you might want to get checked out for AFIB,

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1 reply
kirstenk2003 | @kirstenk2003 | Jun 8, 2022
In reply to @shaman1955 "If you are having blood pressure issues (high) and heart rate (racing), you might want to..." + (show)
@shaman1955

If you are having blood pressure issues (high) and heart rate (racing), you might want to get checked out for AFIB,

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I did end up having some testing done! No afib thankfully, so we are treating both symptoms with standard medication.

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lp3star | @lp3star | Jun 9, 2022

Hello, i'm going through exactly the same thing you are describing(balance issues anxiety) . In top of that another issue have to deal with are muscle spasms/restless leg. I consider myself a somewhat healthy person now I have to deal with blood pressure spikes out of nowhere. Will be seeing a ent doctor next week. In meantime hope you find answers and especially relief soon. Take care and Godspeed

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2 replies
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jun 9, 2022
In reply to @lp3star "Hello, i'm going through exactly the same thing you are describing(balance issues anxiety) . In top..." + (show)
@lp3star

Hello, i'm going through exactly the same thing you are describing(balance issues anxiety) . In top of that another issue have to deal with are muscle spasms/restless leg. I consider myself a somewhat healthy person now I have to deal with blood pressure spikes out of nowhere. Will be seeing a ent doctor next week. In meantime hope you find answers and especially relief soon. Take care and Godspeed

Jump to this post

Welcome @lp3star, I know it can be unsettling to not have answers to what is causing the symptoms. I think it is good that you have an appointment next week to see an ENT doctor. I hope you get some answers. Can you return after your appointment and provide an update?

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1 reply
lynndanielle | @lynndanielle | Jun 9, 2022
In reply to @lp3star "Hello, i'm going through exactly the same thing you are describing(balance issues anxiety) . In top..." + (show)
@lp3star

Hello, i'm going through exactly the same thing you are describing(balance issues anxiety) . In top of that another issue have to deal with are muscle spasms/restless leg. I consider myself a somewhat healthy person now I have to deal with blood pressure spikes out of nowhere. Will be seeing a ent doctor next week. In meantime hope you find answers and especially relief soon. Take care and Godspeed

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lp3star - Will you please return and update what the ENT said? Our daughter, age 19 is also having ongoing lightheadedness, dizzy spells, and blood pressure spikes and this all started exactly 3 months from when she first got COVID omicron. None of these symptoms were present prior to the 3 month start from initial COVID infection...
Thank you all for sharing so we can all contribute to helping each other!!!
Lynn M

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2 replies
lp3star | @lp3star | Jun 9, 2022
In reply to @johnbishop "Welcome @lp3star, I know it can be unsettling to not have answers to what is causing..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Welcome @lp3star, I know it can be unsettling to not have answers to what is causing the symptoms. I think it is good that you have an appointment next week to see an ENT doctor. I hope you get some answers. Can you return after your appointment and provide an update?

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Hello @johnbishop thank you for taking the time and welcoming me to the Mayo clinic connect, I stumbled upon the site by chance while looking for answers/information about my symptoms. I appreciate that people are sharing and describing their symptoms as it's not always easy. God willing I'll be here for updates, Yes
Loren

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