1. < Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)

Chronic subjective dizziness

Posted by John L @johnl1, Mar 17, 2013

February 2013. After years of experiencing unexplained "dizziness," my words, I just received the diagnosis of CSD. It became intolerable this last fall, I was unable to function. Everyone around me was so pleased to have a label for it, I was hoping for more, like relief. At this site I have seen reference to Xanax and klonopin, but not Sertraline. I'm planning on trying Sertraline, I'm surprised there is no mention of it here.

I figured I had Meniers desease, they say no, because it's not episodic; it's constant. And they claim ear damage can't explain my symptoms. Yet I have been told by friends that they know of others, who probably have ear damage (from running chainsaws for years) complain of constant dizziness. Guess I still wonder about that.

breath air, eat food,
J

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Claudia11 | @claudia11 | Mar 18, 2013

I have had constant dizziness for 2 years. Have been to over ten doctors in Chicago.
For over one year I had no diagnosis. Then I was told that I might have cervical vertigo. Then it was vestibular nerve disoder and now it is possible nerve compression.
I have osteoarthritis and have had 3 abnormal ABRs. My MRI is fine and is all tje blood work. Am trying high dose cortisone for 10 days. Have also been told to try effexor or lexapro, One of my docotrs suggested gabapentin. Have not taken any of those.
Have been to physical therapy for four months and tried several vestibular nerve therapy. So far nothing has worked.
I would also like to know if anyone has had success with klonopin or sertraline.

Thank you and good luck

REPLY
lyonsden10 | @lyonsden10 | Mar 23, 2013

I have been disabled by chronic dizziness since 2010. For me, I am convinced that Klonopin was part of the problem that fried my nervous system and started this nightmare. Check out the book Benzo-Wise: A Recovery Companion by V Baylissa Frederick. I only took .25, but it was nightmare getting off of it. I would never use it again. There are great support groups about the dangers of benzos. I, too, have seen so many types of doctors. The label of CSD seems like an easy out to blame anxiety for what is a complex physical issue.

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6 replies
John L | @johnl1 | Mar 31, 2013

I will be speaking to a doctor soon about Sertraline (April 5, 2013); I will share results ASAP. I was offered a trial of Xanax, I decided not to try it, I want a long term solution, this is a long term problem; I am leaning toward Zoloft, mentioned in some online info by a Dr. Staab. I cannot argue against anxiety playing a role, that being the case, I consider an anxiety Rx to be worthy of a try.
Best regards

REPLY
John L | @johnl1 | May 29, 2013
In reply to @lyonsden10 "I have been disabled by chronic dizziness since 2010. For me, I am convinced that Klonopin..." + (show)
@lyonsden10

I have been disabled by chronic dizziness since 2010. For me, I am convinced that Klonopin was part of the problem that fried my nervous system and started this nightmare. Check out the book Benzo-Wise: A Recovery Companion by V Baylissa Frederick. I only took .25, but it was nightmare getting off of it. I would never use it again. There are great support groups about the dangers of benzos. I, too, have seen so many types of doctors. The label of CSD seems like an easy out to blame anxiety for what is a complex physical issue.

Jump to this post

Trying Zoloft. Just now getting to 100mg. Really nothing yet to share. My plan is to stick with Sertraline for 30 days, then I'll share again.

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marie | @irishlace38 | May 3, 2015
In reply to @lyonsden10 "I have been disabled by chronic dizziness since 2010. For me, I am convinced that Klonopin..." + (show)
@lyonsden10

I have been disabled by chronic dizziness since 2010. For me, I am convinced that Klonopin was part of the problem that fried my nervous system and started this nightmare. Check out the book Benzo-Wise: A Recovery Companion by V Baylissa Frederick. I only took .25, but it was nightmare getting off of it. I would never use it again. There are great support groups about the dangers of benzos. I, too, have seen so many types of doctors. The label of CSD seems like an easy out to blame anxiety for what is a complex physical issue.

Jump to this post

Chronic dizziness is a terrible & sometimes disabling way to live. Have enduring this for 7 mos. some days are better than others. I have a arthritic neck & wonder if that could be a cause. Doc doesn't think so. To have mri & cat scan wed & not looking forward to it - will need to medicate. I hope I get through it.!!

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1 reply
John L | @johnl1 | May 19, 2015
In reply to @lyonsden10 "I have been disabled by chronic dizziness since 2010. For me, I am convinced that Klonopin..." + (show)
@lyonsden10

I have been disabled by chronic dizziness since 2010. For me, I am convinced that Klonopin was part of the problem that fried my nervous system and started this nightmare. Check out the book Benzo-Wise: A Recovery Companion by V Baylissa Frederick. I only took .25, but it was nightmare getting off of it. I would never use it again. There are great support groups about the dangers of benzos. I, too, have seen so many types of doctors. The label of CSD seems like an easy out to blame anxiety for what is a complex physical issue.

Jump to this post

Yes, it is terrible. So is Meniere's. Acceptance, was and still is a<br />
struggle for me. But it is the one thing that allows me to move on. It is<br />
beyond doctors to alleviate all suffering, and our thinking otherwise is<br />
unproductive. It is just a part of life. It is difficult to start, but a<br />
gratitude list helps. I'm grateful for my kids, grand kids, lichen that<br />
grows on rocks, moss. My wife. And really many other things; it was not<br />
always like this.<br />
<br />
We all have to look for and use what works for us as individuals. This is<br />
our purpose in life, at least a part of it.<br />
<br />
Hoping you prosper,<br />
J<br />

REPLY
marie | @irishlace38 | May 20, 2015
In reply to @lyonsden10 "I have been disabled by chronic dizziness since 2010. For me, I am convinced that Klonopin..." + (show)
@lyonsden10

I have been disabled by chronic dizziness since 2010. For me, I am convinced that Klonopin was part of the problem that fried my nervous system and started this nightmare. Check out the book Benzo-Wise: A Recovery Companion by V Baylissa Frederick. I only took .25, but it was nightmare getting off of it. I would never use it again. There are great support groups about the dangers of benzos. I, too, have seen so many types of doctors. The label of CSD seems like an easy out to blame anxiety for what is a complex physical issue.

Jump to this post

Hello John,

Thank you for the response to my posts. My MRI that I had last week to check the arteries in my brain & neck came back okay. And while that is a good thing, I am still walking around with my "space" head & walking a little off kilter sometime.

I have not reached the point of acceptance. I would like a reason or a dx telling me what is causing this & why. Once in a while I will get a day that allows me to almost feel "normal". I miss my life & feel bad for my husband.

I am glad for you that you have come to accept your issues. Thanks again.

Marie

REPLY
John L | @johnl1 | May 21, 2015
In reply to @lyonsden10 "I have been disabled by chronic dizziness since 2010. For me, I am convinced that Klonopin..." + (show)
@lyonsden10

I have been disabled by chronic dizziness since 2010. For me, I am convinced that Klonopin was part of the problem that fried my nervous system and started this nightmare. Check out the book Benzo-Wise: A Recovery Companion by V Baylissa Frederick. I only took .25, but it was nightmare getting off of it. I would never use it again. There are great support groups about the dangers of benzos. I, too, have seen so many types of doctors. The label of CSD seems like an easy out to blame anxiety for what is a complex physical issue.

Jump to this post

Hi,<br />
I should probably add; my acceptance is not total, and it took time.<br />
Started my journey in the 80's. Went to an ER in 2008 and was referred to a<br />
neurologist then ENT, cardiologist too. A couple of years ago it started<br />
interfering with work. It's been progressive. Just had another MRI, it came<br />
back OK, I was disappointed. Besides CSD there is Meniere's and a skull<br />
malformation having an affect on the brain stem. And our cerrabellum also<br />
plays a role with balance. Maybe in time, they'll nail this thing down.<br />
Keep on, keeping on.<br />
<br />

REPLY
marie | @irishlace38 | May 22, 2015
In reply to @lyonsden10 "I have been disabled by chronic dizziness since 2010. For me, I am convinced that Klonopin..." + (show)
@lyonsden10

I have been disabled by chronic dizziness since 2010. For me, I am convinced that Klonopin was part of the problem that fried my nervous system and started this nightmare. Check out the book Benzo-Wise: A Recovery Companion by V Baylissa Frederick. I only took .25, but it was nightmare getting off of it. I would never use it again. There are great support groups about the dangers of benzos. I, too, have seen so many types of doctors. The label of CSD seems like an easy out to blame anxiety for what is a complex physical issue.

Jump to this post

Thank you so much for your input. It is a struggle for you too. My neck is so arthritic with 3 bulging disc that I find it hard to believe that it is not the culprit. But the experts says not.

I will keep pursuing & trying to go with the flow. Good luck to you.

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trishanna | @trishanna | Feb 20, 2017

@colleenyoung do you have anyone currently discussing Meniere's disease and tinnitus? Mine has flared after a forty year absence and I'm also dealing with tinnitus. Just wonder if anything is new with either one.

REPLY
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