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Post-Covid dizziness/off-balance, as most troubling symptom
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.
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You need to go to PT and get exercises for balance issues
Sorry you are going through this but know your not alone. Dizziness, BP issues, nausea. Comes and goes, very frustrating.
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1 ReactionYes, I've had long covid for approximately two years. I am also having joint pain in only pre-injured joints. I was referred to physical therapy to help with my loss of strength and endurance because of fatigue and low energy. It did help and I am continuing to do the exercises they gave me to do at home. I am really having a problem with my right hip. I'll probably have to have hip replacement at some time, but I will put that off as long as possible. I especially focus on the exercises that strengthen the muscles that support the hip and back. I have also discovered that some of them relieve the hip pain. My fingers and previously injured knee like to act up with stiffness but not much pain. It appears it is all the inflammation throughout the body due to covid and possibly the vaccines and overactive immune system that's causing all of the problems. Hopefully our bodies will be able to clear out the trash. Physical therapy should be able to help you with balance. God bless you and the rest of us dealing with this.
My PA at a "long covid" clinic said that covid tends to exacerbate pre-existing problems. For example, I'm 73, and have had minor hand trembles for a couple of decades. Since I caught covid last June, my hands shake so much that I can't put in my contacts or sign my name in a recognizable way.
I got COVID in December 2020 and, after recovery from the initial symptoms, have had major balance problems and require a cane or walker. I have been to many rounds of PT, water PT special balance PT with a person specializing in balance and nothing has helped. I also have a back problem and thought that was causing my problems. After many treatments and injections, neither my back or balance have improved. I am just lost for what to do next. Any suggestions?
Have you checked your heart? I have been dealing with covid since Jan 2022. I had high blood pressure where normally it was low. Been on meds ever since. Pain in my back and dizziness along with fatigue. Still not much energy but getting stronger day by day. I was very active before getting covid.
Yes I have. Long covid since Jan 2022. High blood pressure instead of normal low blood pressure. Had dizziness, depression, no energy, etc. on blood pressure meds but still not much energy. Each day is a little better but it will take some time before I feel right again. Prior to covid I was very active. Was told by doc that covid is know n to do this in some women. I am not dizzy anymore or have ear problems. Take care and stay safe.
My doctor at Mayo lean towards a neurological basis for most of the long haul symptoms, if all else is ruled out. It is central sensitization, and they have medical and non-medical approaches to it, in tandem.
One for me is a incrrase in the gabapentin I was already I ( yes, COVID attacking our vulnerable areas), and added LDN to moderate it.
The nonMedical is pretty amazing and rich,too
Same thing for me. I inherited a tremor from my mother in the right hand. After Covid, I have it in both hands and it is becoming more severe in both. Did you take Paxlovid ?
I did, but don’t know anything more.
I couldn't take paxlovid because of a couple of other medications that I'm on, but I did take another anti-viral (I think it began with an "m").