1. < Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)

Chronic dizziness and vestibular migraines

Posted by kimh33 @kimh33, Feb 25, 2016

Hello ^_^

My name is Kim. I am 33 years old and have been dizzy every single day for the last four years. I have had blood tests that have come back normal, an MRI which showed no abnormalities and I have seen a Neurologist and an ENT who did all the different tests and could find nothing wrong with me. The ENT, six months ago, decided that I must have Vestibular Migraine and prescribed me Pizotifen. I have not taken these at all because I am not convinced that I have had a four year unrelenting migraine and also she told me that it is common to put on lots of weight while on Pizotifen so I am not thrilled about that for sure.

I am supposed to go back in a week for a follow up visit but I think I will just cancel it because she can't really follow up if I am not taking her advice.

I just wish I could work out what could cause four years of dizziness like this. I am still functioning, I can force myself to go out, to work, to college and pretend like everything is normal. I am not falling over but have the constant sensation that I've had a glass of wine too many. I can no longer drive a car. I do not get headaches or any other symptoms. Just the neverending dizziness.

I struggle at work. Every day I think about quitting and just staying at home but then I force myself to carry on as I do not want this feeling to become a disability. The only time that I feel 'normal' is lying down in bed at night. I also feel better sitting, not normal but definitely improved. However as soon as I have to walk anywhere, it's back.

I was thinking about trying Sertraline as I read somewhere that it can help chronic dizziness but I'm scared of the other potential side-effects or if it is even worth trying. I might just be clutching for any solution here. Has anyone got any suggestions on anything that I can do? I'm really willing to try mostly anything at this stage!

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redhead63 | @redhead63 | Apr 25, 2018
In reply to @pedie "Kim: am so sorry to hear of your problems. I also have been dealing with constant..." + (show)
@pedie

Kim: am so sorry to hear of your problems. I also have been dealing with constant dizziness, but the only solution I have been given is to participate in PT to realign my ears and my eyes. I have a schwannoma, but the neurosurgeon says this is not the cause of the dizziness. I also feel normal only when I am sitting or lying down. I have lost night vision completely, so cannot go out after dark. Know that many people are thinking of you.

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What is Schwannoma
Did you look that up and see if it causes dizziness

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flor | @flor | Apr 25, 2018
In reply to @redhead63 "Hi: I can relate with you. I have been having dizziness since 2013 and I had..." + (show)
@redhead63

Hi:
I can relate with you. I have been having dizziness since 2013 and I had every test that you can imagine. I do have fluid in both of my Mastoids and I was told that was not the cause. I did have 3 Station Tubes in my Right Ear all had failed then I had a Balloon inserted in the right ear and I am still being told that my ear is not the problem. I just got back from the Mayo Clinic with no answers. Will be going back next month for more testing. I also staggered when I walk. I do not fall but I have to balance myself from falling. Do you stagger when you walk? So far all blood work is perfect I wish my walking was. Don’t give up and don’t quit your job
I can still work out but I noticed that is one of my triggers. I had every heart test done you name it I had it done. I wish someone can figure this out because I am loosing my freken mind. Hope you the best, and if I get an answer I will let you know

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Hello I had a lot of balance problems and what I did was to use a walker so I didnt fall. I did every day my balance exercises and look at the bright side of my life.I can walk I can talk et... Take care and take it easy

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joant10 | @joant10 | Apr 25, 2018
In reply to @redhead63 "Hi: I can relate with you. I have been having dizziness since 2013 and I had..." + (show)
@redhead63

Hi:
I can relate with you. I have been having dizziness since 2013 and I had every test that you can imagine. I do have fluid in both of my Mastoids and I was told that was not the cause. I did have 3 Station Tubes in my Right Ear all had failed then I had a Balloon inserted in the right ear and I am still being told that my ear is not the problem. I just got back from the Mayo Clinic with no answers. Will be going back next month for more testing. I also staggered when I walk. I do not fall but I have to balance myself from falling. Do you stagger when you walk? So far all blood work is perfect I wish my walking was. Don’t give up and don’t quit your job
I can still work out but I noticed that is one of my triggers. I had every heart test done you name it I had it done. I wish someone can figure this out because I am loosing my freken mind. Hope you the best, and if I get an answer I will let you know

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I have been reading all the interesting replies that people write in, but cannot get the message they were replying to. Can someone tell me how to get the complete message? Thanks. Joan at joant10@msn.com

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savtasandy | @savtasandy | Sep 12, 2018

Has anyone had over the top high blood pressure with chronic dizziness? Has anyone ever received a definitive diagnosis?

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klhe | @klhe | Sep 14, 2018

Good day
I recently created a discussion group,. "Vestibular Migraine" as I did not find any postings regarding this ailment. I just came across Kim's post from two years ago and the subsequent messages. I am not sure why our groups do not cross-relate, but you might be interested in my and others' postings relating to VM, with sub-elements of dizziness and severe headaches. many thanks

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Ryman | @ryman | Oct 3, 2018

I am so sorry for anyone going thru dizziness. I have had it for a very long time and given a number of reasons. Last Friday I had the Epley treatment which helped a lot. I had had it some time ago and it wasn’t really helpful. I also have silent migraines so I started reading and learned there can be a connection. I hope to discuss this with my doctor, therapist and neurologist. I am also having a lot of trouble with my vision. No one who has not experienced this can understand. It is hard for me to write much due ti my vision. I wish all of you the very best. I will read as much as I can.

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redhead63 | @redhead63 | Oct 4, 2018

Hi:
I know how you feel I have been lightheaded since 2013 and was convince that it was my right ear. I just discovered that I have an Enlargement of my right atrium and right ventricle thickened of my aorta valve thickened of my mitral valve. I also found out that I have Advanced Degenerative arthritis in the Cervical Spine and Subluxation in the Cervical Spine and not one freken Doctor told me any of this. You have to be your own advocate. Don’t give up. Get all of your records and Doctor’s notes and do your own research.

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2 replies
savtasandy | @savtasandy | Oct 5, 2018
In reply to @redhead63 "Hi: I know how you feel I have been lightheaded since 2013 and was convince that..." + (show)
@redhead63

Hi:
I know how you feel I have been lightheaded since 2013 and was convince that it was my right ear. I just discovered that I have an Enlargement of my right atrium and right ventricle thickened of my aorta valve thickened of my mitral valve. I also found out that I have Advanced Degenerative arthritis in the Cervical Spine and Subluxation in the Cervical Spine and not one freken Doctor told me any of this. You have to be your own advocate. Don’t give up. Get all of your records and Doctor’s notes and do your own research.

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Check out all your meds with a trusted pharmacist. My dizzinetcleared up after 6 months when I adjusted my cholesterol meds. Still having blurred vision problems though.

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doc3rob | @doc3rob | Oct 8, 2018

I am a 45 year old male with sudden idiopathic single sided deafness to my left ear and wear a Bone Anchored Hearing Aid. Because of the deafness I have chronic dizziness and with vertigo episodes. I have tried medications for vestibular suppression, but hate the side effects - makes me dopie. Due to the vertigo, I fall quite a bit due to disequilibrium. I am wondering if anyone has had surgery to either cut the vestibular nerve, labyrinthectomy or chemical labyrinthectomy?

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1 reply
Jamie Olson | @jamienolson | Oct 11, 2018
In reply to @doc3rob "I am a 45 year old male with sudden idiopathic single sided deafness to my left..." + (show)
@doc3rob

I am a 45 year old male with sudden idiopathic single sided deafness to my left ear and wear a Bone Anchored Hearing Aid. Because of the deafness I have chronic dizziness and with vertigo episodes. I have tried medications for vestibular suppression, but hate the side effects - makes me dopie. Due to the vertigo, I fall quite a bit due to disequilibrium. I am wondering if anyone has had surgery to either cut the vestibular nerve, labyrinthectomy or chemical labyrinthectomy?

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Hi @doc3rob, Thank you posting and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

When did your sudden hearing loss happen? Do you know what caused it?

Here is a story about another patient who experienced similar and ended up with a surgical fix to her problem. https://sharing.mayoclinic.org/2018/06/20/a-noise-filled-hearing-loss-journey/

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