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Intermittent dizziness?

Neuropathy | Last Active: Sep 28, 2023 | Replies (46)

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@jeffrapp

My diagnosis is idiopathic small fiber peripheral neuropathy, which is generally a purely sensory problem. However, nothing regarding PN is simple, and I believe it is possible to also have autonomic symptoms with this diagnosis, especially as the disease progresses.
I too have dizziness, but I believe it is probably due to orthostatic hypotension, which means one's blood pressure drops when standing up. I have high blood pressure (HBP), for which I am taking 2 medications. My blood pressure is a little difficult to control (which may be due to PN, or not), so sometimes it is a bit too low, which results in the orthostatic hypotension noted above. When dizzy upon standing, I have measured my blood pressure, and found it low.
If you also have PN and HBP with occasional dizziness when standing, I suggest you discuss this with your PCP. It may be possible to help this problem with an adjustment of your HBP meds.
As an aside, there is a difference between dizziness (feeling faint) and vertigo (a sense that your surroundings are spinning around you). This should also be discussed with your PCP to start. No need to see a specialist unless referred.
Hope this helps.

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Replies to "My diagnosis is idiopathic small fiber peripheral neuropathy, which is generally a purely sensory problem. However,..."

Hello.

A third category I’d like to add is wobbliness on standing and walking but without what I think of dizziness. When I stand (especially after having been seated for a while – 20-30 mins.) and often when I walk (even short distances – ½ city block), it’s as if the lower half of my body is made of rubber bands. I have to be so careful.

However, ever at the wobbliest of these times, my mind is clear (nothing appears to be spinning). To my doctors, I’ve sometimes described the sensation as like being on board a small ship in a mildly rolling sea and trying to walk from place to place without falling.

Ray (@ray666)

Thanks for helping me to distinguish dizziness from vertigo. It feels better to recognize that I don’t feel weak or like I am in danger of passing out and that the room moving is just vertigo.