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.

@jwatzig

Hello,
My Covid hit me in Aug 2021 and still have some of these same symptoms. It's bad in the morning and hard to get out of bed. It gets better as the day goes on, probably around 1:00 or 2:00.
Are your issues worse in the morning?

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I just found out this morning that I have to wear a mask because two staff members have covid and I could get it again. This is my 4th and fifth time.

Although I have not been tested yet, I remember the feeling from the other times. I am fully vaccinated and boosted. The flu-like symptoms have returned and I’m fatigued that I need to stay in bed especially since I have brain fog , dizziness unsteady gait, loss of balance etc. Even my vision has gotten really bad. Blurry vision so bad I’m having a hard time seeing what I’m typing here.

The department of health has just called to confirm that at least 2 people have covid. Last timers I had to quarantine. Let’s see what happens.

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@2tnt

I am going through long covid treatment. They are finding some people with weak lower extremities have a collapsed artery in the pelvic area that requires surgery. I had a special mri (mrv) done to determine if I had this issue.

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How did your MRI turn out

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@dargirl

How did your MRI turn out

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Normal. I fortunately don't have lower body issues. Prayers for us all.

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@wccr1234

I have been doing Pt 3x a week for a year. I had COVID in 8/22 with several weeks in the hospital. My initial symptoms were high fevers, severe balance and proprioception issues along with dizziness, cognitive challenges, and movement sensitivity. There have been a lot of tests run, and most show some helpful explanations but not definitively so. I did have some balance problems pre-COVID but they were acute and severe post COVID. The proprioceptive and vestibular teams have worked hard with me and I do every homework assigned. After a year, I am out of a bed, then moved to a wheelchair, then came the walker and rollator, to two canes. I am thrilled that my progress is still happening and hopeful that my next scans are all good. Some spinal issues that pre-existed COVID may have made me more susceptible but they do not explain the scute nature of the proprioceptive loss that was immediate post-COVID.
This is being written as encouragement for others. It's been a struggle but I see the light at the end of the tunnel!!!!!

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It is helpful to hear positive progression. Thank you @wccr1234. I hope you had a good day today.

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Also got Covid in December of ‘21. Sometimes I swear my body just goes whatever way it wants to with no warning. It has slowly improved but I prefer if I’m outside, to have someone with me. Thank God for walls and furniture.

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@wccr1234

I have been doing Pt 3x a week for a year. I had COVID in 8/22 with several weeks in the hospital. My initial symptoms were high fevers, severe balance and proprioception issues along with dizziness, cognitive challenges, and movement sensitivity. There have been a lot of tests run, and most show some helpful explanations but not definitively so. I did have some balance problems pre-COVID but they were acute and severe post COVID. The proprioceptive and vestibular teams have worked hard with me and I do every homework assigned. After a year, I am out of a bed, then moved to a wheelchair, then came the walker and rollator, to two canes. I am thrilled that my progress is still happening and hopeful that my next scans are all good. Some spinal issues that pre-existed COVID may have made me more susceptible but they do not explain the scute nature of the proprioceptive loss that was immediate post-COVID.
This is being written as encouragement for others. It's been a struggle but I see the light at the end of the tunnel!!!!!

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God bless you. Sounds like you’ve been through a lot and still have a positive outlook. I firmly believe having a positive outlook is key. Don’t give up, sounds like you’ve made great strides

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Sorry but I'm 86 and it's 3 years and no let up. Cope! Hope! Pray!

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It seems like I will have a couple good days, then digress to being very off balance. Anyone else experienced this?

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Kuhner
I’m in my fourth year of cough, balance, dizziness, vision.
Three months PT, no improvement.
One year later, two months PT, no improvement.
Cause: Second Pfizer jab.
Three hospitalized.
Multiple MRIs, brain scan.

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@kentkemmerling1949

It seems like I will have a couple good days, then digress to being very off balance. Anyone else experienced this?

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Since 12/20 same thing. Taking BP meds is difficult-all cause dizziness--so when I want to do something I don't take my meds. Also I drink a V8 to help overcome my salt free diet and get hydrolyzed sooner even if BP rises.

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