i have struggled with an undiagnosed swaying dizziness for months

Posted by kalebt @kalebt, Apr 28, 2023

hello all. I'll start by saying I've seen 2 primary doctors, 2 therapists, 2 chiropractors, and an ENT. none of these relieve my swaying dizziness whatsoever. I was told it was anxiety but the 2 different medications I took worsened my symptoms, even after days of stopping. I have a few new appointments, but I wonder if anyone has struggled with this or knows someone. I'm looking to recover as soon as possible. I am a 21-year-old male that had to file for unemployment due to this illness. I've had this since October of 2022. for a full description I attached two files. one short explanation and backstory another longer version as well. thank you.

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You may have better luck with a physical therapist who specializes or has expertise in vertigo evaluation and treatment. There are several different types of dizziness and/or vertigo. Do you have spinning? Are you spinning or is the room spinning? Nausea? Do you mainly feel off balance without spinning?

BPPV is one type of vertigo that is easy to diagnose with the right equipment, based on eye movements. There are several maneuvers that cure this by getting ear crystals back where they belong.

Labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis and Meniere's are all problems that can cause dizziness and there are different exercises for the first two, that involve looking back and forth, up and down, between two cards.

Vertigo can also be "central" or"migrainous" meaning from the brain. Does meclizine help you?

It is awful to experience this. I hope you can find a PT who is helpful. It seems many docs attribute issues to psychological factors when there is no clear and easy diagnosis and it can be hard to keep going! I would think anxiety meds might worse the situation, both benzos and SSRI's.

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I'm so sorry you are going through this. Would you describe your dizziness as a drunk stagger? Do you have episodic pressure rising and lowering in your head?

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My first thought is stress.

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@kalebt I’ve been through similar issues.
The vestibular system (ear) keeps us balanced especially when we are in an open space.
If you have any problems with the Vestibular system you will sway in different directions while walking. The eyes and balance system must work together so you stay balanced.
The usual anti-vertigo medication prescribed by a doctor, who doesn’t know better will make things worse.
I have been treated by a physical therapist who specializes in Vestibular problems. The treatments work well. Good luck!

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Physical therapists who deal with vertigo, dizziness and balance issues are the best!

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@windyshores

You may have better luck with a physical therapist who specializes or has expertise in vertigo evaluation and treatment. There are several different types of dizziness and/or vertigo. Do you have spinning? Are you spinning or is the room spinning? Nausea? Do you mainly feel off balance without spinning?

BPPV is one type of vertigo that is easy to diagnose with the right equipment, based on eye movements. There are several maneuvers that cure this by getting ear crystals back where they belong.

Labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis and Meniere's are all problems that can cause dizziness and there are different exercises for the first two, that involve looking back and forth, up and down, between two cards.

Vertigo can also be "central" or"migrainous" meaning from the brain. Does meclizine help you?

It is awful to experience this. I hope you can find a PT who is helpful. It seems many docs attribute issues to psychological factors when there is no clear and easy diagnosis and it can be hard to keep going! I would think anxiety meds might worse the situation, both benzos and SSRI's.

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thank you for your response. but my "vertigo" isn't a room-spinning sensation. its more so a side-to-side front-to-back swaying feeling. I feel this whenever standing still or sitting up primarily. As far as medicine I cannot tell if meclizine helps. if it does, it's hardly much help. I also do not feel Nausea, mostly just hard to focus with my eyes, along with sometimes a numbness of hands or feet.

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@SusanEllen66

@kalebt I’ve been through similar issues.
The vestibular system (ear) keeps us balanced especially when we are in an open space.
If you have any problems with the Vestibular system you will sway in different directions while walking. The eyes and balance system must work together so you stay balanced.
The usual anti-vertigo medication prescribed by a doctor, who doesn’t know better will make things worse.
I have been treated by a physical therapist who specializes in Vestibular problems. The treatments work well. Good luck!

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thank you, i apologize about your experience with this issue. i will try to get vestibular therapy done soon.

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@passerby

My first thought is stress.

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thank you for the input, but my dizziness is constant. it just came on a random day and never went away.

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@2young460

I'm so sorry you are going through this. Would you describe your dizziness as a drunk stagger? Do you have episodic pressure rising and lowering in your head?

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I would kind of describe it as a drunk feeling, but minus the staggering part. I just constantly feel drunk/ hungover but with the mental clarity of someone who isn't drunk.

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