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.

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I have about 6 months post Covid had mri they saw chronic mastoidists in both ears went to ent to follow up and on 2 nsasal sprays and Dramamine some days are better than others . I’m hoping this too shall pass . I wish you some relief soon

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@ginalambiris

I have about 6 months post Covid had mri they saw chronic mastoidists in both ears went to ent to follow up and on 2 nsasal sprays and Dramamine some days are better than others . I’m hoping this too shall pass . I wish you some relief soon

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Thanks for the reply. Can I ask if you are able to work, or if you've noticed any patterns or trends that lead to your bad days?

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I’m not able to work
I notice it on days with less sleep or a week before my period starts
Long haul seems very random
I would try the Dramamine in the morning before it happens and see

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@ginalambiris

I’m not able to work
I notice it on days with less sleep or a week before my period starts
Long haul seems very random
I would try the Dramamine in the morning before it happens and see

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Thanks, I notice it a lot on days I'm not well rested also. I have struggled to work too, which is hard. I have moments throughout the day where I feel good, but then back to dizzy. I'm nervous to push myself too hard and go back to work. I tried Meclizine (similar, for motion sickness), but it didn't seem to help much and makes me so sluggish and tired. Thanks for your replies, I hope we both feel better soon.

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@kirstenk2003

Thanks, I notice it a lot on days I'm not well rested also. I have struggled to work too, which is hard. I have moments throughout the day where I feel good, but then back to dizzy. I'm nervous to push myself too hard and go back to work. I tried Meclizine (similar, for motion sickness), but it didn't seem to help much and makes me so sluggish and tired. Thanks for your replies, I hope we both feel better soon.

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Is theirs nausea associated maybe you can ask for zofran

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I have difficulty loosing my balance while walking, especially if I am talking, looking around or otherwise distracted. I am working with physical therapy for covid long haulers and do see improvement but I still would not pass a field sobriety test walk doing heel to toe straight line walking. Everything is worse when I am tired or am focusing on other things at the same time-looking around an unfamiliar area when walking outside or looking for items on grocery store shelves.

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I too have off balanced/dizziness, I had covid in January 2022, I was in the hospital for 3 weeks, now out 8 weeks, and noticed more in the last two months the off balance when I walk a short distance. I am on methyl prednisone and just read the other day, that could be a side affect. I will check with my doctor a my next visit.

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@rinadbq

I have difficulty loosing my balance while walking, especially if I am talking, looking around or otherwise distracted. I am working with physical therapy for covid long haulers and do see improvement but I still would not pass a field sobriety test walk doing heel to toe straight line walking. Everything is worse when I am tired or am focusing on other things at the same time-looking around an unfamiliar area when walking outside or looking for items on grocery store shelves.

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I can definitely relate to this! "Everything is worse when I am tired or am focusing on other things at the same time-looking around an unfamiliar area when walking outside or looking for items on grocery store shelves."
Large spaces really get me. One provider recommended trying to wear a baseball had into a store to see if that helps at all...shrinking the visual field. I haven't tried it yet, but plan to.

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The ENT referred me to the National Dizziness and Balance Center. I "passed" much of the testing, but they said they have still found that people with long covid respond well to the physical therapy. I have been doing the exercises for a week and a half, and I do think I'm seeing some relief. Many physical therapy places treat dizziness and balance issues and while the cause and expression from Covid may be different, maybe the same exercises are helpful. That is what I am hoping! Hoping to get back to work soon!

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@teachols

I can definitely relate to this! "Everything is worse when I am tired or am focusing on other things at the same time-looking around an unfamiliar area when walking outside or looking for items on grocery store shelves."
Large spaces really get me. One provider recommended trying to wear a baseball had into a store to see if that helps at all...shrinking the visual field. I haven't tried it yet, but plan to.

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a baseball hat, what a wonderful idea, thanks

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