Post-Covid dizziness/off-balance, as most troubling symptom

Every symptom you listed is exactly what I am going through. It’s been four weeks since I was diagnosed with COVID I took Paxlovid as prescribed. I am currently experiencing bad headaches, vertigo, I feel like I am going to fall, I have to hold on to walls, rapid heart beat and short of breath. I went to a follow up appointment with my PCP and she said I had long COVID. What can be done about this? I am so depressed and filled with anxiety. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

It's been some time since I've logged in here, and I'm so sorry to see so many new and continued posts and comments. I didn't get through every new comment but tried to read through some of the most recent.

I'm doing much better and I'll try my best to summarize my updates. As most of you will know, my doctors could never fully explain or resolve, etc.

I had a battery of tests done throughout 2022 - holter monitor, multiple EKGs, VNG, hearing tests, MRI of my brain, blood tests galore. I went to physical vestibular therapy for about 4 months and it did not resolve my symptoms but I do believe it helped me overall. All major tests were "normal" besides thyroid labs.

I have no thyroid (fully removed) and was mysteriously diagnosed with "toxic thyroid" about one month after having Covid. Essentially I was extremely HYPERthyroid. My endocrinologist said he couldn't explain how that's possible, given I have no thyroid, but essentially covid did it. I also developed Major Depressive Disorder and anxiety/ panic disorder after having covid. I went through an intensive therapy program (mental health) in August 2022 and firmly believe that, in combination with treatment for thyroiditis (adjusted levels for TSH, FT4, FT3), therapy is what ultimately helped me "recover." I also take an antidepressant.

My symptoms improved most dramatically with control of my anxiety and panic attacks.

I still experience "dizziness" - not spinning vertigo, but an unsteady feeling (like standing on a boat at sea) with allergies, cold/illness, dehydration, and high levels of stress. The most important thing I learned was not letting my symptoms stop me from living my life. I increased my physical exercise, and practice meditations, guided breathing, and other CBT (therapy) tools to help me manage my feelings of anxiety and panic.

Unfortunately, I do believe that each of us is genetically unique and these symptoms can be caused by such a huge array of issues. I paid a lot of money for tests that ruled things out, but did not answer questions. I was convinced I was a lost cause. I was put on meds for high bp, allergies, anxiety, and vertigo. I Googled everything I could think of. I was too depressed to work or leave my house. I no longer take meds for BP as it was causing too low of BP which was perpetuating my dizziness/ lightheadedness.

I'm not sure if the things that helped me would help another person, but I hope it can.

Best of luck to all, I hope this thread can continue to offer support for those still suffering.

The virus has the potential to directly invade the central nervous system, including the brain, affecting areas responsible for balance and coordination. The systemic inflammatory response triggered by the virus may contribute to these symptoms, much like it can induce brain fog.
To identify if dizziness is linked to the vestibular system, you may likely experience vertigo and sensations of discomfort such as pain, ringing, or pressure in the ear. It's also probable that standing up and maintaining balance are challenging for you. These symptoms often suggest inner ear involvement, which is closely connected to the vestibular system. Seeking medical guidance is crucial as dizziness can be debilitating. I'm sorry to hear you're feeling this way! I haven't experienced dizziness, except for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POST), which is more of a fainting sensation upon standing that quickly resolves.
There are tests for the vestibular system, and you may have already undergone these tests for diagnosis.
I believe that you can treat it with physiotherapy, with medication for nausea, or if it's inflammatory, corticosteroids. You need to understand the situation to know what can help you more effectively.

Me COVID March 2020. Mild case. Bad 4 years long covid. Which an up and down din wave.

Dizzy, almost passing out but not quite spells have been the most disturbing

I started CBD oil e weeks ago. Dizzy reduced immediately. Now 48 hours not one. When it had been 6 per day. There is no proof it was CBD. But I ain't arguing

My PCP atole me the same thing, it’s long COVID. They did prescribe Meclizine for the vertigo. It helps a little. Also, my husband bought me a can of oxygen (you can buy it at a drug store) when I can not catch my breath it helps a bit. I am so sorry you are going through this. I too get so depressed and filled with anxiety. Please keep me informed. Many blesssings.

Chronic 3 years diarrhea now gone too. No fuzzy spells 72 hours. Maybe I was due to feel better no matter what. But it happened so fast after CBD... It's hard not to make the coonnection

Tested positive for Covid 5 weeks ago, took 4 weeks to come out of this cloud which I guess can best be described as a foggy head feeling and after 4 weeks, began to feel better. However, balance is not quite right. I do suffer from sensory motor peripheral neuropathy, so my balance was a bit challenging prior to Covid. After Covid, it is absolutely worse. Still dealing with a degree of tiredness and slower thinking as well. Those with balance issues, consider a cane when needed.

I spoke too soon. Because if CBD I sleep better and it is now 4 data not one dizzy spell, after three years of it.

Tinnitus remains. Diarrhea has returned .

4 days no dizzy spells

I have almost identical symptoms. After a battery of tests in my home state and no answers I finally got some from Mayo. I go back in April for another round of consultation and tests. I am also seeking answers on how to stop the dizziness, vertigo feeling and head pressure. I am working. But having my grandkids (1 and 2 years old) by myself makes me nervous. I never know when it's going to hit.