Facial Pain, Dizziness, going on 15 months - not sinus infection - PLEASE help

So allergies might not be the correct section for this but I am at a loss for the cause so putting it here among related posts.

I am SO desperate for help on this issue it is making me depressed so have turned to this. Please do not skip since a long post, as I feel it may be necessary to give all the details and not have people suggest things that are ruled out.

The main symptoms of my problem are a combination of facial pain in my cheeks, dizziness or feeling ‘off’, vision difficulties, and a rapid heart beat. I have read some posts online of similar problems, but all seem to revolve around sinus infections which apparently isn’t a problem for me. Given that I am a university student entering my final courses and this problem has persisted over 15 months so far, it has me incredibly concerned and doctors are either at a loss for my problem or just not willing to help.

Allow me to explain the past 15 months in more detail, perhaps someone has had some similar history.

So one day the end of May 2007 I was sitting on my couch studying as usual. I noticed pain in my cheeks and the bridge of my nose and some tightness in my forehead. This is turn seemed to affect my eyes as it seemed when I was studying that words seemed either over focused or doubled, at the same time. My concentration was affected and I would sit there rubbing my face. At this point I found decongestants seemed to help and I could go along as usual. I brought this up to my doctor and I tried various types of sinus medications as she was sure it was an infection. These didn’t help and one day I actually felt dizzy and unsteady. We assumed it was a side affect of the meds and I stopped talking them. I had short periods of panic and my heart would race when I didn’t feel right. At the end of June I went on a holiday to Miami taking a load of medications but alas I was 100% fine there and upon returning felt fine more or less (despite a crazy cold due to a moldy hotel room). Throughout the summer I would have the odd day of facial pressure, but nothing a decongestant couldn’t seem to relieve.
Starting in September symptoms started coming up more frequently and the beginning of October 2007 I had this dizziness feeling, not like I was going to fall down or things were spinning, but like I was doped up on medications and not 100% in control of my body. It was extremely difficult to get through school for the next 2 months. I went to two different ENT doctors, both saying my sinuses were actually fine. One said it was maybe stress but there was no real trigger point around any of this and I felt these symptoms were actually what brought on the stress. I tried a variety of nasal sprays with no real results. The doctor put me on prednisone for a week the end of Oct and I felt drastically better for part of that, only to slip right back into it again afterwards. When it all got extremely bad in November I went to emergency and they tried the prednisone again for 10 days but this time it didn’t work.

I have had problems with headaches/neck & back problems my entire life due to car accidents as a child but that I had actually felt I had gotten more under control with acupuncture for my back and dry needling to my neck and scalp to relieve the headaches, rather than traditional chiropractic which never had much results.

Throughout December 2007 my symptoms seemed to gradually subside a little bit. I did go for sinus acupuncture at the beginning of Dec, but given I have tried that recently too with no results, I’m not sure if that contributed in Dec after all. First the dizziness drifted away, and then the facial pressure and occasional swollen/stuffed up nose. From the beginning of January until later in March EVERY symptom drifted away. I still had extremely stressful periods in that time with school but nothing seemed to bring back the problems so I do not think stress is the cause. I was definitely not convinced it wouldn’t return, but hoped it was some virus I had finally kicked. Then one day later in March I got quite congested for a couple days, and some facial pressure, then suddenly the dizziness came back a week later and I was under my constant fog again.

It is very difficult to explain the dizziness.. it’s like an unsteadiness and my eyes seem to over focus. If I were to look at one thing, it seems like it takes longer and more energy to focus, and then when I switch to look at something else, it unfocuses, slowly moves and then longer to refocuses again (not minutes or anything that dramatic). I did have my eyes checked and they said there was a small area I could have reading glasses, but due to the nature of my symptoms this did not seem to be the cure. I also find that sometimes when I stare at something it suddenly pops out at me and overfocuses then becomes blurry. This is especially noticeable and troublesome if I am at any kind of store. All of this causes much eye strain, which on 'normal days' is not there at all.

Since the spring I have gone for a CT scan – no problem there. Allergy tests – very very slight allergy to mold but she definitely didn’t think it could contribute to all of this. The topic of seasonal allergies had come up, but have since been ruled out, especially since when I went to Israel for a month May-June (humid in some areas, dry in others) this was not an issue at all. However, upon my return mid June it came back, almost the same day. I had a few scattered days in July where I was fine, but I have been horrible the last few weeks again and terrified for the start up of school again. I am trying a mouth guard for possible TMJ but don't believe that is helping.

Nothing in my life changed during Jan-March so I have no idea why this went away and why it is still haunting me. When all of this acts up I have no energy and get depressed because I feel like I can’t function normally. It’s impacting all aspects of my life and makes me stressed and cry almost every day. I so desperately want a cure and have no idea what to do and doctors aren’t giving me any help. I had hoped upon graduation in the spring to get a job in the United States, but if this problem is still around I cannot even think of moving somewhere with no free health care.

If anyone, ANYONE can relate or help, please please please help me!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

First and foremost, regular estimation of blood sugar is important as hypoglycemia can lead to dizziness.

Secondly, you have mentioned of a car accident long back. Sometimes, patients of brain trauma present with neurological manifestations many years after the accident. This depends on the area of brain involved and the extent of damage to that area.

Patients with cerebrovascular disease have partial or complete blockages in the arteries that supply the brain with blood.  These blockages can cause a temporary loss of blood flow (called transient ischemic attack, or TIA for short), or permanent loss of blood flow (called stroke; also called cerebrovascular accident).This can lead to impaired blood flow through these arteries and so dizziness.

Ear infections and other causes like Meniere’s disease or inner ear diseases can lead to dizziness. If there is any ear pain or tinnitus along with then it may be the possibility.Pls get yourself evaluated for that.

Get the blood sugar evaluated and an ECG done.CT brain is also useful if a brain injury is suspected to be the cause of vertigo. The choice of treatment will depend on the diagnosis.

Pls consult a physician to find the causative factor as treatment will depend on the same.

Do keep us posted on how you are doing.

[sickstudent]

The car accident wasn't anything reeeeally severe.. just whip lash. But that on a young child apparently can lead to a lifetime of neck and back pains.

I went for an ENG for my ears but waiting on those results. That particular Ears/Nose/Throat doc and his office are very difficult and stressing - he claims i just have to live with it and he doesn't know what it is, while his staff never returns phone calls and claims they sent my results to my general doctor when they actually didn't. I don't really get any pains in my ears though. The side of my head along my ears gets ridiculously tight sometimes, this part I can sometimes relieve a little bit with advil.

They actually did a CT brain scan too, first by mistake, which came back clear, so then I went for the CT sinus check... and with my luck it was during that period of feeling fine.

I just don't understand why various symptoms come and go so frequently and unexpected sometimes when nothing has changed.

I'm not sure what good an MRI or seeing neurologist may do.. but it is on my list of maybes.
I am going to try a Neti pot, and have also read today about something called sternocleidomastoid syndrome though I don't know much about it or how you resolve it.

Thanks for the post though!

[CharChar115]

I thought I was the only who had ever had this problem, until I found your blog.  I too started a little over one year ago having severe facial pain.  It fells like the worst possible sinus headach that you could possibly have.  My Neurologist has done a CT Scan, MRI/MRV, Hormone test, etc.  All test come back normal.  I have laid on the bed, with my face wraped in a heating pad, crying because the pain was so severe.  I couple of times, it has hurt so badly, that I have been given a shot to just put me to sleep for the day.  Nothing would stop the pain, until couple of months ago when my doctor prescribed Carbutrol.  It is the only thing, that has ever, stopped the pain.  It does have several not-so-good side effects, but at this point, if it gives me relief, I will take it.  I have no idea what test will be run next.

Just want you to know that you are not the only one out there with this pain.  Please let me know if you are ever diagnosed

[sickstudent]

My problem is more the dizziness, spaced out feeling which affects my vision and my heart racing. The facial pain more comes and goes so isn't a huge concern to me as I can still get by with that. Its all the rest of the side effects that are really bothering me. They are finally sending me to a neurologist (only a year and a half after the problems started), but only to find out the day is a month and a half from now, and the day before my huge exam.
I tried the Neti Pot and that really didn't seem to do anything for me as my problem doesn't seem in my sinuses,
Some days lorezapam (sp?) anti-anxiety meds help things a bit, but not completely. I'm not sure what to do anymore.. but scared for everything ahead :(

[CharChar115]

Mine also started out with the dizziness, but progressed to mostly facial pain.  My neurologist and pain management doctors have both mentioned that there is the possiblity that an infection settled in the arteries in my face and have become inflamed.  This condition is treated with Carbatrol.  I have been on this medication for 2 month, twice daily, and still hurt if I forget to take one pill.  I do understand not being able to think clearly.  I was only working two days per week, but have had to cut back on even that, simply because I can't trust my own thinking.  I even scare myself driving.

Please keep me posted has to your doctors findings, as I will do you.  Maybe we can help each other out.

[sickstudent]

No, mine didn't start with the dizziness. It started with pressure in my cheeks, then sinuses, vision, and dizziness.

All these problems have been giving me so much anxiety I decided to try a lorazepam pill I had from occasional past anxiety. It actually gave me a slight bit of relief/relaxation from the dizziness/anxiety but as soon as I started to read again, the facial pain came. My doctor has now prescribed a trial period of citalopram (supposed to be anxiety/anti-depressant).. I am not a fan of having to take this and it made me wired and uneasy all day.

*sigh* I just want an answer already.. or even the slighted direction about what the main problem is. I feel way too young to deal with so much and visit so many specialists

[CharChar115]

I certainly feel for you.  I now that you are much younger than me (48) but I also feel that I am much too young to have so many health issues.  I have osteoarthritis with deteriotation in several of my joints; degenerative disk disease, causing me to have to get steriod shots in my spin and facit nerve blocks, and within the next couple of months will be having a nerve burnt into; and, fibromyalgia.

I just want to stop taking soooooo many pills.

I go back to my neurologist tomorrow, so we'll see what he comes up with next.

Please keep me informed as to your progress.  I symptoms are similar, so I at least feel that I have someone who understands.

[ptbb2]

Just noticed your post.  I live in the U.K and have pretty much the same problems and through a little bit of research I notice that there are many others with a similar condition.  I have several symptoms including the visual thing.  I basically have trouble focusing which is most problematic when talking to people directly, which makes eye contact extremely difficult.  At the same time there is the pain, which does move around but is usually present in cheeks, upper teeth, the eyes or temples and the top of the head.  On top of that I sometimes get cramps in the facial muscles and twitches in other muscles.  I have a fairly responsible job and this is playing havoc with all aspects of my life. I am a 32 year old male and have had this problem for around 4 years now.  I work in the health industry.

For me, there are occasional days when things are better but one of the many annoying symptoms is usually present.  I cannot work out the exact cause for this condition but in my case it started after an extremely stressful period of my life.  I noticed the symptoms after things calmed down and I wanted to get on with my life and found that I had all these new problems.  I had a privately arranged MR of the brain, which was normal.  I found that talking to general practitioner doctors is useless, as they just will not get it.  

My own impression is that this is caused by some abnormal activation of the body’s stress responses and that the brain is in some constant state of alert.  In the early phases I found that alcohol could help and I also sometimes feel better after exercise.  Doing something positive and having some sort of success and not getting too downbeat all the time can also make a difference.  Unfortunately, after a brief period of relief the symptoms always come back and sometimes with a vengeance.  Getting hellishly drunk can get me back to normal at the time but the hangover is just not worth it and I am basically useless in the next few days.   Unfortunately there is nothing else that I can offer to you in terms of advice.  If you and anyone else have something useful to offer please do post it on this forum..

[sickstudent]

CharChar115 - Wow that's a lot to deal with!  I'm with you on the stop taking pills things. It was amazing when I could go 3 months without a single pill bottle in my purse! What did your neurologist say?

ptbb2 - Yeah that sounds like me! Even down to the drinking seems to cure it thing.. atleast at the time. However, given my current meds, I think I have to stay away from that for awhile. Have you gone for any tests/seen specialists too?


Update on me - It seems for a number of hours after taking the citalopam I do have some relief, not completely but something. It still makes me sick to my stomach though, and by evening (my core study time) many symptoms are there and I am popping other pills and rubbing my face constantly.
I went to the neurologist this morning though and he said he has heard of symptoms like mine so I'm not crazy. He seems to think it was once some sort of sinus inflamation (inflammation) and since the eye/nose/facial muscles etc are all connected, thats why it effected other areas. Then it just keeps sticking around, partly to due with anxiety. He suggested I keep on with this low dose drug my regular doctor has me on and said I should feel more relief in a few weeks, then hopefully my body becomes accustomed to not having the symptoms and carries on like that. Here's to hoping!!

I must say, it's sure nice having other people with these problems to converse with. Some days I feel so alone with it and that its a burden talking to my friends/family about it, especially the ones with no health concerns.

[ptbb2]

Hi again,

Glad that you are having some relief.  I am actually going to start some meds for the first time having resisted it so far.  In my case, things have improved significantly over time and it is very frustrating that I am not completely back to normal.  

No, I haven't seen a specialist, but I know what they will say and I don't see a point of  wasting my time.  I actually come from a family of doctors and it is pointless talking even to them as after a while people just don't want to hear about this as it is impossible to understand unless you actually have it, so in my experience I would advise keeping it quiet even with close friends etc..

I can understand the sinus connection as I often feel quite  congested as well as having facial pains but don't really see how it would cause the other problems e.g with vision.  Don't know about you, but I have also noticed that my memory is on occasions not quite the same and I frequently have speech problems by which I mean that I struggle to pronounce some words.  It is not that I cant do it, it is just that it takes more effort to say things and it feels uncomfortable.  The end result is that I end up speaking less than I used to.  This usually occurs when I feel particularly tense. The muscles involved with speech production also feel tense and this is how I explain this. I would be really concerned if these symptoms were not intermittent.

On a positive note, with me, the situation is improving although slowly and for most part I just try to ignore it, which helps.  As soon as you start to worry and get the retrospectoscope into overdrive thinking about what you might have done to cause this and what it was like before, will it ever get better etc, the worst symptoms return.

Good luck with the exams.  I am actually also revising for some post graduate examinations and once you get into a bit of a routine its not too bad....

[CharChar115]

I went to the headache spealist yesterday.  It was unbelieveable!  My appointment lasted three hours.  Finally, I felt like someone was actually listening, and would actually try to help.  At this point, he feels that I have an metabolic imbalance, which is probably caused by my taking sooooo much medication.  You try over the counter, then every doctor tries another drug, then when they don't work, something else is tried.  In the end, you have had so much medication that it can cause all kinds of problems, including an imbalance.  Then, the other day when I had a blood test, my glucose level was very high.  He thinks I may be on the verge of becoming diabetic or am already diabetic.  I stongely recommend that you have you sugar levels checked.  High glucose levels can cause many unusual problems triggered by the brain.  He said that it was unsual for all the pain to be in the face, but stranger things have happened.  He sent me home with a list of instructions on what to eat and not eat, and a long list of blood work that he wants done.  I take all these test results back to my next appointment (he is two hours drive away from me), which is in two weeks.  He said that he felt that we would find a lot of interesting results from my blood work, and if his thoughts on my problem turn out to be correct, it will take some time to correct them, but it can be done.  I certainly hope that he is right.  At this this point, for the first time, I actually have hope that someone is getting to the bottom of the problem.

Good luck to both of you.  And once again, I do recommend going to a headache spealist who will take the time to learn about your medical history and get to the bottom of your problems also.  I really don't feel that a neurologist can help.

Keep in touch.

[sickstudent]

How have both of your symptoms been?? any improvements?

[CharChar115]

The doctors have found that I am in the pre-diabetic stage.  I was shown a video explaining that when insulin levels increase, most diabetics have headaches because the arteries in the head become inflamed, but in some rare instances, the arteries in the face can become inflamed.  Since the arterties in the face lay next to the sinus tubes, you feel as though you have severe since pressure, such as mine does.  These are known as facial migranes (migraines).  The headace specialist said that I was the first patient that he had actually treated with this type pain.  They have put me on medication for the diabeties, and since starting to take it, I have been able to reduce the amount of pain medication.  Actually only taking half the amount that I was taking.  All the other problems are better to, including the dizziness.  This is something you really should have checked.  I know that being a student, you don't always have the best eating habits.  Not saying that you are diabetic, but not have proper eating habits and cause other types of blood sugar problems.

Keep in touch.

[FurballsMom]

I was reading this post because I get such terrible pain from my sinus allergies.  I can see some things here are different from what I experience, but some things are some things are similar.  The information about car accidents and TIA's might be things I need to keep in mind myself.

As for the diabetes, I do know where you can find some useful information on that.  Mercola.com has some very good information and I saw that he even gives some hope for people who become diabetic later in life.  I realize the problem comes from all the toxins in the numerous pharmaceuticals, but the information he has on his site is truly good information.  And, for once it doesn't involve more pharmaceuticals.  I think you will want to read the information he has to say, because he also warns about putting people with type 2 diabetes on any amount of insulin.  That does more damage to these peoples' health than does working out a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Of course, I also avoided all the things your doctor already told you to avoid.  It turns out that I'm allergic to all those things anyway.

I used to be pre-diabetic, but I lost a lot of weight when I changed my diet when I found out I had a lot of food sensitivities.  I still have some weight to lose, but my conventional doctor is absolutely thrilled and really loves what dietery changes I made for the better.  I had my diet almost right for years but still wasn't losing any weight no matter how much exercise I did.

Once I stopped all dairy and all gluten, I started to lose weight.  By a year and a half later, eventhough I didn't notice it myself, my friends kept telling me that I lost a lot of weight.  It wasn't until I saw what the scales said at the doctor's office that I was finally convinced that I had lost a significant amount of weight.  It was especially noticeable when I went clothes shopping with a friend and saw that I needed clothes much smaller than I thought that I needed.

I'm no longer pre-diabetic.  

Gluten-free diets are not really so bad.  There are a variety of foods that one can eat that don't have gluten in them.

I just wanted to let you know that there is hope, even if you've been told that you have to watch out with diabetes or pre-diabetes.  Unlike what people are usually told, once you have type 2 diabetes, that doesn't necessarily have to mean a life-sentence with it.  You'll read such useful information on mercola.com.

[sickstudent]

Aw I'm sorry to hear about your pre-diabetic diagnosis! Though, I am sure you are relieved to actually have a diagnosis and not keep wondering. I hope things improve for you!

I will keep your advice in mind. I actually live at home still, so my dad feeds me well. Though moving out could be a different story as I am not too handy in the kitchen.
I am still trying to come up with different possibilities to my doctors. I had read about somethnig called pseudo-tumor cerebri which apparently can give off a lot of the symptoms I am getting.. and is due to pressure in the head coming from the spine (or something). COnsidering I have ALWAYS felt that I have periods of pressure changes in my head.. who knows, maybe this could explain it? Apparently there is a lumbar puncture they can do to test to pressure/fluid, and something that test inself is enough to relieve the pressure. It's worth looking into atleast. Unfortunately the neurologist I saw is taking a bunch of winter holidays this year so I can't get in until April -- great!

[dizzygirl10]

Hi...I'm a 44 yr old female who has also had all of these strange and confusing symptoms.  I have had one diagnosis of 'Vestibular Loss" but still struggle with pain and dizziness.  My neurologist suggested an ear test.  It tested the function of the vestibular nerve in the ear.  The test showed that I had significant "loss" in both ears for unknown reasons.  I did some physical therapy and achieved some relief but still deal with the facial pain, neck pain and dizziness on occasion.  

Your posts made me wonder if there yet another thing I should investigate in the hope of finding relief and a NORMAL life again.

I wanted to share my diagnosis with you all in case you found it helpful.
Here's to your health,
Dizzzygirl  

[FurballsMom]

Did you know that many of these symptoms are also symptoms of silent migraines?  Check out the information in the migraine/headache health information pages and see if those symptoms match what is going on with you.

[frustrated813]

I have been suffering from the exact same symptoms as you for the past 6 months.  I also was in a car accident many years ago- but never had any problems afterwords. I work in the medical field and have access to doctors and tests- I have seen a cardiologist, ENT, neurologist, chiropractor, and rhuematologist and have had countless blood tests and MRI's. Everything has been negative except for auto immune markers in my blood work- which doesn't explain the pain and vertigo and a diagnosis of two herniated discs in my neck. I occasionally have days when I feel "normal", but they are far and few between. I too am frustrated and depressed at times, but determined to find an answer.
I had all four of my wisdom teeth pulled in August and the symptoms started in September. I am wondering if there is a correlation between the two. Have you had your wisdom teeth pulled?

Please keep me posted.
Frustrated813

[dizzystudent]

i dont know if anyone is still reading or blogging on this post, however, I have these same symptoms.

I COMPLETELY understand what you mean about how the dizzyness goes dormant from about january to april or may, and then hits you again out of no-where, until about august. and then i may have a spell or two until the same time again next year.

Ive had tests done in all kinds of departments including cardiology, ive had my ears checked, blood work done, and nothing seems to make sense to my doctors.

the first time it ever happened was in 2007 in my computer class in high school, and went on for about a week. then it would proceed to happen about once or twice a year, for about a week long period. getting dizzy for about 10 minutes, on and off, throughout the day.

the worst part is, things seem to get better after that week of hell, and you forget that you even have a problem, for about 4-5 months, then BAM you get nailed with a paralyzing dizzyness that leaves you depressed and scared to even leave the house. in fear that you will just get dizzy again in an unfamiliar place.

any suggestions as to where to should go from here?

[texasbluebonnett1391]

I am a 40 year old woman who has suffered the same symptoms as you for 10+ years. Mine seem to come in spells or waves. I am also a hormonal migraine sufferer, and I have mitral valve prolapse. My doctors seem to think mine is sinus pressure making me have spells of "unsteadiness". Like you have said, its not really dizziness more like a feeling that all the blood is rushing to your head with extreme pressure behind your eyes. I am on antibiotics now along with predinizone steroids. I drive for a living and it is very frightening having these "spells" while traveling 70 mph down the road. It is very depressing but also relieving to read that I'm not the only one out there with these crazy symptoms. Take care!

[puzzling]

Wow, I can't believe I found your post.  Your symptoms are practically identical to mine.  I'm 39 years old and I'm in my last year of law school. Five weeks ago I developed the worst sinus infection of my life.  I have white patches on my tongue and my throat is red and inflammed.  I can barely taste any of my food and I sometimes have a metallic taste in my mouth.  After five weeks of antibiotics, steroids, and nasal sprays, my CT Scan reveled I don't have a sinus infection and my sinuses are perfectly clear.  My PCP said the infection in my mouth and throat has gotten worse, despite the antibiotics, but they don't know the source of the infection.  I still have the painful pressure in my forehead, shooting pain in my cheeks and teeth, and numbness along my jawline.  Last week my heart starting racing; my resting heart rate was a minimum of 108 for three days.  The racing heart isn't constant anymore, but I still get it every once in awhile.  I have M.S., so yesterday my ENT referred me to my Neurologist. I've also suffered from hormonal migraines in the past, but they haven't been an issue for me in almost ten years.  I don't know if any of my latest symptoms could be related to my M.S. or migraines.

I'm curious if you've found a diagnosis and/or cure for your symptoms.

[sickstudent]

Oops sorry I have missed these posts somehow.. though unfortunately still 2 years later I am battling with this... every day I think since June 2008 now   :( I have periods where its not quite as bad, but still with me everyday, mostly all day. I have spent likely a few thousand dollars in the past year searching out every way I can - honestly I am getting close to trying a hypnotist to see if they can at least relax me (not kidding!)

As for the questions...

frustrated813 - I had my wisdom teeth pulled 7 years before this ever started so i am 100% sure it's not related to that for me.

dizzystudent - Other than Jan-late March 2008, I have not had a winter period (or any real period) of a break from this. I wish mine was as spurattic(sp?) and not often as yours seems to be :( i have tried everything.. but haven't given up hope yet.. but it's hard somedays.. especially to put on a fake face to people and act like everything it a-ok but you feel like you are in a fog and hard to concentrate on anything.

texasbluebonnett1391 - What is mitral valve prolapse? Did prednisone help you at all? That was one of the first things doctors had me try (back in fall 2007 unfortunately).. after a few days on it i felt soo much better, then as soon as it ended i was back to old me. Then a few weeks later they tried me on a stronger dosage and it didn't work at all

puzzling - yeah I am not sure if mine are related to migraines either. I am taking various meds to try to prevent migraines, and been trying various therapies, but i have always had neck/back problems and not great posture so I find it hard to believe it could be that for me and have come on suddenly.. especially to have it go away for periods. Part of me really still believes its sinus related... especialyl because of the facial pressure, but I have been to 3 ENTs that have basically sent me away, so I am not sure what more I can do :( I think all the stress of dealing with this for long has also affected my nerves and anxiety levels.. which only makes things worse and harder to cope.

I have added this column to my watch list now so hopefully I will see future replies!

[GrammieD]

Just came upon these posts and I too suffered from dizziness, sinus, facial pain and nerves 2 years ago.  I had numerous CT scans, went to specialists and finally a chiropractor and that is what ended the dizzy spells.  I had to go for about 4 months a couple times a week, but it was worth it.  My spine and verterbraes were all out of wack.  My PCP send it was a bad sinus infection, but not sure.  I was put on Celexa for my nerves because I just couldn't think of anything else but the dizziness and feeling awful.  It worked great and was only on it for about 6 months.  I continue to be plagued with sinus problems but not to that extent.  Have you tried a chiropractor? That may be your answer.  Good luck to you.

[sickstudent]

Hi,
Thanks for the post! I actually have tried chiropractic, and accupuncture and dry needling and physio, and massage, and chinese energy therapy, and naturopath.. lol I finally tried chiro full force for a few months this spring/summer. After a week or so my neck felt looser and my headaches declined and my dizziness started to become a bit less severe.. for about a week or two .. then some movement she tried didn't go well and i went back downhill from there without an improvement :( I am still trying physio, and the odd chiro adjustment... but i can't afford chiro 3 times a week for 4-6 months.. especially if 2.5 months of steady gave me no hope :(
I am actually back to trying Celexa now.. I took it for 5 months in late 2008 with no real benefit though.. but giving it a shot again. I had tried Paxil once.. but it kept making me really sick. Did the Celexa help your dizziness? or the chiro? little confused there. How high of dosage were you taking of Celexa?

[GrammieD]

I was on 10 mg a day of Celexa.  It certainly made me more calm without side effects which was great, but I truly believe it was the chiropractic treatment that helped me more than anything.  Sounds like you have tried everything with not much relief.  Nerves can really mess up your system so maybe that will be your answer.  best of luck

[zacthemac]

Hey everybody....it shocked me reading ur posts because I am experiencing the same dizzy blurred confusion in my vision with the sinus pain. Drinking does seem to help temporarily but doesn't cure anything. I am 22 and young like sickstudent and thought I was going crazy. I suffered from valley fever not to long ago so drs always say its just that flaring up but its a completely different feeling. Let me know if you guys find anything.

[daisy958]

I've been keeping up with this particular post site, as well as another by 'spoonybard', hoping so much that I'll get more insight into these symptoms we all seem to have in common.  I'm wondering, have you found any more clues as to what this could be for you?  I could have sworn I saw a post by you that you finally found it had to do with a vitamin B deficiancy.  Was that your post?  I have done the allergy testing, (no allergies to anything), CT sinus scan, (no infection, fungal or bacterial), just a deviated septum. No hearing problems or through testing, nothing growing in that area.  I go to a neurologist next week, and I'm getting so depressed over this, especially the daily headaches, dizziness.  I was in a car accident about 20 years ago and got a concussion.  My ENT feels part of the trouble may stem from calcium particles that were knocked loose into the vestibular canal and that when sinus trouble (I have non-
allergic rhinitis) begins, I get inflammation that seems to aggravate the vestibular ear canal.  I'm so tired of hearing what it 'could' be.  On another post, many people have said they found their sympoms were from yeast overgrowth in the body.  I have always been prone to yearst infections and so I thought, "could it be!?".  I went to my homeopathic store and got a yeast cleanse that I'm into the second day of.  We'll see.
I would really like to know how you're doing, since after reading all your posts, I'm truly hoping you have found some relief.
Hope we all find the answer!

[Cindi05]

I have been having the same symptoms for almost a year.  It will come and go like many of you posted.  My doctor treated me for a sinus infection but after two rounds of antibotics it never completely helped.  What is really strange is my husband is now showing the same symptoms as me.  We live in an older home and I am wondering if the problem stems from allergies in the home. I feel like I have been able to manage the dizziness with lots of exercise and cutting back on caffeine. Thanks for sharing your stories...though little has been resolved it makes me feel better.  

[chronicsufferer89]

I have the exact syptoms (symptoms) but my biggest issue is finding help. About 3 years ago i was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome with orthostatic intolerance. Year later i was then diagnosed with MCAD and EDS. (connective tissue disorder) 3 Months ago i had a positive test for Epstein Barr Virus. Now this sinus stuff has been going on for months ( i think around 6) Problem is that they blame the dizziness and lack of concentration on my POTS. I know its not. My  blood pressure is pretty good. I cant go on living like this. I am passing out again because anything can effect my POTS. I have horrible face pain, dizzy, heart rate is nuts, i cant see straight. Antibiotics help when im on them, but as soon as im done, they stop working. I am about to drop out of college because i cant think.. anyone have any ideas? I have over 6 specialist, which none seem to help. :/

[sharinginfo]

I COMPLETELY understand what you're describing and you're not crazy at all, though this condition is quite depressing, I agree. I have very similar symptoms, the most distressing being the "out of body" dizziness feeling that completely inhibits my ability to do my job well, to read, write, etc. I am absolutely exhausted and cannot imagine having gone through this when I was a student; I probably would have taken a leave of absence. This has been going on for years for me, unfortunately. I have had extensive and multiple tests (with Neurologists, ENTs, etc.), including MRIs with some of the best docs one can find in the U.S., and they have all pointed me towards a diagnosis called "Chronic Subjective Dizziness." I highly recommend you look this up b/c I believe this is what's going on with you, too. What's disturbing about this diagnosis is that doctors don't really understand the cause. The condition is very much related to anxiety. SSRIs such as Zoloft are supposed to help, and I've been taking that for nearly a year. It keeps me from feeling totally panicked by this disabling condition, but I'm still dizzy and "in a fog." Sometimes I can hardly focus my eyes. Check it out and let me know what you think. My heart truly goes out to you, friend.

[A.M..]

I am so glad I found this community. I have been having the same symptoms. My maxillary facial pressure is incredible. It starts with this and extends to my jaw and left ear and affects my teeth. I have pain/pressure in my top back teeth but actually worse in my left lower back 2 teeth. I understand the top teeth can be affected but my lower left back 2 teeth are the worst. Dentist say there is not infection in those teeth.The off balance/dizziness are alarming. It feels like my face/head are going to explode. I am 56 yrs. old and female.Barametric pressure up or down seem to affect all of thisI. I always feel fatigued with hardly any energy.  Any thoughts?

[drivingizzy]

You may have anxiety.  See if your doctor will perscribe Clonezepan .25 twice a day...its a very low dose but can be enough. This drug is used to treat anxiety and equilibrium problems..so just might kill 2 birds with one stone.

[Dizzymom418]

I'm a 28 year old female with three kids. My dizziness started slowly. I was eating lunch with my family and I felt tilted and later that day I had a headache. Then a few days later I was watching a movie and I felt dizzy (like I couldn't focus). Then it went down hill from there. For a week I couldn't read or do anything that required consentration because it seemed like my eyes wouldn't focus. Then the next week I could read, but I was still dizzy (like I was imbalanced). I could walk and move around fine for these two weeks. Then it felt like I was being pulled to the left for a few days. I've had a lot of different facial pains, most of them are on the left side of my face including jaw area and teeth. A lot of cheek bone discomfort in front of my ear and temperal headaches. For a little while the dizziness went down and the headaches increased. I have been to my GP twice and she put me on prednisone for six days. That didn't seem to make a difference. I have been to the ENT doctor they didn't seem very helpful. I had a hearing test and everything came back normal. I still have the disequillibrium feeling and the headaches come and go a lot, with the facial pain. I have a MRI scheduled for this Friday. After reading everyone elses posts I'm scared that this problem will never be fixed. I'm a student as well and class is suppose to start tomorrow, but I don't know if I can sit through it and consentrate on chemistry. I also had flashing in my left eye, but I went to my eye doctor and he said that I had a large floater in the back of my eye. He said that my dizziness cause could have caused my floater as well. Any ideas?

[lisaf082193]

I'm so glad I read your post.  I have almost the same exact symptoms!  I have sinus/ear pressure that will turn into facial pain, headaches and dizziness.  About a year and a half ago, I had the same sensation of being pulled to the left and a horrible roaring sound in my left ear.  I absolutely could not walk straight!  After much research, I am thinking that many of these symptoms have to do with the Sternocleidomastoid muscle.  If you look it up, this muscle can affect many muscles in your face, ear and sinus.  I am going to try my Chiropractor as I have not had any success with my PCP or ENT.  I do know that misalignment of the C1 C2 vertebrae can cause dizziness and who knows what else. I do have a mild allergy to dustmites, but I don't think it would cause all this crap.  I rarely have a runny nose or sneeze.  

[Dizzymom418]

Well the headaches have disappeared. Dizziness and facial pain has decreased. Now it is more of an off-balanced feeling. If I go to lean on one leg I almost fall over. Hallways make the off-balanced feeling worse. MRI came back "grossly normal". I'm still waiting on ENT to tell me if there is anything else I can do. I'm going to an eye specialist next week, because of the flashing in my eyes. I developed a cold last week and I started taking Sudafed. It seems that the dizziness decreases a little when I'm on it. I'm not sure. I haven't taken any yesterday or today and I feel a little more off than earlier this week, so I don't know what that means. Let me know if the Chiropractor helps you. I think it could be a TMJ disorder. Good Luck!

[Kstr]

I was reading this post looking for some relief to my symtoms (symptoms) as well. I am experiencing the same symptoms to the t. Mine also evolved after a very stessful period in my life symptoms come and go I am 30 years old and experience dizzyness, pressure in the base of my neck, tightness in the front of my head, tingling in my jaw and left side of face, racing heart, and the whle nine yards. Doctors keep saying it stress. I also ser a counciler, an ent, nerologist, and have had several tests everything comes back ok as well. I feel it is effecting my every day life to. I am a single mother with three kids and hate feeling sick all the time. I force my self to keep going with every day tasks. I was also put on anti anxiety meds lexapro, and zanex as needed the zanex helps relax me so I get some relief but I sometimes still feel off as well. I have been told that it could be post tramatic stress disorder, or silent migranes (migraines). I have no good result either and am in hope of a dipgnosis as well. I constantly have somthing to drink and eat by my side it helps a little toale me feel better. Thats another thing I lost a signifigant amoun of weight 40 lbs with out trying and I eat like a horse and cant gain a pound. I somtimes feel nausaus as well but not freaquently. Im scarred as well and dont know what to do.

[MikeyKI]

Thanks for posting this.  I see my exact symptoms showing up for the first time.  I'm hitting the 24 month mark of sinus pain, dizziness, fogginess, inflammation and post-nasal drip.  Been through rounds of antibiotics, every over-the-counter medicine in existence, a year of allergy shots, acupuncture, diets, CT scans, an MRI and other homeopathic shots-in-the-dark.  Today the pain is in the base of my neck, but usually it is in my temples, upper sinus cavities or back of my eye sockets.

Never been in a car accident and have not had any unusual stress. But it came on very suddenly about 2 years ago and has not left. The cloudy, run-down feeling is the absolute worse part of it. It can be debilitating at times.

I do notice that the symptoms vary as the seasons change. Spring & Fall are more severe than winter/summer.  I'm not sure why, or why the allergy shots have not affected it.

The 2 things that work the best for me are ibuprophen (at least 4 at a time) and acupuncture gave me a significant relieve from the dizziness and mental confusion.

Ill monitor this forum. Hope to find more info....  Thanks everyone.

[gems84]

Im so glad iv found this. Iv been suffering with all these symptoms for the last 11 yrs....on n off thou and the best part of nothin for 2 yrs :) but its bk again and its really taken toll on me after my 3rd baby has recently been born. Doctors never seem to really no what is goin on but somethin is or i wudnt have these symtoms (symptoms) happenin. I feel like it ruins my life when im goin throu it....i stay away from people as i think im the one who is crackin up.  but after reading all this i no its definately real wot is happenin. My new doc thinks its my sinuses, anxiety probs and then panic attacks. Now waitin on a hearin test and some bloods to be taken as i may be annemic too :( hence the dizziness and vertigo symptoms. Im so glad im not the only one as i can see we all get the same probs. If i eva find anythin that cures me il be lettin u all no on here :)

[AlasdairRam]

I have been feeling this for six years and lately I think it may be something called Barré-Lieou syndrome. Something that IS NOT serious and groups almost all what we are feeling:

"Symptoms that characterize Barré-Lieou syndrome are headache, facial pain, ear pain, vertigo, tinnitus, loss of voice, hoarseness, neck pain, severe fatigue, muscle weakness, sinus congestion, a sense of the eyeball being pulled out, and numbness. Other symptoms may include a pins-and-needles sensation of the hands and forearms, corneal sensitivity, dental pain, lacrimation (tearing of the eyes), blurred vision, facial numbness, shoulder pain, swelling on one side of the face, nausea, vomiting and localized cyanosis of the face (bluish color)."

http://www.caringmedical.com/conditions/Barre-Lieou_Syndrome.htm

I'm going to visit a doc next week and if I get cured or if I improve, I will tell you all!

[MikeyKI]

Hi all. Just wanted to report back that I took the advice of my Neurologist (even though I was very skeptical)... and I am feeling better than I have in 2 years.

I visited a Neurologist in November. He performed a thorough examination and reviewed my CT scans and MRIs.  He said that he couldn’t find anything physically that would be causing my sinus pain, mild chronic headaches, dizziness and extreme lack of concentration.  But he was 90% sure that if I quit all OTC medicines and broke my addiction to coffee that I would get better.  Here is some info: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rebound-headaches/DS00613/DSECTION=causes

The first week I gave up Ibuprophen and all other OTC drugs. Within a few days I developed one of the worst headaches I had ever had. That was surprising to me. On the 2nd day I took a single Oxycodin and the headache went away. I actually started feeling better. I haven’t been dizzy since.

The third week I switched from 2 cups of coffee to a couple of small cokes.  The sinus pain went away. Instead of my concentration and mental energy having peaks and valleys... it was steady some where in the middle.  I spent 5 or 6 weeks trying to give up cokes completely and wasn’t successful. Only because my life demands full mental energy and I couldn’t achieve it without at least a little caffeine.  But I will say that the symptoms are 85% better than before.  

During the 5 or 6 weeks, I developed a headache a few times. Each of those times I went to Starbucks and got a Latte and the headache went away. But my daily routine was a small soda in the morning and most days needed a small soda in the afternoon. Some days I went totally caffeine free... but those days I was not top of my game.

This week I went back to a small cup of coffee in the mornings.  My sinus inflammation and pain returned and my concentration has gone back to peaks and valleys.  I am going to experiment with different types of coffee to see if there is a difference... but I may have to give it up all together.  I have no plans to go back to the ibuprophens.  Thats pretty scarry stuff.

Good luck.

[Lildebhar]

I have the same thing. It is so frustrating. You need to go on a elimination diet. But before that go see a ND that specializes in applied kineseology.  Also have them check your teeth. Probably won't show up on an exray but a good Kinseologist can find the bad teeth.  The more natural route you go with this the better. I can totally control my symptoms now.  Did they do a food allergy testing?  Regular docs could never find the cause just want to drug you out.  Where are you located?