Vertigo and Off Balance

[kylaroy]

I am 36 years old.  I have suffered with bouts of vertigo (lasting minutes) followed by a "hangover" feeling of dizziness, walking on marshmallows, off balanceness for 3-7 days afterward.  15 years.  I have been told I suffer from BPPV.  Have had 3 "canalith repositioning" procedure done.  They all stopped the acute vertigo but, the "hangover" and feeling of being off-balance continues for several days.  I am told this is NOT the way that BPPV behaves - that usually a person with BPPV is fine as long as they don't get their head in the position that is affected (looking up, looking down, etc.)  I also can SEE my heartbeat in my left eye and HEAR my heartbeat in my left ear.  My ENT did the cold water in the ear test which came back abnormal.  The other tests performed audiogram, etc. were normal.  He sent me to a neurologist who performed a "TRANSCRANIAL DOPPLER" on Tuesday and is performing an MRA (MRI of the vascular system in my head) tomorrow.  I am MISERABLE with the feeling of being off balance and get panicked when the acute vertigo occurs.  Anyone else suffer from the same?  Any thoughts on what might be going on?  I appreciate any response.

[Nancy T]

I too have never heard of anyone "seeing" their heartbeat. I hope they get to the bottom of it. If it's a vascular thing, I would THINK they could correct it surgically. Let us know what your doctor says.

[kylaroy]

Had the MRA yesterday and am anxiously awaiting the results from my doctor.  I just want them to tell me that there is SOMETHING they can do to help me.  It feels like for so long I have just had to endure it because it's BPPV and there is nothing that can be done.  I think its more than that but, we'll have to see.

I do not have any hearing loss in that ear - had the audiogram testing and all came back normal.  I just hear my heartbeat and "see" my heartbeat, both in my left side.  When I told the MRA tech that I "see" my heartbeat he really questioned me about it.  It seemed like he had never heard of such a thing.  I would love to hear from anyone else who has experienced that.  

Will keep you posted and thanks so much for your reply.

[Nancy T]

Yes, let us know. With the MRA, they may be looking for a vascular loop, which can cause dizziness. Hopefully whatever they find can be fixed surgically.

Do you have any hearing loss in that ear?

[kylaroy]

Thank you so much for your response.  I will let you know how todays test goes.

[Londres70]

The only symptoms I have similar to yours is the walking on marshmallows sensation and feeling off balance at times;I have them frequently.  I have had this since October 2009.  I have a diagnosis of unresolved Labyrinthitis.  I would not wish this one on my worst enemy.  I have had problems with mild anxiety since dealing with all of this.  I do take Betahistine 2x/day and xanax as needed.  

After reading your post, seeing a Neurologist is the way to go.

Keep us posted;All the best.