treatment for vertigo / dizzyness?

[jean_619]

Hi all,

I've been having periodic issues of vertigo and dizzyness (along with feeling a bit light headed) since I was dx'ed with MS a couple of months ago.

I'll talk to my neurologist about it at my next appointment of course.  But between now and then, is there anything over the counter that I can take?  It isn't really bad, it is just bad enough that it is hard to concentrate at work and if I walk for any significant distance then it gets worse (even just walking from one side of the office to another -- and it is not that big of a building).  I've missed a couple of days of work because of it.

Any advice?

Thanks,
Jean
MS dx April 2010
Epi dx 1996

[dizzykidd215]

i understand where u coming from,same here with me,i've been experience the same exact thing myself too for the past 5 month or so.it all started out with a fever i had then.but now it wasn't so bad like before,before i couldn't even think straight,focus rite,my heart was racing,i was sweating,felt like i was gonna passout or somthing.now,all of that subside i only got this sensation where i'm like a drunk person contstantly,everywhere i go.i couldn't stand walking long at the mall for some reason either.but anyway i realized that i'm not alone on this one theres many ppls out there that goin thru this too so,i hope u take it easy and wish you the best of luck in finding the recovery of this symtom...

[jean_619]

Wow, you are right.  I knew I felt odd when I was in busy places, but I didn't know why.  Now I know that is what was happening.  It is a feeling of being "out of it" -- this "out of it" feeling might be dizziness and light headed-ness.

I also tend to walk close to walls now -- and sometimes lean on them if I'm feeling especially dizzy.  I try to look very "relaxed" and nonchalant while doing it so that people just think I'm "cool".  hee hee

I have also learned to walk more slowly because I have significant problems with hyper reflexes and jumpiness when folks approach me unexpectedly (e.g., around a corner or crossing my path).  That has helped *a lot*.

Thanks for the insights Jemm and Wobbly.

[JemmAus]

Hi, balance/vertigo is my curse as well.

I read a funny blog about MS symptoms the other day, along the lines of "describe what it's like".

For the dizziness/vertigo, the lady wrote, "Imagine spinning fast on your computer chair for 30 minutes, then getting up and walking in a rowing boat on a choppy lake. Do this all day, every day". Gee I laughed, because that is how I feel. HA. HA. HA *sob*

treatment escapes me as well. All I have learnt to do is avoid (or stare hard at the ground if avoidance is impossible) busy places, and walk near walls etc to feel more secure - something to grab I suppose. I also walk much more slowly, which seems to help. Mine is now at the point that I sawy like a drunk when I stand still. My son wants to get a t-shirt saying "She's not drunk  - she has MS".

Fat lot of help that was, but know you are not alone.

Jemm

[jean_619]

Just to post an update on this ...

I saw my neuro last week and when I told her I had this problem she said that it is just something I may always have and there is nothing that can be done about it.

Not a very helpful response, but likely an accurate one.   =(

Jean

[Wobbly]

Hi there.  I suffer from Vertigo almost on a daily basis lately.  it was one of my first symptoms and I have tried a few medications but nothing has helped.  Wish they could find something to help... but my vertigo is not from my ears.. it's central.

hope you feel better soon..
wobbly

[addicted2harleys]

Hi, Jean-

I am sorry that your vertigo is interfering with your life.  Have you checked out the Health Pages here?  Look for link in the top right hand corner.  Excellent info/tips to help.

I don't know what OTC drugs to advise, though if I remember right when I was having problems with it I was given something for motion sickness.  Just be really careful with mixing medications.

Can you maybe go to your primary doctor for something?  I am sure they could guide you in the right direction, instead of having to wait for neuro appointment.

Addi