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Dizzy and Blur Vision while driving
by Jai38, Nov 08, 2006 12:00AM
I am a 43 yo female who recently started having major problems with dizziness while driving. I recently started driving 2 hours to and from work. I am having a difficult time explaining the symptoms. I was driving home from work and began to feel like everything was moving too fast but I was sitting still. My vision became blurred and I began to be unable to focus. I feel like my car is not touching the road and I have no control. Medical History: Diagnosed w/fibromuscular dysplasia w/renal artery stenosis 7 years ago; gastric surgery 5 years ago;plastic surgery in July (breast reduction and tummy tuck; high blood pressure and I am hypoglecemic. My PCP states he heard something in my neck and has ordered a Caritoid Ultrasound but I am concern that this is not my problem and it is something we are missing. I am having a low grade headache;some low grade burred vision; dizziness when turning over in the bed and some facial pain behind my eyes. Please tell me if we should be looking at other things. I have to drive back and forth to work so any help would be greatly appreciated.
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Does this mean we have to stay like this forever?
Have an ENG. This is usually done at a balance center, Neurology clinic, or Ear, Nose & Throat doctor. I have BPPV which is aggrivated while turning my head, in bed or otherwise, and you can google that term and it will give you a host of information. I also have Oscillopsia, aka jumping eyes. Sometimes this is so subtle that others don't notice it and your doctor might not even pick up on it, but an ENG test will. A good Neurologist should be able to do the EPLEY maneuver to give some indication if it's one of the problems or the only one. My vision can be corrected 20/150 in the morning and later on be 20/200 or 20/300, etc... it oscillates. I have migraine also. Debilitating ones. However, since I have been on this journey, I have discovered that there exists migraine WITHOUT HEADACHE! My vestibulo-ocular reflex is also severely impaired, and if you get an ENG, the doctor will find that also. If you have not had a brain MRI, I would also suggest that you have one. I am struggling to drive. Some days, I am what would be considered legally blind. Other days, my vision is great. It varies a lot. I have found that extreme changes in weather patterns also greatly affect me. I take hydrocodone APAP 500 for my headaches. I also take Cymbalta, it is a depression medication that is also used for neuropathic pain. Of course, having this condition is enough to make a person get depressed! I hope this has helped! It took me 2 years to find out I'd had a stroke/vertebral artery dissection, and several more years to discover nystagmus, then a couple more to find the BPPV as well as the Oscillopsia. I got on this forum with hope that I can spare someone else the frustrating journey that I endured. Good luck.
A few weeks ago, i was driving to the seaside ( about 30 miles away, no motorways, just A roads and long country roads. Was fine for the first 20 mins, then had to pull over. It felt like i was looking at the road but not actually 'seeing' it properly. I started to feel dizzy, like i could pass out at any minute and like i was holding onto the steering wheel but not gripping ( even though i was holding it tight). I was thinking of turning back, but i was taking my son and niece out and didnt want to dissapoint them. I set off again, and 5 mins later had to stop. I just felt utter panic as soon as i started driving. I ended up getting there ok, but spent the whole time dreading the drive back which was going to be in the dark. I was even thinking of staying in a b&b for the night, but ended up getting home ok, although it was a total nightmare for me.I had to have the radio on, and had to keep the conversation going with my partner to try and take my mind off it. I am ok driving on normal, inner city roads, its just on the major roads i seem to get this. I have had tinnitus for 6 months, and only just seen the dr about it who has booked me some hearing tests. Ive also been getting slight twitching above my right temple, the same side where i have the tinnitus. Im not experiencing headaches, but feeling some kind of pressure there. I'm worried it could be something really bad and thinking i should go back to the drs?
I get so panicky about driving now. When i go to bed, i lay there replaying the whole thing in my head and it still scares me.
I thought i may have just developed a phobia and wasnt expecting to see so many other people having this driving problem.
Has anyone found out what could be causing it?
have had CT, 3 MRI, ENG, ECOG, ABR and some other dizzy tests cant remember the name exactly but too all of which are abnormal. something abutting the atruim of the right lateral ventricle (shows on the MRI
THE ENT says not to take the Dramamine or mecelzine for the vertigo very bad and can prolong the symptoms even though it makes you feel better. HE defiantly has ruled out any middle or inner ear things, not vertigo caused from fluid in their nor is it anything to do with it at all based on all the abnormal tests MRI, etc he had me start vestibular PT which seems to be making me worse after 3 sessions!! So ill dizzy been in bed for 2 days. My HDTV makes me dizzy cant watch it at night. ENT says theres something neurological causing my symptoms.
Also forgetfulness, cant remember things, short term memory, forgetting appointments and other important things that I normally wouldn't and yes they're written down on my calenders and other places and still slips my mind and cant remember them or days!!!
Also ordered neuropyshc tests to see how my brain is processing info all before going to a neurologist!
on a wait list to see a neurologist.
All very scary! Only 4yo do have an extensive medical history including but not limited to CD, 3 types arthritis, RA, fibro included just to mention a few. Suffered from migraines for years. / TIA 4 years ago when then found thing thing in my head on flair images.
Still haven't seen a neurologist in so many years not since my migraines started in my late teens. PCP is waiting for remainder of tests to be done first???
Boston hospitals at our finest! Live at Cape Cod, took me 5 1/2 hours to drive home after the last test I suddenly was so dizzy, couldn't see straight hard to explain blurry fuzzy, graish? I don't know but had to stop on side of highway very exit for a few minutes to get home which usually takes about a hour or so!!
so if anyone has any info to shed please enlighten us!
Horrible and can NOT be AGE thing!!
I am 56 years old and have had this since my mid twenties. Just like you folks are talking about...sometimes it's like I get an electric shock in my neck and back of my head then it starts. I also have the problem talking to people face to face... I have had so many test...and pills; I remember one was Antivert. One night I had a grand mall seizure and that at least got people looking for something wrong instead of blowing it off as I was crazy. I take medication every day, but have had a few more seizures and the Dizzy, feeling tired, getting all worked up while driving continues. Sometimes worse than others. For along time driving five miles to work was something I worried about all day.(worked nights) I finally (after 5-6 years) refuse to be controlled by this feeling and it does help...doesn't cure it. I recently had another seizure and my medication level was low...I never miss a pill and I account it on generic medication. I felt strange for months and now I am on Dilantin. The feeling of not knowing is difficult to deal with; and we/I are still expected to perform as though nothing is wrong. I had taken a fall (mid 80's) well after going through seizures and had to have a brain operation because of fractures in my skull and two broken blood vesicles. As I said earlier, the symptoms are still there and will get very bad if I let them...hell of a way to live, but as of now I see no answers...I will keep checking here in hopes someone has found something. Good luck to all !!! I share your anguish.
A total feeling of unbalance. Now I get dizzy while driving. Especially around curves or when going fast. Also in heavy traffic. It's worse when I don't get a full night's sleep or if I'm stressed. It's worse if I foucs on the lines on the highway. I try to stay off of the interstate. Now I try to get a full night's sleep and limit stress. There must be a common factor we all have or do. I have reduced and limited my alcohol intake. Does anyone else drink? Can this be a factor?
When the dizziness hit me, I was really scared. I didn't know what was going on. I laid down and figured it would pass and it did, but it kept coming in waves for about a week and went away. I went to my PCP and he diagnosed me with Veritgo. For the first two years, I would have these "waves" of dizziness.
After I gave birth to my daughter, the dizziness was constant. It would last none stop for about two months and then I would be OK for about 2 weeks, and the routine would repeat over and over again.
When the dizziness started to be more constant. I went to my local ER. They checked my heart with an EKG and when that came back normal, they told me I had Panic Dissorder and sent me to my local Mental Institution. I really didn't fight them because I would have done anything to feel better. At the Institution, they put me on Zoloft, but 5 years later, I still have the same symptoms. I also do have Panic Attacks, but that is because the dizzy spells get me to scared.
I have been to countless doctors all over the United States. I saw an ENT who said I had polyps in my sinuses and need surgery. I figured I would get a second opinion, so I went to another ENT who physically looked into my sinuses with a tube, and said even though I do have polyps, it is not bad enough that it requires surgery. I went to two Neurologist and both of them swore I had MS, until the MRI's proved them wrong. They both told me "it's in your head", and gave me a prescription for Lexapro. I was begining to think that maybe I can crazy. Everytime I go see a new doctor, I get a new diagnosis. I was even reffered for a sleep study to rule out sleep apnea.
I finally found a Institute in Florida which specializes with different disorders that cause dizziness. After 3 days of nonstop testing, the doctor told me that the tests showed "something" but did not emphasize. He diagnosed me with Verstibular Migraines and put me on Diamox. Diamox is used for Altitude Sickness and Minere's disease, not for Mirgraines. I spent thousands of dollars to go to this place and got the feeling that I was just being pushed out the door, so the doctor could make room for the next patient.
3 years after that, I am back to the same situation, and broke...LOL
A few nights ago I went to go see an Allergist who has helped my daughter with Allergies and I really like him. He did allergy testing and I came up positive for several allergies but he told me that none of them would cause my dizziness and he reffered me back to another ENT.
That night, I came home really upset and started watching Discovery Health. On Mystery Diagnosis there was a women who had something called "Orthostatic Intolerance". I thought I may have that, but my blood pressure is always normal.
I started channel surfing on demand and found a little clip from a show called "Diagnosis X" on Discovery Health. This girl had exactly the same symptoms I had. Dizziness, Fatigue, Panic Disorder, Fuzzy Eyes, Stuffed Head, Eyes taking to long to adjust to darkness, Disbalance, Unexplained Skin Rashes (thought it was Allergies), Forgetfullness, Sensitivity to beight lights, headaches, etc. She was diagnosed with something called Toxic Encephalopathy. Exposure to certain chemicles which can cause an effect of the nervous system. Being that my husband is a pest control tech, I inadvertently come in contact with them. He never brings them into the home, but after speaking with Dr. Jack Thrasher, he confirmed that even the smallest particles on his shoes can cause this.
After doing research on TE, I discovered there is another disorder called MCSS - Multiple Chemicle Sensitivity Syndrome which can cause the same symptoms. Chemicles such as perfumes, air freshners, Carpet cleaners, etc.
I have scheduled an appointment with my PCP and I am going in Today for the bloodwork. A simple blood test can pinpoint this disease and I have been suffering for 8 years.
After spending the entire day crying, I finally got out of bed, and decided to do some research. I found a fountain for MCSS. Through their website I found a specialist in John's Hopkins Medical University located in Baltimore MD that specializes in this. Luckily, that is only 1 hour away from my house. I have an appointment for October the 15th.
For BAJones - The worst thing you can possibly do is go to the ER. When I went, I was completely disregarded and sent to my local Mental Institution. They never even bothered running tests. They listened to my heart, and my chest. Looked into my ears and sent me on my way.
Also, you can file for temporary disability. For permanent, you would have to have a diagnosis, and have that doctor fill out the paperwork. After 8 years with this, I am trying myself, as I have a 6 year old daughter to take care of. Since my doctor does not even want to check me, I cannot get a definitive diagnosis and therefore cannot get disability.
In my 8 years experienvce with this, if a doctor does not know what is wrong with you, instead of sending you somewhere that may know, they just disregard you.
For everyone who has been suffering - there any many diseases that can cause dizziness. A lot of them doctors are not familiar with. Heart Problems, Inner Ear, MS, Chemical Posions, etc. I recommend going to any specialist you can find. If they do not listen, go to another one who will. Contact your local Enviromental specialist. It maybe something in your air that you are breathing in. It maybe allergies to something. Do not stop until you get a diagnosis.
The symptoms of dull persistent headaches, dizziness while driving, blurred vision and pain at the back of the eyes suggest of Sinusitis. It is not necessary to have cold or runny nose. Congestion of sinuses may be chronic. Please go for a CT scan of the brain and sinuses and consult an ENT surgeon first for examination, investigations and diagnosis. If sinusitis is not the cause, please consult a neurologist to rule out the neurological causes. Hope this helps you. Take care and regards!
I do not know if I should feel comforted or concerned by the fact that so many people posting here have similar symptoms. The fact that, despite extensive testing, there does not appear to be any consistent cause or diagnosis is of great concern.
I live in a major metropolitan area and therefore have not had a vehicle for the past ten years. If I need a car, I borrow one or rent one. In February 2007, I borrowed a car and, while driving, looked over my left shoulder prior to moving to the left lane. When I looked over my left shoulder, the road tilted sideways. Somehow I managed to keep driving and fortunately traffic slowed down to stop and go. The sensation passed and I continued to drive for about 20 to 25 minutes. Traffic picked up again after clearing a toll booth and the sensation started again as soon as I was going about 45mph to 50mph. It is extremely difficult to explain how I was feeling. There was an exit coming up in two miles and I remember thinking I was going to pass out and not make it to the exit. I did make the exit and I pulled over. I was asleep within minutes and remained asleep for approximately 45 minutes. I think it very bizarre that I was able to fall asleep so quickly after such a frightening experience and that I was able to stay asleep at such a noisy/busy place. I woke up and got back on the highway. As soon as I was traveling at 50mph, the sensation started again. I felt a sense of imbalance, of being slightly disoriented, dizzy, and a little nauseous. Someone else wrote that it was like being on a roller coaster without a seatbelt or lap bar. I understand what they meant. I got off the expressway and decided to return home, but I traveled down streets where I was never driving faster than 45 mph. So long as I didn’t drive faster than 45 mph, I was okay.
I discussed this episode with a doctor and he told me I likely had a panic attack. Well I have never had a panic attack in my life and I do not believe that was the cause.
I recently borrowed a car again and I had a repeat of my previous experience. What I observed was that so long as I stay below 45mph to 50mph the sensation is not there. Also, it is worse on a multilane expressway than on a two or four lane expressway. I had no problem driving 50mph on a two lane highway, but if I were on the expressway with three or four lanes going in one direction, the sensation was strong. I could minimize it somewhat by fixing my sight on the license plate of the car ahead of me. I have no problem driving around the city or suburbs. It is ONLY on highways that I have difficulty. I believe that speed and visual cues together are somehow causing this. However, when I am a passenger, I really do not have any problems. It is only when I am driving.
In the past 10 years I've been in 4 car accidents (none my fault haha), had viral meningitis, Bell's Palsy, chronic pain in my chest and back (somewhat like Fibromyalgia), Sleep Apnea, multiple deer tick bites, and have no idea what all of these might have to do with what seems to be the most debilitating issue yet.
I'm currently being treated for chronic Lyme's Disease as all of these symptoms fit and the medical community is only now putting more focus on this disease. I just want to add one more time that inexplicably chewing gum constantly while driving has made it tolerable most days to drive so it's worth a shot. Still hoping for a 'real' answer.
Anyways, Its seems worst at night while I am driving but do have spells in the day as well. I have also had 1 or 2 spells besides driving i.e having dinner or at home etc.. . I want to get my sugar checked and then go to a ENT. If that doesnt work I am checking into the following...
Tullios dissorder
Chiari Malformation
Toxic Encephalopathy
Multiple Chemicle Sensitivity Syndrome
MS
Ear infection/Vertigo
somatoform disorder
Pray that we will find a solution for this. God Bless!
I am listing some similarities in what I have read if anyone sees this too please comment.
Hospital Stay
Over Exercising
Many hours looking at a computer
Severe Trauma
Mold
Stress ( I know, everybody has this but I mean....divorce, death, etc)
History of migraines
Concussion
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vasovagal-syncope/DS00806
read through the def. symptoms, causes, etc. There are like 5 or 6 pages linked together.
www.adaa.org
Her professional certification was LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
-First, go to ADAA.org to search for therapists that may work for you. When you interview the different therapists, make sure that they understand the basics of anxiety disorders. Also, make sure that the therapist is very confident and "forceful." This is not a job for a new therapist. You need someone at least in their 40s with 10+ years of experience in this area. I was not diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, but the treatment is apparently similar.
-Second, the person should be EMDR certified, preferably with Level 1 and 2 training/certification.
-Third, your therapist will likely have one of the following professional certifications: PHD, LCSW, MA in phychology, LPC. You should be very skeptical if the person is a MD as they will want to medicate you and this is not necessary.
-If you live in the North or South Carolina area, consider seeing my therapist. Her name is Faison Covington and her number is 704-364-1034. She will gladly take your calls if you simply want to speak with her. Note that it has been 4 weeks since my last session and my driving is perfectly normal today. Good luck.