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Dizzy and Blur Vision while driving

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StuPott

Sep 29, 2011

To: greg / everyone

It's not the car unfortunately - I have this problem in any car I drive. This is either stress related or eye strain related, or maybe a combination of both! I haven't had any 'episodes' now for 4 weeks since I started relaxing a lot more. I'm hoping that this is simply due to the stresses of life (and there are a lot of them!) and the lack of sleep which having kids (bless them) inevitably causes. The other cause could be inner-ear related as I am aware that I have Tinnitus and my hearing isn't exactly great, but unfortunately after numerous visits to the GP, he cannot see any issues with my ear, so I'm hoping that's not the issue - but of course GP's aren't exactly that great any more so who knows? Maybe if we can all combine our symptoms then we'll be able to get to the bottom of this. I'll start with:

- Do you use a computer screen at work and for how long each day?
- Do you wear glasses?
- Do you get the recommended 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night?
- Do you have young children (under the age of 5)?
- Do you feel you are under stress in any way?
- Is your hearing good? Do you have Tinnitus or any other ear related problems?
- Have you ever had any bone injuries?
- Do you suffer from high or low blood pressure?
- Do you suffer from headches or migraines?

Please feel free to add your own questions - it's likely that we all have them, so let's all be honest and open on this forum.

Looking forward to (finally) sorting this one out! :-)

tmarie67

Oct 03, 2011

To: StuPott

I think you are on the right track.  It's not the specific vehicle.  But looking at my own 10 year history I do believe my episodes are stress related.

I do not get enough sleep on a regular basis.  No young children, but three teenage boys.  Stress is always a factor, but this summer is particulary high due to Mother Nature and my episodes have been more frequent than ever before.  I have low blood pressure and suffer from occasional octular migraines.  I also power through some days with a high level of caffine.  I sometimes think that caffine contributes to my symptoms.

Anyway - I am just very relieved to find that I am not the only one with these symptoms.  I am very excited to go back to my GP with this entire thread for a new phyiscal and blood work.  Maybe this time he will not dismiss me like I am crazy and pass me off on the cardiologist because he doesn't know what else to do.

Good Luck to all of us in finding an answer.  But please keep us posted to any success in reducing or eliminating episodes.

StuPott

Oct 04, 2011

To: All

This may also help some of us. On Embarrassing Bodies last night there was a woman who suffered from dizziness:

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/embarrassing-bodies/4od

This was due to migraines - check out the link - Series 4, Episode 13. The doctor also explains other possible causes, so it's worth a watch.

javajulie

Oct 10, 2011

To: All

I have been dealing with this off and on for the past few years and am so relieved to know that there are others out there who know what I am referring to.  At first, I chalked these incidents up to panic attacks, even though I don't actually have a history of them.  In picking the problem apart, I've realized that the panic is the aftereffect, not the problem itself - when it happens it's just so unsettling and scary that I panic over the possibility of losing control of a 2 ton piece of metal.  I had a reprieve for most of this year in which I was able to drive on the freeway again (though with the everpresent worry that an episode might hit) but it came back as strong as ever last month.

Here are the things I have considered as potentially relevant:

I have sleep apnea (treated with CPAP)
I have hypothyroidism
I have general issues with vertigo (not afraid of heights, but highly susceptible to vertigo issues on escalators, open staircases, etc.)
It is definitely worse at night, most likely because I am much more tired at night
Never an issue when I am the passenger
I spend at least 8, closer to 10-11, hours a day in front of a computer
It seems to be worse at this time of year (autumn), as between January and August, I was able to resume driving on the freeways, but then in September, it reared its ugly head again and now it even happens on slower side streets.
I suspect it has something to do either with a pattern of lights (such as sunlight or headlights flickering through a guardrail) or vibrations from the road, or a combination of both.
If I flip down my rearview mirror at night and adjust my side mirrors so that they don't reflect headlights, the issue is reduced, but not eliminated.

What it feels like specifically: Like I am falling/tilting to the left.  It feels like my left leg is "fading" away, not like pins and needles, but just a gradual fading of feeling.  It feels to me something like I am falling asleep, and get a jolt at the last second.  If you have ever fallen asleep and had a dream that you were falling and "snapped" awake at the last second, it feels like a milder-yet-scarier version of that.

The worst part is definitely the fear that accompanies each episode.  I have to force myself to breathe through it.  When an episode strikes, it helps if I turn down the radio, roll down the windows, and remind myself that nothing has ever happened before, and that if I can keep my fear in control, I will be okay.

I would love for someone to be able to figure out why this happens to us and how we can stop it.  In the meantime, just knowing someone else out there gets it makes it a little less overwhelming.

javajulie

Oct 10, 2011

To: All

Oh, I also wanted to mention that it seems to me that it happens at the moment that most people would normally drift into a sort of road hypnosis - you know how you start driving a familiar route and zone out and suddenly you're home? It feels to me like that transition into "autopilot" triggers these events in me.

javajulie

Oct 14, 2011

To: All

Posting one more time to update.  I have started consistently driving at night with my rearview mirror flipped down from the start, and avoiding looking into my side mirrors where possible.  This has made a huge difference overall.

I think, for me at least, that the problem lies in the conflicting visual input between what I see ahead of me (and what my brain perceives as accurate) and what I am seeing in my peripheral vision from my rearview mirrow.  So basically for me it's a form of motion sickness where I feel motion and I see motion, but the two don't correspond correctly, so I get dizzy.

I think the reason the effect is more pronounced when I am going around a curve is because there is even greater conflict, since the side mirrors are reflecting a lot more movement.

And finally, I think the reason it is more of an issue at night (especially at around sunset) is because I tend to drive east/west, so there is a greater disparity between the amount of light I see ahead of me and the light reflected in my mirrors, which just emphasizes the conflict.

Understanding more about what is causing this has helped me manage it a lot.  For now I am still sticking to surface streets, but I feel a lot more confident about being able to drive surface streets without too much issue.  Hopefully it will help someone else.

CupCke31

Oct 16, 2011

To: Everyone

My dizziness started coming back after several months and I was worried that my solution wasn't working anymore. I went to the dr only to find out that I am pregnant. So my chiropractor visits and massages ARE working....just not for pregnancy. =)

StuPott

Oct 17, 2011

To: All

Hi all - I believe that I may have a name for our problem - Cervical Vertigo. Read the following page and see if it fits your symptoms:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/202016-causes-of-cervical-vertigo/

It's not going to be an easy one to treat but will help us all in getting treatment (hopefully!).

Again, good luck to you all with dealing with this bizarre and very frustrating problem.

CupCke31

Oct 17, 2011

To: StuPott

If you look up to my previous posts, I have already stated this is what I have. It's not hard to manage, if you have a good chiropractor and get a massage once in awhile. I listed everything I do for it... just look for my earlier post above.

StuPott

Oct 19, 2011

To: CupCke31

Thanks CupCke31 - must have missed that one, or was simply in denial that it may be a proper medical condition!

I have managed to control this by relaxing a lot more, as per my previous posts, but am aware that my neck is very stiff most of the time so have a definite issue there - all of which is part of Cervical Vertigo (unfortunately).

Anyway, I'll be getting that massage soon so will hopefully be back on form in no time. Good luck with the pregnancy :)

Scissor101

Nov 08, 2011

To: Forums

I have same symptom for the pass 10 months and it's scary while driving and the floating feeling and not having control behind the wheel is the worst. Is there anybody know how to treat this? Please help!! Thank you!!

pestguy

Nov 09, 2011

To: all

you all are having anxiety/panic attacks I know because I have experienced all of these feelings of doom/dread myself while driving. They then started to spread into other situations in my life while I wasnt driving. Ignoring these feelings of panic/doom/dread does not work and only will make it worse. Acknowledge there is a problem and seek help weather its talking to a good friend/family member or in my case my family doctor. Two months of being on the anti anxiety drug lexapro has me driving over bridges through construction
during rainstorms with no problems now. It was a lifesaver for me and I cant believe how much better I feel weather driving or just living an every day normal life without fearing when that awful feeling might appear.

alcopops2011

Nov 15, 2011

To: CupCke31

hey guys havent been on here for a while but i now feel amazing !! chiropractor is the best bit of advice i could give anyone i no longer get dizzy shopping or driving and generally feel on top of the world! still visiting the chiropractor once a month however she wants me to go every 2 months after next week , i seriously feel back to normal !! however have been going a while to the chiropactor, but im thinking that it took a long time for me to get in this state so it will take a while to get better . i have the hospital again next month so will get re assessed on the condition i had, but i believe that im 100 percent better will let you know what the docs say thanks for the advice cupcake it really has gave me my life back !!

Suzy272

Nov 15, 2011

I have suffered from the same symptoms for years. the very first attack was the worst. i couldnt focus on anything and it felt as though all the lights on thee roads were forming different routes and i didnt trust myself to drive. Since then i really struggle at night. i feel that my eyes cant stay focused on one thing and they are constantly moving to look from the car in front to my mirror (albeit briefly as i worry that i will lose control if i look away. It also feels as if i am at that stage when you are so tired and trying to keep yourself awake! I also get the tired feeling when driving during the day. it is not related to tiredness as i can get it on short journeys when i have had plenty of sleep. I become terrified while i am driving that i am going to either fall asleep or lose control of the car.
I went to the opticians and they told me my eyesight was fine and offered no more suggestions. i live in the uk and from my experience of the nhs doctors they are not interested in helping or finding a solution so i am not sure what step to take next. driving is a massive part of my life and im worried i will get too scared to drive.

dizziness33

Nov 23, 2011

To: dizzy people

are u still taking this medicine and is it helping? i have had those same symptoms and i found out i have a leaky arotic valve in my heart..cardiologist claims my symptoms are not from my heart;'...it is very frustrating! i might look into this med further. i feel like i am crazy sometimes cause no one can figure out why i am still having balance isssues, went to ent and so one...feel like i cant drive long distance anymore and i am 33 years old! too young to feel this way on a daily basis!

SamPCS

Nov 23, 2011

I have the same symptoms after a head injury for years. Lately I have been finding prism lenses helps. You may want to check out this Neuro-Optometrist in Birmingham, USA who has specialized lenses which helps many if it comes from vision. No other optometrists has a clue and is a relatively new technique and specialty.

http://www.visionspecialistsofbirmingham.com/

Jeslee76

Nov 24, 2011

Has anyone found any solution for this problem ?!?! I too have the same issue with dizziness and driving and have a 2 yr old son in my car.... Very scared!... Had an MRI of the brain and they found no abnormality ... Anyone w any suggestions ?

Jeslee76

Nov 24, 2011

To: Javajulie

I just read UR posts n I'm in tears cause u described my experience almost to a T. I'm so scared cause I have a 2 yr old n my parents live pretty far away n I love to visit. If u find anything new out please post UR results and help us also. I am in fear for my safety cause I have to drive. Thank u :)

CupCke31

Nov 25, 2011

To: alcopops2011

YAY! I'm glad I could help.

CassandraRose

Nov 29, 2011

Finally an answer! I've had this problem ever since I worked overnights, I thought it had something to do with my stress from changing my sleep schedule because its been harder to drive at night more and more. I get really sleepy, blurry vision, distorted depth perception and I feel like I'm in a video game or dream. I also have a problem with light sensitivity, and I sometimes have trouble looking someone in the eyes, it became a big problem for me. I thought it was social anxiety but then I couldnt make it disappear with my confidence and self-esteem. I cannot afford a chiropractor though.

CassandraRose

Nov 29, 2011

Ive had this problem since 2008! I dont trust myself to drive at night anymore. It makes me really tired for some odd reason, I somtimes feel like I'm going to lose consciousness and that I might be dreaming which isnt safe. Maybe I'll try the Indian Chiropractor since I cant afford anything else.

CassandraRose

Nov 29, 2011

To: cupcke31

Really? Breathing techniques. ive had these problems since 2008 and a few months ago I was practicing daily deep breathing. If I can recall it seemed to help. I get dizzy spells all the time since I am also hypoglyemic I thought it was just my blood pressure because I'll have an attack if I dont eat every 4-5 hours every once in a while. But when I was 14 in 2004, I feel on my roller blades flat on my back, it hurt and then a year later I had back pain and my chiropractor found a pinched nerve, which ive dealt with since. Its gotten better somehow but I still get tension headaches that start at the base of my neck. Now that I dont feel the pain from my pinched nerve I have more trouble driving at night. What is your diagnosis?

angi808

Nov 30, 2011

To: everyone

I have the exact same things going on for the past few weeks. I was seeing a chiripractor even before this started, dont spend much time on computer, get plenty of sleep, never had any kind of trauma. Mine also only happens while drivimg on the highway at night time. I do think I get anxiety about it which makes it worse, I just called my chiropractor and asked him about it and he is stumped. I am not on any new meds and only have one small cup of coffee before driving to work. It is pure hell cuz I drive 45 mins to work in the dark on the hwy everyday. I dont know what to do, I feel as if I will eventually kill myself or someone else on the road when I finally do pass out.

CupCke31

Dec 02, 2011

To: CassandraRose

The reason why breathing is helping is because it's circulating more blood to the brain and oxygen. Do you have insurance because it will help pay for a chiropractor, worth looking into though.

CupCke31

Dec 02, 2011

To: angi808

Talk to your chiro and mention Cervical Vertigo. If he/she still doesn't know, you need to find yourself a new chiropractor.

caitlinxhope

Dec 17, 2011

To: All

I was so relieved to find that I'm not just crazy.  I've read many of the symptoms you all experience.  My very first attack was when I was driving back from a weekend trip on the highway, doing about 60mph.  I was in the right hand lane, and suddenly, I felt myself falling, my vision narrowing, a sense of dizziness, and a feeling of nearly passing out.  I pulled over to the nearest gas station and had my mom take over for part of the ride, and when it came time to get on the turnpike, I took over again.  It was daytime, and there was light filtering through the trees.  I had the sensations again for a while even on back roads, and they subsided during the summer months to a point.  I was able to make an hour long trip by myself, but needed to be talking on the cell phone in order to remain calm and feel like I had control of the vehicle.  It recently started getting worse, especially when driving at night.  I feel I have to move my eyes around constantly and not focus on one thing in order to remain balanced, but then I panic that I'll get into an accident for not looking right ahead of me.  I've also noticed that I get dizzy in the car when in the passenger seat, but I don't get nervous, because I know I don't have to drive the vehicle.

For a long time, I was scared I was going to have epilepsy or something like that, in which I'd lose control of the car and get into a crash and die.  I figured it must have been some sort of anxiety, so I pushed it aside, and actually visited a therapist.  Learning stress-reducing techniques helped, but I still have attacks and avoid highways and long trips whenever possible.  I ran into this forum the other night and found so much relief from knowing I wasn't crazy.  My mom's a nurse, and she also confirmed that it's probably neurological.  The other thing I noticed was that I had been in an accident October 2010, before I had my first attack (Jan 2011).  I don't remember specifically making long trips from October to January, so I thought maybe it had something to do with the accident (I was rearended by a woman who fell asleep at the wheel going almost 40 mph).

I also notice that when I focus anywhere for a long time, I tend to get dizzy.  Seriously thinking it's inner or middle ear, or it's something to do with my spine.  I hate this feeling, because it's like I can't enjoy driving like I used to.

dirkroy954

Jan 02, 2012

My dizziness went away after I ditched diet sodas. Who knew?

Thandi1

Jan 04, 2012

To: javajulie

javajulie, Your case is 100% my case, so if you get help please pass on the solution to: ***@****. Thank you for sharing your story with the world of hypo thyriod patients who are taking a beaten daily. In return, If I get help I will waste no time pass on the information.

God Bless You

Tammylee626

Jan 09, 2012

To: Jess298

Have you found out what is wrong? I am experiencing the same thing and I can get NO answers. ***@****

Tammylee626

Jan 09, 2012

To: javajulie

OMG....this is my life. Please let me know if you figure this out. ***@****

KAFA

Jan 11, 2012

I am so glad there are more people with this problem, family and friends would look at me like if I was crazy. I have been experiencing this for some time know (probably 3 years) on and off. I had one similar experience 10 years ago, but only that time. Then it started again Right after I had my first son 3 years ago and since then I get them all the time, specially when I have been driving for a long time and I am in a highway or in a street with a lot of cars that go fast like in a highway. It is very disturbing. In situations that I feel I can loose control........ I also get it in tunnels if I am driving and if I cant see the light at the end of the tunnel. It only happens when I am driving. I have always been so strong and do-everything-drive-everything type of a person, and know I have this situation. I will follow everyones advice, will have an MRI, I will go to a Chiropractor and also will go to an ENT to see if I have an ear infection. Today I had it again and I really think that is a mild vertigo. Sny other suggestions?

MaryJ1973

Jan 14, 2012

To: everyone

I had this for many years, come to find out that I have papellidema and intracranial hypertension along with POTS (postural orthostatic tacycardia hypertension), and Chiari Malformation due to the increased pressure inside of my head for years without treatment and it causes your cerebellum to herniate out of the skull, also reffered to as a tonsillar herniation..  These things are nothing to play with, tunnel vision, visual disturbances, seeing flashes of light, little dots all over, light sensitivity, floaters, blurred vision, feeling your gonna pass out, whoosing in ears or ringing in ears, suddenly feeling unbalanced, dizzy, like you may fall to one side, or a feeling of falling when your awake from a bending of your neck, or just moving slightly.
Go be seen by an opthamologist.  If you do and your told your optic nerve or disc or both are by any means swollen, you need to see someone that specializes in IIH this would be a neurologist and a neuro-opthamolgist.,
These things are easy to diagnois in the proper hands.  Most uneducated neuro's will tell you everything vestibular is migraine, that is the catch all phrase.  An othalmologist will find the vision issue, they should send you to a neuro opthamologist, ,then they do an LP to find out your pressure within the spine and skull, then its off for an MRI.
Trust me, I was frustrated for years over this being told I had ,this or that, was really scared when I found out what it is, but then was relieved at the same time, began treatment, and I have alot more better days now than I used to becasue the symptoms you all have they became almost an everyday, and that was scary for me.

cabaretjulz

Jan 15, 2012

To: MaryJ1973

I have just had an experience the other day while driving. I was driving home on the freeway in the evening and my eyes kinda went crossed and I got this very bad feeling all over my body and it felt like i was going to pass out and my legs went numb and tingly. I had to pull off the road, something that i have never done before, i am 39. Anyway, i just had another episod sitting here on my computer. It happened again, i had to wave my hand in front of my face to keep myself from passing out! ugh horrible feeling, but at least i wasn't in the car(thank god). I think the eye thing may be logical. I have started a new job about 5 months ago and i have to work on a computer, my communte is about 45 mins as well. I think when my insurance kicks in I am going to get my eyes checked. I had Lasik surgery about 3 years ago. Hope this helps someone.

Jester99

Feb 05, 2012

To: ALL

Guys, as I was headed to bed, I started reading these posts and PLEASE READ!!. I think I MAY be able to answer some questions here. While I'm sure some of you might not have Cervical Dizziness/Vertigo, I am 99% sure some of you do, and I do as well. Cupcake is right. To make a long story short, I've been suffering with this for about 9 months, had ALL test known to man EXCEPT an MRI of the spine (go figure)and they all were negative. Anyway, doctors looked at me like I was nuts as well. I finally went to a Chiropractor and he has been the only one who has helped me at all. However, my problem has not cleared up ALL the way. It is BETTER though. So, I continue my search for answers and I asked my doctor to order physical therapy which I start this Wednesday. I have high hopes for improving with therapy. HERE'S THE THING THOUGH........I believe my problem originated from POOR SLEEPING POSTURE, as I awoke with 30 second vertigo on May 6th, 2011. The other night, I slept mostly in the recliner chair instead of the bed and I seemed to feel somewhat better. I did it again last night and feel better than usual today. And here I am again, about to go to sleep in the recliner tonight as well. For the last three Mondays, I have felt pretty bad after work, but if I feel better tomorrow, I think I may be on to something. So, perhaps your sleeping position is prolonging your body from healing itself, or maybe the mattress itself, etc. I have had ALL of the symptoms many of you guys describe. Vertigo, floating feelings, headaches in temple area, problems driving, feeling like I'm going to faint, etc. Hope this post helps you! I'll update you guys after I see what happens tomorrow.

Jester99

Feb 05, 2012

To: ALL

Now, all this said, the recliner is not a sure bet when attempting to sleep with your neck in a better position. I am more than likely going to buy a cervical pillow that cradles the head and prevents poor neck posture. Just remember, the reason your dizziness MIGHT be going on and on and on like mine for 9 months now MAY have something to do with neck posture during sleep. I mean, think about it. You're going to bed each night, putting more pressure on your neck, therefore, you NEVER completely heal. It seems to make sense. Not saying I've figure this thing out, but I may be on to something.

Jester99

Feb 06, 2012

To: All

The recliner "experiment" seemed to work somewhat. Again, though, the problem with the recliner is that I can still sleep in a bad neck position, but maybe not QUITE as bad. My first appointment with physical therapist is Wednesday. We will see if it helps. I am optimistic.

Tempott

Feb 10, 2012

I'll just say, I've had dizziness for over 25 years now. I'm 41. And been to neurologists, ENT specialists, allergy specialists, and no help. I get different types of dizziness. The worst kind is where I am dizzy and any movement of my head position gets me dizzy. Then I get the other type of dizziness, where I am fine for the most part, but If I go walking outside or driving, there is just too much visual stimulus and I just don't feel well. I end up getting panicky. I feel like I can't concentrate and too much is happening visually. I am currently going through this right now, and it's been like this for almost 2 weeks. I'm just find walking around my house, but as soon as I go out driving or walking around I get dizzy. I have no clue why it's not going away. But I've had this before and its lasted up to a month, and then just like that, it's gone. And who know when it shows up again. Obviously there is something wrong, but it seems like a problem that is so rare that there really isn't any studies to find out about the problem. It ***** because it definitely affects your life. I've heard it all. Some think Anxiety, well, I've never had anxiety or panic attacks until this all started. And if it's anxiety, why does this happen at any time and last for so long regardless of how you feel. I don't live a stressful life, and all is good in my life. Yet I still get these episodes when I'm just hangin around doing nothing, or having fun, or just not even thinking about anything. It just comes out of nowhere. I feel like it's something more to do with some type of chemical/vitamin imbalance in our bodies. Every test that I have done has always been while I was feeling fine. All these blood tests should be done when your having the episodes. I used to tell my doctor, why test me when I'm well. Anyways, I still feel it all comes down to getting the right doctor who is willing to really listen, and willing to try everything and refer you to anyone he can think of. I'll post back if I come across anything helpful.

javajulie

Feb 16, 2012

Well, today I was officially diagnosed with BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) and instructed to do the Epley maneuver. The short version is this: crystals become dislodged in your ear and can roll around; as they hit certain areas, they trigger the vertigo. Vibrations, such as those experienced while driving, can cause these crystals to move around. As for the light sensitivity, I was told that the light patterns could exacerbate the effects, so if you're already experiencing mild vertigo, flashing lights could make it feel even worse. The Epley maneuver is basically a way of playing Labyrinth with your head - you shift around and try to move the crystals into a position where they can't cause trouble. I'll post back when I know whether this has helped me. Just thought I'd update those of you who are keeping an eye on the thread.

alcopops2011

Feb 17, 2012

To: CupCke31

Hey havent been on for a while. Been feeling great. still visiting the chiropractor, every 2 months now and everything seems to be back to normal. Hardly think about dizziness now. Went back to the hospital and there has been a major improvement. I do not have to attend anymore. My confidence is back i feel really good. Thanks for the advice everyone has given. And i hope that everyone on here finds a cure. Good luck and best wishes xx

parames_wary

Feb 26, 2012

Hi all,

I normally feel like Im driving a car on a walking machine. I felt like I was playing video game. Im stationary but the world is moving towards me. Its really scary especially when Im driving alone. This is elevated when Im driving long distance and its raining. It hurts my eyes a whole lot as Im trying to concentrate. I tried looking elsewhere (to re-calibrate my eyes) just for a second and looking back to the road but it is still the same. I will get terrible headache and irritated at the end of the journey. I will also feel extremely sleepy and tired.

Anyone else has the same symptoms? :(

mustangmomma

Mar 24, 2012

To: everybody

The dizziness and driving the car thing is definitely keeping me from a normal life. I can't even drive down the interstate for 2 miles. I have to take the exit and go the back roads. It makes me feel totally out of control. I have got to have my life back! I too use a CPAP and take thyroid medication. I wondered if all that pressure was part of the problem.

mkvgti

Apr 01, 2012

To: StuPott

I really think you and Genefreak are onto something here with the correlations to eye strain!

I too spend most of my day in front of a computer screen.. and it seems like this issue gets worse when after i spend hours in front of a computer and go for a drive.

It has gotten really intense lately because a lot of my work is done on the computer.. I'm really trying to stay away from the computer as much as I can to see if it helps.. but you know it's kinda hard when your work relies on it..

Anyone else that's suffering these symptoms and spend a lot of time in front of a computer, please chime in so we can narrow the possible causes!

drivingImbalance

Apr 15, 2012

To: javajulie and friends

Hi folks, I was driving home tonight on a 2.5 hour stretch and suddenly felt a "disequilibrium." I have had similar
symptoms for years but it was intermittent so it is hard to trace. At first I thought it might have been some food I
ate. Then I thought maybe it was the air conditioner. So I pulled over on the next exit and parked for 15 minutes
and tried to breath deeply. As I drove home, it occurred to me that I was experiencing a LOSS OF DEPTH
PERCEPTION (esp. since this "vertigo" occurs mostly at night, but not exclusively). I was able to re-train my
eyes to look at signs in the distance and tracking them as they approach, then focusing on the next sign, and so
on. In this way I was able to continue driving despite the "disequilibrium" I experienced. I hope this may be of
help to someone next time they run into a similar experience!
Best regards.
p.s. keep a window or two open for fresh air when this occurs

rmsmi

May 18, 2012

Cervical vertigo. This sounds plausible. Also someone said something about neck and head position during sleep? I could see where this might interrupt blood flow and/or nerve function. I've woken sometimes with neck pain. I have the same over 60 mph problem mentioned here and it's made worse when the road turns right or coming down a mountain with a wide open view. I feel like I'm floating. It's intermittent for me. What seems to work for me is neck exercises, and maybe just exercise in general, no alcohol the night before, and not too much caffeine. The worst thing for me is too much alcohol the night prior and coffee the next morning. I'm curious how a cervical pillow would help. I will also try some sort of exercise (treadmill or bike) just prior to driving to see if lack of blood flow has an impact. I suppose I cannot rule out the possibility of anxiety but I don't really have any except when speaking in front of a group of people. One thing I've noticed that when my adrenaline gets going I don't seem to have the vertigo feeling. I guess I should throw lack of proper blood due to low oxygen intake.

highrisk21

May 30, 2012

To: highrisk

Like other people have said here i am glad i found this forum. I am a truck driver who driver only at night and i ahve been driving for about 6 years. Last december i was on my way back and all the sudden i felt a flutter in the top left back corner of my head. Then i got really dizzy and my vision got realy blurry and i got sick to my stomach and extremely hot. lucky i got the rig pulled over quickly. It lasted about 5-10 seconds and so i rolled the windows down (It was cold outside) And i never thought anything more of this really except the back of my head was kinda sore for a while and so i did nothing else about it. About 1-2 months later it happend again and lucky again i pulled into the rest area just ahead and i felt the same way and like i was gonna pass out. i got out and walked around and nothing helped. So finally i went to my doctor and told him and they did blood work and a cat scan of my brain. Nothing! everything was fine so he basically told me it was in my head and put me on some antidepressants so i took them for 2 months and nothing i still get dizzy spells but none have been as bad as the first 2. The problem is that it only seems to happen at night while highway driving where there is no street lights or even worse on a dark 2 lane road,its like i cant focus on anything and things get blurry and i get hot flashes.

Since this hppend the other day and i had to cal my job and tell them that i couldnt drive now they wont let me come back to work with out a dr release. but the problem is how can i get a release if the dr's dont even know. I am going to see a ENT tomorrow and hopefully get some kinda of answers. i also had my eyes checked and i have perfect 20/15 vision. I can be out on my boat fishing standing on the back corner as the waves moves me up and down and nothing no dizzy feeling or nothing i can do anything during the day and nothing happens while running,playing golf. Only when i drive down dark roads or highways at night.Some times while watching tv at home or on the computer i get a little light headed and sometimes feel my heartbeat in my temples. i am so depressed about this and hope to find a cure because driving is my life and how i provide for my wife and kids and pretty much all i can do! By the way i am 33yr old male good health and work out 5 days a week with no prior medical problems. I will check back in and let you know what the ENT says tomorrow!

highrisk21

May 30, 2012

Went to the ENT today and he said he didnt think it is a inner ear problem and he also did a ear pressure test which was fine. So basically another wasted dr visit and more money out the window. He said i need to go see a neurologist. So i guess that will be my next stop. i will keep you updated when i go see the neurologist. oh well

mrNewjersey35

May 31, 2012

To: highrisk21

Hi highrisk. i have the same problem. your not alone. I been driving trucks for 12 years. it all started right after i got my cdl license. started driving trucks....and for some strange reason, i just start getting dizzy. only when im driving on like highways or certain large roads.....or at night, when im very tired and theres lights shiny all in my face from cars passing or street lights. sometimes i use yellow tinted glasses for night driving, it does seem to work alittle. and i drive slow. I know the feeling....it feels like you about to lose control of the vehicle and black out....and you get dizzy alittle. i think we have partial seizures, im not sure. or photosensitive seizures. its when you look at things when your driving you start getting dizzy, and flashing lights or headlights all in your face at night, while driving cause you to get dizzy, its a crazy, but like, i said, it only happens at night to me, specially when im tired. so keep in contact on here, so we can figure this out, im glad to see im not alone, i drive at night to, but dont want to give up my job, i have great benefits, you know. so, i try everything like wearing special glasses that block night glare, drink coffee to keep me up more and make me more alert.....it helps, but doesnt stop it, one thing i find that helps is to drive slower at night. so, i hope this help you. talk to you later.

showtime4904

Jun 03, 2012

To: MaryJ1973

Hi

I have the the feeling of tilting to my left so I saw my opto and my left eye he saw some swellen..so I may have glacouma he thinks. I will go see a neuro optomologist next. When my car vibrates and sitting at the light I get dizzy floatie like and and dozen off feeling.

showtime4904

showtime4904

Jun 03, 2012

To: MaryJ1973

Hi

All your symptoms sound like mind, but how are you treating this.

showtime4904

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