Dizziness

[Rick789]

I have been experiencing dizziness issues for almost 2 months now, on and off at first but now all the time when moving around.  Took some antibiotics (azythromycin) for a sinus infection (from a walk-in clinic) and it helped for a few days but then came back even staying on the antibiotics.  Went to the ER because I was very concerned and couldn't wait to see my regular doc, they did CT scans of my whole body and found nothing wrong, sent me to a cardiologist.  Blood pressure and heart monitors for 2 days, came back normal (BP ranged from 120 to 142).  Also found out that I have Mitral Valve Prolapse, but a mild case and said it's nothing that would cause dizziness.  Blood work showed high level of calcium and low level of phosphorus.

First noticed the dizziness walking around a mall, thought I was going to collapse or faint.  Also noticed it a couple times right after eating.  Airplane takeoff made me feel like I was going to faint, as well as going up in an elevator.  Finally got to see my regular doc and they said my eustachian tube was probably blocked and told me to take regular Claritin and Flonase for 2 weeks.  It has been over 2 weeks and I'm still experiencing the dizziness, although not as bad, but still notice it when moving around, not when I'm sitting still.

The regular doc doesn't seem to know and I've asked to be referred to an ENT.  I think an inner ear problem would make sense with alot of the symptoms (airplane), but what about feeling dizzier when going into a large store or mall?  Is this because of air pressure difference?  Going back outside the store helps me feel better.  What about the dizziness and somewhat a shortness of breath right after eating?  Also have noticed strange pain in my neck and back once in a while but not all the time.  Please help.

[Imaz]

I just came back from ENT.  No they did not do anymore tests and thought it was not necessary.  ENT diagnosed probable left eustachian tube dysfunction and possibly left vestibular neuronitis.  Hence the prescribed Nasonax spray on my last visit showed improvements now.  Because I mentioned that the balance is getting better but I'm still not able to drive as I feel like fainting when I get to the traffic lights, he refered me to a physiotherapist.  As they will show how to do the balance exercise to retrain yourself.  Says in time it will go away completely.  Audiogram was normal.

[dolphinlvr]

Good morning! My ENT prescribed Paxil and Valium for me. The Paxil targets the neurotransmitters needed and the valium is for an extra boost if I need it....airplanes, loud crowded places, very overcast days, etc. Good Luck tomorrow! Joyce

[Imaz]

I forgot to ask you, what are you or how are you treating your Vertibular disorder?

[dolphinlvr]

Hi...I just ran across one of your posts about taking the Claritin...from what I've learned, it's very important to keep your fluid levels down around your ears...Claritin would help with this as it tends to "dry you up". I never could figure out why I felt worse in the mornings...lol. When you lay down the fluid in your body distributes from head to foot...when you are standing gravity pulls that fluid towards your feet. I am on a diuretic for high blood pressure and I also sleep with my head elevated to try and keep the fluid from reaching my ear..lol. I too am on the paxil, my ENT prescribed it to me, it helps because of the certain Neurotransmitters it targets. Something else I would like to tell everyone....do a search on ototoxic medicines and read up on it....very interesting. There's medicines that we take either prescribed or over the counter that causes ear disorders....antibiotics being one of the worst! My BP pill is on the list. I apologize for taking up so much time posting in here however, I have been on this roller coaster for yrs now....I know how y'all feel. Through this ordeal I have had Drs tell me I was depressed...NOT! The only thing that was depressing me is like alot of you I was a very busy, outgoing person....this has changed my world as I once knew it. I had all kinds of tests done on my heart, been told it was my blood sugar....even got tested for MS, and that's just SOME of the stuff I've been through. Bottom line...is that if ANYTHING I post in here helps anyone have a little piece of mind then I'll take up all the space...lol. Hope everyone has a dizzy free day y'all!! Joyce

[dolphinlvr]

Yes, the air and or the water...sometimes they do one...sometimes both. I will warn you it's not a fun test...lol. If your ear is ok it will make you very very out of sorts, if something is wrong you won't notice any change. Thankfully it's only like 60 sec or so. If your ENT can't or won't do these tests please go to another one. I'll be thinking about you Thurs and hoping for the best!! Joyce

[Imaz]

Hi,

Which tests? the cold air, warm air, cold water, hot water test by ENT?  Let me know as i'm going this thursday for a followup.

[dolphinlvr]

I'm glad I could explain it well enough for you to recognize...lol. Please....when you go to the Dr he has to do the tests I mentioned to find out if there is damage to the vestibular system. He cannot tell by just looking! DO NOT let anyone convince you that it is anxiety....too many times that is just a cop out. Have you read the posts in the dizzy lounge yet? Please keep me informed, I'm really interested in what the outcome is. Remember.....YOU are paying your Dr to treat you...he is NOT paying you. Joyce

[Imaz]

After reading your last post above, sounds very familiar!!!.

The panics happen during the Red lights when driving!!!. Else fine when moving.

[dolphinlvr]

Not to take anything away from medhelp but, try reading through the posts in THE DIZZY LOUNGE.....and try moving your head SLOWLY side to side or up and down. I have fought with this for 4 yrs now....I just knew it was something more than an inner ear problem. I have total vestibular loss in my left ear apparently from a viral infection. When I look up and down the aisles fast there's a delay in getting the message to the brain....it kind of causes a pileup at the door..lol. Everything I saw in the last 3 min is trying to get to the brain...hope this makes sense. I have been tested for just about everything you could imagine, seen about 30 different drs....and after reading those posts it was like " OH MY GOD"!!  This has caused panic attacks, I've felt like I was going to faint....always after I have zipped through the store at a hundred mph and came to a halt at the register.....10,9,8,7,....boom!! Sound familiar?? Driving was the very worst....fine as long as I'm moving...stop at a red light....10,9,8,7,6....boom! And then panic sat in cause I didn't know what was happening. Anyway...if you want to talk my e-mail is ***@****. I wish you and all the rest like us the very best! Oh...I'm not saying that this is what's wrong with you....I'm just saying it's something worth checking out...ok?? Joyce

[nickname_already_taken]

Hey Rick, I've had similar dizzy spells for about 15 months now. It all started one day while I was driving, and things just haven't been the same since. I also get dizzy/lightheaded in malls and large stores, however, mental stress seems to affect me quite a bit (makes the symptoms worse). Even whan this stress is eliminated, I'll continue being dizzy for the next 2 -3 days. I've had "everything" done: MRI, CT scan, neurologists, ENT's, cardiologist, including all sorts of tests, and nothing has been found.

Strange thing about my onset is that I got a flu the same time my diziness started and for the next two months my ears kept getting painfully plugged every time I'd come down from a higher elevation.

My advice is that before you go to an ENT, educate yourself on ear related health problems and pay special attention to the symptoms you are experiencing, this will help you ask a lot of questions and push the ENT specialst to really explore all the avenues available.

Good Luck!

[Eric P Wilkinson, MD]

Rick, you dizziness is very nonspecific--it does not localize to one particular problem very well.  You should definitely see an ENT and have a full examination and audiometry, with possible balance testing.  Your complaint about going into a store and feeling more dizzy is actually very common, but it doesn't help localize the problem.

Good luck!