Lightheadedness

[verishna]

Have had long term lightheadedness feelings.  Havent been able to drive in main traffic now for couple of years because of it.  Drive locally at lower speeds, eg down to local shop.  This all started 9 years ago.  It used to come for a couple of days then disapear again.  Then over time it got more frequent, with longer periods, say a week or two. Then disapear.  A couple of years ago I had a panic attack because it came on at an intersection, the lightheadedness, quite bad.  I pulled over and rested when I could.  But the end result is now panic attacks if I was to get in the same situation again, eg stuck in traffic.  So I don't do it.  The lightheadedness is here when I feel calm, not stressed at all, so I am not believing it is anxiety like my doctor suggests.  I did do the whole psychologist thing, but I am still the same. Anyone out there who has conquered this mysterious health problem.??

[verishna]

I kept a diary for over 5 years to take to paedatrician..........but he found nothing, said it's pychological and EASY to fix, yeah right!!!!!!!!!!  
I think he was just agreeing with whatever my doctor had put in her notes to him.  When doctors don't know, they say Anxiety.  I'm not anxious, I do know what that feels like and it isn't lightheadedness daily and no other symptoms.

[verishna]

No medication, as my doctor thinks cognitive behaviour therapy was best for what she thinks it is, which is anxiety. Didn't help me, I was already doing relaxation etc.   I don't even feel anxious.  I would feel anxious driving because like I said to the doctor, I wouldn't drive after a drink (alcohol) so why would I feel ok to drive lightheaded.  I don't drive now, catch buses.  I still can manage to drive at local speed, 60kph, but not much more.  I don't believe doctors know everything anyway.  Had all the tests, MRI, neurologist, paediatrician etc, ear nose and throat guy.  Nothing.

[1MommaK]

It sounds like something I've been dealing with it's called

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This form of vertigo is caused by particles that break off and accumulate behind a membrane in the inner ear canal.

It is not deadly but really annoying. However, it could be other things too that can be controlled with medication. Keep a diary for a couple of weeks indicating when they happen, your general disposition at the time, whether you were sitting, standing, laying down. Did it happen when you got up or when you were sitting. Was there any ringing in your ears? any other symptoms at the same time.

Then make an appt with your doctor and get them to check it out. If you have the stats written down it will be easier for them to diagnose.

[gymdandee]

Are you on any medication?  Have you seen a Neurologist?