Nystagmus

[mj111169]

Hello again.  

I went to the ENT today due to the tinnitus and constant fluid in my ears, also the light headedness.  He said I have really bad allergies and prescribed some allergy meds.  He also did some other testing.  He said he saw a nystagmus (sp?). I have read that this could be due to a neurological problem such as ms.

He also did a quick balance test where he had me close my eyes and just stand still.  I flunked.  I was swaying a bit.  So I am going back in 2 weeks for a balance test.  I am nervous about that test! Has anyone had it?

I was impressed by the thorough exam by the ENT.  I was at my PCP yesterday, she said I had a sinus infection and gave me antibiotics.  The ENT felt I didn't need to take them.  I think my primary only looked at my ears and then decided I needed augmentin.  She was very rushed.  I do like her, but she is always in such a rush.  

Anyway, any one who has had the balance test and can let me know what to expect would be great!  I will also post this in another forum.

Thanks in advance and happy Friday!

[twopack]

That's the move Quix.  Your choreographers are refusing usage rights to all applicants.   Rumor has it that the move has been permanently retired from public use.  Perhaps it's for the best.

Thanks for giving my spectacular test a real name.  I did a web search for it and found some good descriptions and even a video.  Even watching that thing made me sway and had my stomach queasy.  The multicolored scenery on the walls isn't helpful at all.

Hope you get some answers mj.  At the very least, no new questions.  Don't you just L-O-V-E  it when a doctor says something that tells you they G-O-T  I-T.  So satisfying.  ummm


psssst Lulu.......I do that too but we installed a very sturdy grab bar when we did the bathroom remodel a few years back.  My hand is all but touching it.  Guess I'll stop now since DQ knows that of which she speaks.  Guess I'll go back to Lumosity testing.

Mary

[mj111169]

Thanks for the explanation of the VNG, quix.  The audiologist gave me a list of instructions.  No meds for 2 days prior to the test.  I can't eat or drink anything prior to the test, either.  I think 4 hours or something.  

I just want some answers as to why I have been feeling so horribly for so long, so am looking forward to possibly having an answer regarding at least the dizzy/light headed feeling.  

Its funny, people would ask me what I meant when I said I am lightheaded most of the time.  I could never really put it into words.  But the audiologist explained it perfectly.  He said "does it feel like when you are at a red light, and the car next to you moves but you aren't sure if its your car or the other car?"  That was SPOT on how I feel.  Sometimes I feel like the walls or counter move, but I am not moving along with them.  Its the strangest feeling!

Anyway, thanks to everyone who answered me!  Happy hump day!

[jensequitur]

Took the words right out of my mouth.  I would not test my balance in the shower!  Every time my neuro asks me to put my feet together and close my eyes, I go right over.  He has to grab my hands and tell me to sit down.  

[Quixotic1]

Fancy Footwork?  Are you referring to my graceful swan dive into a blown out ankle and broken leg?  I'll have you know that I use only the best choreographers.

Nystagmus can be seen with problems of the inner ear (not MS) and problems in the brain stem or cerebellum (possibly MS).

The balance test with the moving floor and walls is called Computerized Posturography.

The VNG can often point to either the inner ear or the CNS as the source of the vertigo.  At some point when they put warm and cold into the ears you will become briefly very dizzy.  Don't worry, it goes away quickly and you will be lying down.  Did they warn you not to take sedatives like Valium beforehand - which could hide subtle findings?

Lulu - I'm shaving my finger at you girl.  Testing your balance in the shower with you eyes closed is not a recommended test.  You can get to the point where you can't feel the falling or the need to grab something.  Falls in the tub/shower are the most often fatal ones in the home. " Whether the head hits the tile or the tile hits the head, it going to be bad for the head." (paraphrase from Sancho in Man of La Mancha)  Remember you are our model for behavior.  What if we all started closing our eyes in the shower to see if we fall, lol??  Gee, I had a friend who got pregnant, just to see if she could.  The consequences were permanent, lol.

Quix

[mj111169]

PS thanks for the link on the rombergs test. It was very interesting!

[mj111169]

Hi again.

The test I am having is called VNG.  I looked up the info on google.  It doesn't seem to be too terrible.  I will see my neurologist before this test, unfortunately.  I would rather wait until after the test so I can provide any results.  I guess it would be best to have a copy of my report from the visit with the ENT for him, huh?  

I have only been doing this for a few months and don't know what is going on with me and it is exhausting.  I feel for all of the people who still don't know after years!

Happy Monday everyone!

Maureen

[twopack]

I recently had some testing that involved balance but it was done by the physical therapist during an evaluation, not for ENT reasons.  It was a most interesting test.  

I  stepped into a three walled cylinder type machine and placed my feet in specific spots on a movable panel in the floor that could measure the pressure being placed on various parts of each foot.  I was wearing a safety harness with the PT standing right behind me.

Each test in the series lasted twenty seconds and was repeated three times.  I had to stand still, stand still with my eyes closed, try to maintain my balance as the machine moved in compensation every time my weight shifted (similar to the feeling of overcorrecting with your steering wheel when trying to avoid an animal on the highway), stand while the panel on the floor dropped down from under my toes, and stand while the panel on the floor dropped down from under my heals.  Now doesn't that sounds like fun!!

The computer connected to the whole thing then interrepted the results.  It showed that I don't make adjustments well from the ankles or fast enough with my feet.  It did say I was a pretty quick study in it's tricks.  

It was noted by the therapist and myself that my main compensation is to stand with my knees slightly bent, therefore lowering my center of gravity and placing myself in a constant position of readiness to move.  It is unclear if the computer noticed this :) but it is apparent on the personal video I linked everyone to (see the YouTube topic that Ess started last week).

These results are consistent with my history.  My falls occur most often if I try to go too fast and I tend to quickly land on my face without enough compensation to prevent or break the fall.  I am completely lacking in the type of fancy footwork Quix can put into effect.  On the other hand, learning from my mistakes means I can go anywhere from weeks to months between falls now (before I again forget how careful I must be, stop walking with consciousness and carelessly repeat the cycle).

Please let us know about your own test when you've had it.
Mary

[Lulu54]

Jen, funny you mention the shower because that is how I test how my day will be... I close my eyes when shampooing and if I have to grab the wall, I know it is going to be a fun one!

MJ - I'm no help with the balance test - do you happen to have the name of what test will be performed?

-Lulu

[jensequitur]

Hey, take a look at this link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romberg's_test

Basically, if you aren't able to keep your balance with your eyes closed, and your feet together, then you have a problem with the dorsal columns of the spinal cord.

I have this problem - I go right over when I close my eyes, especially if my feet are together.  I always have to have one hand on the shower wall so I don't go over, and even with that it's a bit risky.

[figuerpa]

Sorry I can't help out but I am very interested in hearing what others have to say.

Good Luck

Paula