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Dizziness when lying down that is relieved when walking or standing

Hello All (female, 34, not overweight, hypothyroid), in the past months I've been experiencing some bouts of dizziness. Sometime the episodes are short (few seconds) but lately the episodes are lasting a few hours.

My symptoms are the following:

1. Dizziness when lying down flat or to the side (almost like vertigo)
2. Dizziness when moving my head forward
3. Dizziness when looking down
4. Started feeling nausea after eating a meal during the episode (which I think it was caused by the dizziness)

The dizziness is less when walking or standing or even sitting (it can be alleviated by moving, which I think is strange). I can even drive without any problems!

I took my blood pressure and it was on average 100/65 and HR avg 66-80 (Which is normal for me). I've always known to have low blood pressure but with no symptoms. These are my first episodes of dizziness of which lasted a few hours (4 hrs avg). Also, I had no headache, no fever, no cold or anything similar. It went away on its own few hours later.

Any thoughts? Or ideas on why maybe this is happening?

Thanks
Best Answer
500238 tn?1255131214
You just almost perfectly described BPPV, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.  I was dx'd with it in 1994.  They thought at first I might have a brain tumor but then after I saw an ear, nose and throat doctor, I was diagnosed with BPPV.  The odd thing about BPPV is standing straight up and walking you are fine, but if you sit up on your bed and turn your head left and then lie down with it in that position you can cause the vertigo.  If it does not work when you turn it left, then sit up and turn your head right and lie down with it in that position.  If it is BPPV you will get vertigo.  If it's a bad vertigo, you will feel your eyes jerking like a tick tick tick sensation.  The doctor can actually see your eyes do this during the episode.  My husband has seen it as well.

It's an inner ear disorder and there is a treatment, but it can return.  For me it is more of an annoyance now than a serious disorder.  You have to do the treatment again if it returns and some people need medication to control it.  The treatment is what is called an Epley maneuver and it's pretty simple.  You do it yourself at home.

They explained to me that the crystals in my inner ear came lose from the space they are supposed to be and when they do that it causes the vertigo.  The maneuver is supposed to help get those crystals get back to where they should be.  I did not have a 2nd episode from 1997 until 2008.  I believe Lyme disease somehow brought that symptom back.

They say that people usually have some trauma that causes it, but no trauma occurred in 1997 that I could relate it to.  I was a gymnast so maybe I flipped too hard, I don't know ha ha.   Then in 2010 I went snorkeling and WHAM that was the worst case of BPPV I have had but I was in full blown undiagnosed Lyme at that time.  The water I'm sure messed up my equilibrium.  I could not put my head down without holding onto the counter or I would fall.  Since I have been treated for the Lyme I have had very mild episodes.  I had one just this past week but it went away on it's own and it wasn't horrible.  Every time I turned over in bed to the left I would get mild vertigo, but it was mild this time.  I didn't do the Epley.

If it is BPPV just be cautious any time you have that positional change until those crystals are back where they should be, especially with your head because that is what will do it.  That's why standing straight up doesn't do it.  See the doctor to rule out the more serious things, but it really does sound like BPPV.  It's made me nauseous once for a few days, but other than that, it's been the least of my problems now that I know how to help it.
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Avatar universal
Hey, about the thyroid antibodies, for me all tests (antibodies, TFree, T3, T4, etc) come normal each time I get tested. The only problem is with the TSH if I start not taking the Levoxyl 25mg each day it will start to go up, right now is around 2.1 which is very good for me.

I do not have Hashimotos or any other autoimune disorder regarding the Hypothyroidism, it seems to be a sub-clinical issue with the TSH.

And yes I did have sinus a few week ago, to be exact 3 and half weeks ago.
Helpful - 0
500238 tn?1255131214
Don't mean to overtalk, but I also have antibodies to my thyroid -- thyroid peroxidase antibodies, (Hashimoto's) though my TSH is currently fine.  I do take 50 mcg of synthroid per my doc.  Small amount but the TSH isn't always accurate if you have Hashimoto's.  Maybe that is the connection to BPPV?  Just a thought.  

Also wanted to mention that BPPV can be brought on by a cold or illness or sinus infection so it's very possible that the sinus issue you had 3 weeks earlier brought on the BPPV.  It could go away and you may never have another episode, but once you find out for sure if it is BPPV, you will recognize it quickly any time it returns and you can do that maneuver or at least get medication if it is more serious.
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Avatar universal
Hello Lisa
I have my hypothyroidism under control, I see my endocrinologist fairly often and the TSH is within its normal ranges. About 3 and half weeks ago I had sinusitis for one week. Right now I am ok, I do not feel any sinus pressure although at least once a day I feel my ears ringing for a few seconds.

About what Selma asked, I haven't got any head injury but I do work a lot on the computer which sometimes makes the neck a little stiff.
Helpful - 0
620923 tn?1452915648

Hi...sounds like it could be POTS or something related......Dysautonomia (Autonomic Dysfunction).

We do have a forum for these conditions and Health Pages with more info-http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/list?cid=63

Lisa mentions some valid points too!!...U have a few things to research.

I would also ask besides the possibility of having the flu,. did u have a fall ?....an injury to ur back, neck or head?Just a thought.....

Hang in there : )

  "selma"
Helpful - 0
352007 tn?1372857881
Welcome to the forums!

I'm sorry you're going through this -- I can't imagine what it would feel like to feel dizzy like that.  Have you gone to an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialist?  You must see an endocrinologist for your hypothyroid yes? Perhaps making an appointment with him to see if your hypothyroid may be contributing to this vestibular dysfunction or dizziness you are having.  Are your thyroid levels normal?  Have you had sinus infection, flu --- any sickness in the recent months?

I am not a doctor and I'm not diagnosing anything but perhaps start with that?  

Good luck to you Diny

Let us know!

Lisa
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