Aa
Feel dizzy and unbalanced while driving on the highways
I am 44 years old and being driving for years but unfortunately, for couple of years I started to feel dizzy and unbalanced while driving on the highways for long time at a speed higher than 90 km/h (55 ml/h) specially at night. It starts by feeling flashes at my head and then the difficulty starts. This problem does not occur while driving in the city. I visited the EN&T doctor sometimes ago and he said I do not have an inner ear infection. I visited eye doctor and no problem too. Then I thought of it as driving phobia and started to take anti depressant drug but unfortunately, the problem still. This issue is irritating me and I do not know what to do?!!!
just found this link. Hope this helps. from the original date of this thread, hopefully you have found relief.
if not, Keep looking for the right doctor…probably eye doctor.
For me it started a year ago during a college move-in drive from East Coast to Michigan. It happened suddenly on the way back. After several visits to ENT and 2 Eye doctors, finally I’m getting some traction on this.
1. Check out Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) and feel free to go to multiple practices. First doc didn't find anything.
2. Make sure your vision isn’t over-corrected (mine was). luckily I went to another Eye doc for a second opinion. BVD is relatively new and not many docs do the tests.
3. Although the new eye Rx has really helped, I still feel the uneasiness on highyway- particularly with 3+ lanes. I have found that cruising in right lane works… did 6+ hours this year out to Michigan.
4. Will be getting the prism glasses to see if that helps with the larger highways.
if not, Keep looking for the right doctor…probably eye doctor.
For me it started a year ago during a college move-in drive from East Coast to Michigan. It happened suddenly on the way back. After several visits to ENT and 2 Eye doctors, finally I’m getting some traction on this.
1. Check out Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) and feel free to go to multiple practices. First doc didn't find anything.
2. Make sure your vision isn’t over-corrected (mine was). luckily I went to another Eye doc for a second opinion. BVD is relatively new and not many docs do the tests.
3. Although the new eye Rx has really helped, I still feel the uneasiness on highyway- particularly with 3+ lanes. I have found that cruising in right lane works… did 6+ hours this year out to Michigan.
4. Will be getting the prism glasses to see if that helps with the larger highways.
3 Comments
Thank you for this link. I'm going to definitely check this out. This all started when my vision changed. I had corrective surgery 20 years ago so I didn't have to wear a glasses. Unfortunately I now have to wear glasses again. One eye is for distance the other eye is for close up. I went to a eye doctor a few years ago and she explained that although the surgery itself was done well they mixed it up .. meaning they should have done my eyes reverse. I can't drive on the highway I can only drive on small roads. This is coming from a girl that used to drive on the West Side Highway in New York city. The thought of driving to Montreal is something that would be impossible for me now. Hills look like roller coasters to me. This has been very debilitating as I used to drive everywhere. Thank you for this information ... I too have been to a multitude of doctors with no results. I'm told it's anxiety and I should be on medication. Which I refuse to do. I'm going to call an eye doctor this week. Thank you will keep you posted.
I have seeked out a Neurovisual specialist and am going to be tested for BVD or Vertical Heterophoria. There is only one doctor in the State of Florida that is trained in this field. I am super hopeful prism glasses will correct my insane constant dizziness. I will report back. Here is a link to find a specialist near you.https://www.vision-specialists.com/doctors/neurovisual-specialist-near-you/
After 10 years of searching, I am finally going to see a Neuro-Opthalmologist. My balance is way off again- I lean to the left which is my distance eye - still can't drive on the highway and can barley drive at all. I have issues seeing the computer screen as well as far away, even with glasses. My neck constantly hurts. My appt is for the end of May - I will let you know how it goes - I pray this Dr. is the answer.
2021 anyone receive a correct dx and have returned back to driving freely without issues? I just found this and have been suffering for 1 year! I’m so relieved to know it’s NOT JUST ME or in my head (pardon the pun) I can’t just shake it off and at times it’s dangerous to push through an episode. I’m taking all symptoms and advice here with me as I embark on finding a cure so that I can drive whenever & wherever I want! I’m also going to take all of this to the 3 Holistic practitioners in my family DUH! I should’ve consulted with them a year ago! I will circle back
1 Comments
just found this link too. Hope this helps. DO NOT ACCEPT THIS as a new normal. Keep looking for the right doctor…probably eye doctor.
For me it started a year ago during a college move-in drive from East Coast to Michigan. It happened suddenly on the way back. The last year was really upsetting because I love driving.
After several visits to ENT and 2 Eye doctors, finally I’m getting some traction on this.
1. Check out Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) and feel free to go to multiple practices. First doc didn't find anything.
2. Make sure your vision isn’t over-corrected (mine was). luckily I went to another Eye doc for a second opinion. BVD is relatively new and not many docs do the tests.
3. Although the new eye Rx has really helped, I still feel the uneasiness on highyway- particularly with 3+ lanes. I have found that cruising in right lane works… did 6+ hours this year out to Michigan.
4. Will be getting the prism glasses to see if that helps with the larger highways.
will update this if it works
hang in there and keep fighting…
For me it started a year ago during a college move-in drive from East Coast to Michigan. It happened suddenly on the way back. The last year was really upsetting because I love driving.
After several visits to ENT and 2 Eye doctors, finally I’m getting some traction on this.
1. Check out Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) and feel free to go to multiple practices. First doc didn't find anything.
2. Make sure your vision isn’t over-corrected (mine was). luckily I went to another Eye doc for a second opinion. BVD is relatively new and not many docs do the tests.
3. Although the new eye Rx has really helped, I still feel the uneasiness on highyway- particularly with 3+ lanes. I have found that cruising in right lane works… did 6+ hours this year out to Michigan.
4. Will be getting the prism glasses to see if that helps with the larger highways.
will update this if it works
hang in there and keep fighting…
I am 38years old living in NZ and have the same problem as many of us here. I have a rolling sensation/effect when driving a truck, particularly when going around a curve either side and driving downhill at speeds over 50km/h. For me it only happens when driving a truck. I feel like the truck is going to roll to my right/ driver's side. I have gone for hearing exam, EN&T, MRI scan, Psychologists all in vain. I still have the feeling when driving a car but it is well manageable and I can easily drive at 100km/h in motorways. My biggest problem is I drive for a job and also own the trucks. I have invested over $500 000 in the trucks and my inability to drive means loosing the business and many of you would imagine what that means in terms of loosing your livelihood. On some days it's worst such that a 20 minute journey will turn to an hour as I drive around avoiding motorways and only use it to cross the harhour bridge as there is no alternate route.
The specialist who dealt with me categorised my symptoms at "summation somatic disorder" or something like that. However, since November 2018 till now am still living in the same hell. I was referred to a psychologist who taught me some relaxation technics, breathing technics, stress management, etc. I was tried on some vertigo medication which didn't work
I'll take this thread to all the specialists I have seen, maybe someone will be motivated to have further study about it and hopefully one day we'll have some treatment. As for now I'll keep using all the technics I have in my tool box and keep going. I now have some small relief that I haven't gone nut as other people have/are experiencing somewhat similar symptoms.
The specialist who dealt with me categorised my symptoms at "summation somatic disorder" or something like that. However, since November 2018 till now am still living in the same hell. I was referred to a psychologist who taught me some relaxation technics, breathing technics, stress management, etc. I was tried on some vertigo medication which didn't work
I'll take this thread to all the specialists I have seen, maybe someone will be motivated to have further study about it and hopefully one day we'll have some treatment. As for now I'll keep using all the technics I have in my tool box and keep going. I now have some small relief that I haven't gone nut as other people have/are experiencing somewhat similar symptoms.
Has anyone solved there issues? I has the same dizziness , panic attacks and anxiety symptoms when I drive. I noticed I have a few things in common with a lot of what I read. Computer Screen Time, Neck issues, Ringing in the ear and I'm pretty stressed out. If anyone has made progress please share. Thanks
I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder 10 years ago after I learned that my wife had a cancer. It took 3 years to resolve but was left with occasional symptoms. When being a bit nervous for different reasons and driving on the highway, I will get dizzy when looking at the horizon. So I try not to panic and put my attention on something else (front car plate, buildings along the road, etc.. I would also open the windows, tun off the radio, breath deeply and "slowly", and eventually the dizziness will fade out with in 5 min. My big recommendation is to NOT take ANY drink with CAFFEINE or ASPARTAME before driving. These two excite the brain and increase GREATLY the chance of getting dizzy while driving. Caffeine and aspartame can last a few hours in the body. So if I take a diet coke in the middle of afternoon, I will still get dizzy when driving home at dinner. So anxiety could lead to all kind of symptoms. I too get dizzy occasionally when walking in a big crowded store like Coscto. It is the same as when driving...it is just too much information to process for my nervous brain :) and that trigger anxiety. Same thing will happen if I am with friends and talk with too much enthusiasm about something.
Hi I drove intercontinental transport truck for a decade in the 1970's and the only time I was even close to the range of symptoms was when I was tired. I thrive on pushing myself to drive as far and Shh as fast as I can. 3100 miles in 30 hors 5 minutes is my record IN a car Point to point . across Canada . Yes the last 25 miles things were a bit weird. However not out of control I have had sleep APNEA all my life. And I have had issues of this type due to boing super stress and NOT knowing. MY First question is DO you snore even a little. If Yes wear a heart monitor while driving . You may be shocked to find that it will rise to OVER 160 BPM is your not Wired as I am I thrive on stress but we all have our limits. to some people driving is a MAJOR stressor and if your a general driver even a short hop to the store can really stress you out . Driving is one activity that Places the Brain under stresses we do not sense while were just doing it. A Race car driver must be super fit and strong. To help minimize these stresses and the effect they have on the body and MIND. SURP{RIOSING I am going to say Get a Stress test done and have a FULL cardiac work up. you may be talking your body to the 1 BPM below a FULL STROKE.
to alleviate the stresses and help you improve your health . 1/ take a defensive drivers course re learn to drive and relax while enjoying your new found confidence and skills . not learning to do fancy driving but altering bad habits for good . Drive closer to the speed limit Faster if your a Slow driver use your cruise control as often as conditions allow drive slower if your 30+ over the limit dont pass a truck and Slow down. Ive seen that all too often and having 130,000,000 pounds on your bumper is very stressful and I an every other driver will Push you to UP in speed. the speed. That driver has driven 500- Miles and simply wants o end his day safely and EASILY. Drive Easy no Jack rabbiting . . THAT is a real money savor. Pretend your driving with Eggs behinds the peddles and Haresh motions will break them . keep the car clean dont break those imaginary eggs. Sounds hogwash NO if it sounds like I am asking you to be the Perfect driver NAH I get an empty Freeway at 3 to 4 AM And My Car will do or its says it can do 155 MPH lookout GM I am going to test the ability to wind that speedometer past the 160 Mark and rely on my GPS to take over , . BUTG altering your habits PAYS real Hard Cash and Refunds the Brain with Lower blood pleasure lower Heart rate and less anxiety. Converting a stress and Pressure into a pleasure.. Reducing the Neurological issues you all describe. Actually this is how Speed limits are generated. . I can do 200 MPOH 320 KMH on any Well surfaced road in North America I am 72 years old I will be safe aI can get out of any Perceptible danger ie a MOOSE jumps out of a forest and into my view 100 meters in front I can respond to that and Not hit the Moose or damage my vehicle. However I can drive from Vancouver to Montreal regularly in under 32 hours. Even in a 1600 cc engine 1971 Datsun 510. Yes it holds my 3rd record my 75 Capri holds the 30 hour record. Stress even on my 24 year old heart It was phenomenal. It felt like a BASE Drum beating fast . My eyes closed in and I felt as if I was still in motion sitting on my couch in my home . Ws that Wise Hell No I was safe and I did not **** anyone Off especially any Cops. SO at 72 driving in traffic as I constantly need to do I sit back and watch the idiots try to save 2 minutes on a 20 mile drive. you cant save enough time to justify the speeds so relax. ON 20 miles I will arrive less then 200 yards behind you if you push and scowl your way thru traffic. I no longer have any Weird sleep like and that's what your all Describing symptoms SLEEP apnea can be the Pre cursor to a Stroke and poor driving can Simply compound that issue . Driving limits are SAFE Professional driver maximum speed divided by 3 . simple formula and makes for a hell of a good day for all. Autonomous vehicles will be programmed to function is this manner . Following to a 3 second RULE not the 1 car length per 10 MPH as I was taught . I teach give yourself 3 Good seconds and set your cruise control to maintain that distance and You are the one pissed off by the UP and Down driver in front of you. the older 2 second rule does not allow you to account for the NIT WIT behind you and your own speed etc. . Get ready to AVOID AND drive past Perhaps stomping the throttle is safer. Regardless driving to accommodate your skill set is a SUPER GOOD Choice beyond all other issues .
WI have Double vision .W hen it first occurred was on a dismal grey day a grey Van was in front to my right and I was passing suddenly 2 grey van appeared in front of me checking the license plate they were identical . So I carefully drove thru this Phantom VAN . Before I got home I had my eyes checked and a prescription for a CRYSTAL was made and I wear that today. When I am stressed. I had Booth eyes Cataracts removed and a new lenses in both eyes but the grey van is still in front of me .
STRESS Driving too slow too fast for conditions will make it 1000% worse Learn How and Why Vehicles are driven different to Yours and account for these issues . Anticipate the Idiots in front of you. and dont prove your a bigger idiot than he can be.. 2 Idiots Equals a huge ACCIDENT and a bad hair day. It get rid of road rage. Dont hog the Left lane on a freeway Pass and move over . It may be me moving at double your speed behind you. With a whole lot of flashing lights on. I see it every day. FAST Slow ands IN BETWEEN Can cause your issues . REAL physical and Real Neurological issues . Your doctor needs to help you as much as you can help yourself . DRIVE on and enjoy7 every inch I do.
to alleviate the stresses and help you improve your health . 1/ take a defensive drivers course re learn to drive and relax while enjoying your new found confidence and skills . not learning to do fancy driving but altering bad habits for good . Drive closer to the speed limit Faster if your a Slow driver use your cruise control as often as conditions allow drive slower if your 30+ over the limit dont pass a truck and Slow down. Ive seen that all too often and having 130,000,000 pounds on your bumper is very stressful and I an every other driver will Push you to UP in speed. the speed. That driver has driven 500- Miles and simply wants o end his day safely and EASILY. Drive Easy no Jack rabbiting . . THAT is a real money savor. Pretend your driving with Eggs behinds the peddles and Haresh motions will break them . keep the car clean dont break those imaginary eggs. Sounds hogwash NO if it sounds like I am asking you to be the Perfect driver NAH I get an empty Freeway at 3 to 4 AM And My Car will do or its says it can do 155 MPH lookout GM I am going to test the ability to wind that speedometer past the 160 Mark and rely on my GPS to take over , . BUTG altering your habits PAYS real Hard Cash and Refunds the Brain with Lower blood pleasure lower Heart rate and less anxiety. Converting a stress and Pressure into a pleasure.. Reducing the Neurological issues you all describe. Actually this is how Speed limits are generated. . I can do 200 MPOH 320 KMH on any Well surfaced road in North America I am 72 years old I will be safe aI can get out of any Perceptible danger ie a MOOSE jumps out of a forest and into my view 100 meters in front I can respond to that and Not hit the Moose or damage my vehicle. However I can drive from Vancouver to Montreal regularly in under 32 hours. Even in a 1600 cc engine 1971 Datsun 510. Yes it holds my 3rd record my 75 Capri holds the 30 hour record. Stress even on my 24 year old heart It was phenomenal. It felt like a BASE Drum beating fast . My eyes closed in and I felt as if I was still in motion sitting on my couch in my home . Ws that Wise Hell No I was safe and I did not **** anyone Off especially any Cops. SO at 72 driving in traffic as I constantly need to do I sit back and watch the idiots try to save 2 minutes on a 20 mile drive. you cant save enough time to justify the speeds so relax. ON 20 miles I will arrive less then 200 yards behind you if you push and scowl your way thru traffic. I no longer have any Weird sleep like and that's what your all Describing symptoms SLEEP apnea can be the Pre cursor to a Stroke and poor driving can Simply compound that issue . Driving limits are SAFE Professional driver maximum speed divided by 3 . simple formula and makes for a hell of a good day for all. Autonomous vehicles will be programmed to function is this manner . Following to a 3 second RULE not the 1 car length per 10 MPH as I was taught . I teach give yourself 3 Good seconds and set your cruise control to maintain that distance and You are the one pissed off by the UP and Down driver in front of you. the older 2 second rule does not allow you to account for the NIT WIT behind you and your own speed etc. . Get ready to AVOID AND drive past Perhaps stomping the throttle is safer. Regardless driving to accommodate your skill set is a SUPER GOOD Choice beyond all other issues .
WI have Double vision .W hen it first occurred was on a dismal grey day a grey Van was in front to my right and I was passing suddenly 2 grey van appeared in front of me checking the license plate they were identical . So I carefully drove thru this Phantom VAN . Before I got home I had my eyes checked and a prescription for a CRYSTAL was made and I wear that today. When I am stressed. I had Booth eyes Cataracts removed and a new lenses in both eyes but the grey van is still in front of me .
STRESS Driving too slow too fast for conditions will make it 1000% worse Learn How and Why Vehicles are driven different to Yours and account for these issues . Anticipate the Idiots in front of you. and dont prove your a bigger idiot than he can be.. 2 Idiots Equals a huge ACCIDENT and a bad hair day. It get rid of road rage. Dont hog the Left lane on a freeway Pass and move over . It may be me moving at double your speed behind you. With a whole lot of flashing lights on. I see it every day. FAST Slow ands IN BETWEEN Can cause your issues . REAL physical and Real Neurological issues . Your doctor needs to help you as much as you can help yourself . DRIVE on and enjoy7 every inch I do.
I’ve had dizziness while highway driving for many years. I feel I was CURED today! I found articles and YouTube videos concerning Bifocal Vision Disorder. I finally got to see an eye specialist today and she ran a bunch of tests.
My current cure is: “Trial of binasal occlusion to decrease fusion demand of overlapped nasal fields.” This was done by applying two small pieces of tape to my eye glasses. For the first time in YEARS I was able to drive 60mph for miles with NO problems!
She also ordered me “prism glasses to decrease fusion demand of reduced divergence range”. I should have these glasses within 2 weeks.
My current cure is: “Trial of binasal occlusion to decrease fusion demand of overlapped nasal fields.” This was done by applying two small pieces of tape to my eye glasses. For the first time in YEARS I was able to drive 60mph for miles with NO problems!
She also ordered me “prism glasses to decrease fusion demand of reduced divergence range”. I should have these glasses within 2 weeks.
Mate I understand exactly the symptoms and issues your experiencing what is your email I can reply to you
Hello, I'm a 31 year old male and have been experiencing all of the systems described above for the last 6 years. It has gotten to the point where it is extremely debilitating my work and social life. The roads I can drive without stress are few and far between. Driving on the highway has been eliminated for fear of panic attacks. The last time I tried I ended up hyperventilating on a bridge overpass. It used be just think the issue was on highways but now driving on long roads with new visual cues also is a problem. Also driving at night is when it gets pretty bad too.
I've gone to an ENT and neurologist doctor and they say nothing is wrong and that I should lose weight. I was 6'3" 328lbs when it started. I'm now 286lbs. The symptoms are still there. I want to get an MRI and see if there is anything underlying that might be an issue. Any other sessions would be much appreciated.
I've gone to an ENT and neurologist doctor and they say nothing is wrong and that I should lose weight. I was 6'3" 328lbs when it started. I'm now 286lbs. The symptoms are still there. I want to get an MRI and see if there is anything underlying that might be an issue. Any other sessions would be much appreciated.
2 Comments
Glad to know I'm not alone. I'm 42 F, I live in a rural area and there are times when I need to drive 30 miles to go shopping. As Im driving, the back of my head starts tingling in a bad way and I try to adjust the seat, then my eyes start giving me problems. There starts an impending doom and I start breathing from my stomach, but always questioning if I am breathing right.
This happens the whole entire time until I get to the grocery store.
what I have found helps me is looking from side to side while driving and looking down at the speedometer
then looking in the rear view mirror. the constant shifting in eyes helps. its very similar to the exercise to inner ear disorders.
This happens the whole entire time until I get to the grocery store.
what I have found helps me is looking from side to side while driving and looking down at the speedometer
then looking in the rear view mirror. the constant shifting in eyes helps. its very similar to the exercise to inner ear disorders.
Glad to know I'm not alone. I'm 42 F, I live in a rural area and there are times when I need to drive 30 miles to go shopping. As Im driving, the back of my head starts tingling in a bad way and I try to adjust the seat, then my eyes start giving me problems. There starts an impending doom and I start breathing from my stomach, but always questioning if I am breathing right.
This happens the whole entire time until I get to the grocery store.
what I have found helps me is looking from side to side while driving and looking down at the speedometer
then looking in the rear view mirror. the constant shifting in eyes helps. its very similar to the exercise to inner ear disorders.
This happens the whole entire time until I get to the grocery store.
what I have found helps me is looking from side to side while driving and looking down at the speedometer
then looking in the rear view mirror. the constant shifting in eyes helps. its very similar to the exercise to inner ear disorders.
The symptoms described here may have different root causes but here is my story about conquering my debilitating condition.
I had the familiar symptoms while driving a car: at high speeds on highways I could not go through a curve without feeling I was losing control (tipping over), and felt uncertain on wide open roads. What was worse for me was that it affected my road cycling. It started with no longer being able to go through a curve without braking. Then I could no longer ride (fast) on wide open roads. In the end I had to get off the bike for fear of falling over. I almost got myself hit by cars because I started to swerve to avoid falling over.
I was always OK at slow speeds and on narrow bike paths or roads with trees or tall grass or corn fields alongside. So I reasoned that as long as my eyes were getting cues about orientation I was OK. Being on a bike and in the Netherlands with 1000s of miles of dedicated bike paths with no cars around me allowed me to experiment. I started to consciously look for queues. Though that helped in the very moment, after a few weeks it made my symptoms much worse. So much worse that I was afraid I had to give up cycling forever. I was a danger to myself and others.
I read more about "motorist vestibular disorientation syndrome" and decided to try the opposite: on long, straight and deserted bike paths I would ride while staring at the road under my bike. This way my eyes were not getting any orientation cues (riding blindfolded was not really an option :-) ) This was unnerving at first and I could only do it for a few seconds. But I kept at it day after day (regularly looking up of course to make sure there wasn't any oncoming bike traffic!). And it got better. And I noticed my symptoms would occur less frequently. It wasn't like it was slowly improving, but the symptoms would turn on and turn off, sometimes within a single ride. Either I was OK and could take a curve at 20mph or I was not. That was unnerving because going in to a curve I never knew if it would hit me halfway in.
Also I was able to ride wide open roads again, with only the occasional scare.
The first time my symptoms improved I stopped my "experiment". I biked happily for a month or so, but then the symptoms came back. So whenever in a safe environment I would continue to ride "blind". And after several months I was totally cured! I've stopped my "experiment" and the symptoms have not recurred for the past half year.
I don't know the root cause of this condition, but I think I know what happens when you have these symptoms. When standing still or going slow, your brain uses the inputs from your inner ear (vestibular organ) to orient itself. This has never been a problem for me. I'm not dizzy or unstable while walking and I can stand still with my eyes closed.
When you move faster, your brain integrates the signals from your vestibular organ with the signals from your eyes.
This is some non-linear process that weighs both inputs. At slow speeds it gives more weight to the vestibular signal but as speed increases it relies more on the visual cues. This is OK until you go at a high speed without any visual cues: highways, wide open roads. Somehow this mechanism has gone awry. At high speed your brain ONLY uses the visual inputs and completely ignores the vestibular. By "riding blind" I forced my brain to re-calibrate the algorithm. And it worked! I am enjoying going in to highway curves at speed again - and riding my bike!
From the initial recognition of my symptoms it took me about 2-1/2 years to begin my experiment and about 4-6 months to become symptom free. Though not everyone has the luxury of dutch bike paths I hope sharing my experience will help others conquer this issue.
I had the familiar symptoms while driving a car: at high speeds on highways I could not go through a curve without feeling I was losing control (tipping over), and felt uncertain on wide open roads. What was worse for me was that it affected my road cycling. It started with no longer being able to go through a curve without braking. Then I could no longer ride (fast) on wide open roads. In the end I had to get off the bike for fear of falling over. I almost got myself hit by cars because I started to swerve to avoid falling over.
I was always OK at slow speeds and on narrow bike paths or roads with trees or tall grass or corn fields alongside. So I reasoned that as long as my eyes were getting cues about orientation I was OK. Being on a bike and in the Netherlands with 1000s of miles of dedicated bike paths with no cars around me allowed me to experiment. I started to consciously look for queues. Though that helped in the very moment, after a few weeks it made my symptoms much worse. So much worse that I was afraid I had to give up cycling forever. I was a danger to myself and others.
I read more about "motorist vestibular disorientation syndrome" and decided to try the opposite: on long, straight and deserted bike paths I would ride while staring at the road under my bike. This way my eyes were not getting any orientation cues (riding blindfolded was not really an option :-) ) This was unnerving at first and I could only do it for a few seconds. But I kept at it day after day (regularly looking up of course to make sure there wasn't any oncoming bike traffic!). And it got better. And I noticed my symptoms would occur less frequently. It wasn't like it was slowly improving, but the symptoms would turn on and turn off, sometimes within a single ride. Either I was OK and could take a curve at 20mph or I was not. That was unnerving because going in to a curve I never knew if it would hit me halfway in.
Also I was able to ride wide open roads again, with only the occasional scare.
The first time my symptoms improved I stopped my "experiment". I biked happily for a month or so, but then the symptoms came back. So whenever in a safe environment I would continue to ride "blind". And after several months I was totally cured! I've stopped my "experiment" and the symptoms have not recurred for the past half year.
I don't know the root cause of this condition, but I think I know what happens when you have these symptoms. When standing still or going slow, your brain uses the inputs from your inner ear (vestibular organ) to orient itself. This has never been a problem for me. I'm not dizzy or unstable while walking and I can stand still with my eyes closed.
When you move faster, your brain integrates the signals from your vestibular organ with the signals from your eyes.
This is some non-linear process that weighs both inputs. At slow speeds it gives more weight to the vestibular signal but as speed increases it relies more on the visual cues. This is OK until you go at a high speed without any visual cues: highways, wide open roads. Somehow this mechanism has gone awry. At high speed your brain ONLY uses the visual inputs and completely ignores the vestibular. By "riding blind" I forced my brain to re-calibrate the algorithm. And it worked! I am enjoying going in to highway curves at speed again - and riding my bike!
From the initial recognition of my symptoms it took me about 2-1/2 years to begin my experiment and about 4-6 months to become symptom free. Though not everyone has the luxury of dutch bike paths I hope sharing my experience will help others conquer this issue.
4 Comments
Thanks MVDS for sharing your experiences with us. I think this issue is too complicated, especially for those who driving cars. It is also too dangerous. Since one mistake may results in a catastrophic accident. We need to be so careful.
Wishing you all safe driving and happy life.
Adnan
Wishing you all safe driving and happy life.
Adnan
Fascinating! Your symptoms exactly match mine. I’ll try this myself, on my bike and see what happens...thanks for posting!
lucienne139, thanks for making the effort to leave a note. Since you found this post you must be as frustrated as I was searching for a solution. I am still symptom free and enjoying bike riding (and car driving) again. I hope this will help you too and would really appreciate an update in a few months - it is going to take time.
And stay safe!!!!!
And stay safe!!!!!
Wow you hit it on the nose although its while I'm driving. I've actually experimented the way you did not knowing I was experimenting. Just doing whatever worked in the meantime so I wouldnt have to drive on service road all my life. I can now drive in the fast lane on familiar highways. Unfamiliar highways I dont even bother....
I had the same problem couple of yeas ago. I saw eyes doctor and ORL but nothing was wrong with my health conditions. Through my brother I noticed that the fact I was spending almost 8 hours in front of my computer and drove just after without taking any break time was the reason of my unbalanced driving in cities or on highways. Since I have been spending less time on my computer I am ok and can drive from MD to Toronto C.A without any fear.
1 Comments
Great to hear that your MD condition has improved.
How older are you?
How older are you?
so just an update from oct 2017. I got back the same problems again after i stopped going to the gym. Im not sure if its gym related or not. I have alot of stress at my work and at my home.
I feel loosing balance when driving over 100km/h . I canmot drive on highways as much, i take inner roads and it is killing me.
My ears now have pressure every now and then. no ear infection either. I dont drink. The only medication im on is lipitor. Is anyone else on lipitor here ?
Does anyone else experencing this have high stress workload? Do you have ear infection?
I feel loosing balance when driving over 100km/h . I canmot drive on highways as much, i take inner roads and it is killing me.
My ears now have pressure every now and then. no ear infection either. I dont drink. The only medication im on is lipitor. Is anyone else on lipitor here ?
Does anyone else experencing this have high stress workload? Do you have ear infection?
1 Comments
Hi
I am returning after many years to reply back. I figured out what my problem was. It was a infection in my stomach which was causing issues. I did some round of antibiotics such as rifaxamin and metronidazole . I was also low on b12 , b1, vitamin D . I had to pay out of pocket to naturopath to do private blood work , breath and stool test. I am feeling much better. Make sure you use a biofilm buster when doing the antibiotics.
I am returning after many years to reply back. I figured out what my problem was. It was a infection in my stomach which was causing issues. I did some round of antibiotics such as rifaxamin and metronidazole . I was also low on b12 , b1, vitamin D . I had to pay out of pocket to naturopath to do private blood work , breath and stool test. I am feeling much better. Make sure you use a biofilm buster when doing the antibiotics.
Just want to add to this post, so that my experience may help some one.
I was experiencing similar problem for three years. I am 50 years old and wear progressive lenses. I work as a software developer and use computers a lot. I was experiencing dry eyes for a while and did treatments for that. And after this, the disorientation/dizziness was happening for me when driving on interstate/state highways above 50 miles per hour and especially when making right turns. It get worse as I drive a lot in local roads too. This problem is little less, if I was on the passenger seat. It was crippling as I have to use local roads for long trips and I avoided many trips.
I consulted numerous specialty doctors(ENT, Eye, Ear, Neurology, Psychology, .....) and couldn't find a cure for three years. Spent lot of money and time. MRI/CAT scan.... Some doctors suggested that there is no cure and I have to live like this for the rest of my life and I gave up.
Any way, last year I saw this post
https://ianlandsman.com/2015/02/27/convergence-insufficiency/ and tried the vision therapy for convergence insufficiency as a last option. I had 18 sessions with the doctor/therapist near to my house suggested by the mentioned doctor in the link above (1 hour sessions once a week) and I was doing the suggested eye exercises at home, that will take about 30 minutes, at least 3-4 times a week . When I started I couldn't do many exercises at all, and had headaches. But it got better after some days . After 5 months of therapy, the highway driving was still a problem. I stopped the paid therapy and continued with exercises at home 3-4 times a week for 15 minutes, for the past 2+ months. For a month, I experience less issue on the highways now. I am able to drive with 60 miles and make turns.
I am posting this to help any others to try this who are experiencing similar problem . Please note that the therapy is not paid by insurance and may cost more than $100 per session. I also take fish oil daily. I plan to continue with my eye exercises and hope I will be cured and regain my full mobility.
I was experiencing similar problem for three years. I am 50 years old and wear progressive lenses. I work as a software developer and use computers a lot. I was experiencing dry eyes for a while and did treatments for that. And after this, the disorientation/dizziness was happening for me when driving on interstate/state highways above 50 miles per hour and especially when making right turns. It get worse as I drive a lot in local roads too. This problem is little less, if I was on the passenger seat. It was crippling as I have to use local roads for long trips and I avoided many trips.
I consulted numerous specialty doctors(ENT, Eye, Ear, Neurology, Psychology, .....) and couldn't find a cure for three years. Spent lot of money and time. MRI/CAT scan.... Some doctors suggested that there is no cure and I have to live like this for the rest of my life and I gave up.
Any way, last year I saw this post
https://ianlandsman.com/2015/02/27/convergence-insufficiency/ and tried the vision therapy for convergence insufficiency as a last option. I had 18 sessions with the doctor/therapist near to my house suggested by the mentioned doctor in the link above (1 hour sessions once a week) and I was doing the suggested eye exercises at home, that will take about 30 minutes, at least 3-4 times a week . When I started I couldn't do many exercises at all, and had headaches. But it got better after some days . After 5 months of therapy, the highway driving was still a problem. I stopped the paid therapy and continued with exercises at home 3-4 times a week for 15 minutes, for the past 2+ months. For a month, I experience less issue on the highways now. I am able to drive with 60 miles and make turns.
I am posting this to help any others to try this who are experiencing similar problem . Please note that the therapy is not paid by insurance and may cost more than $100 per session. I also take fish oil daily. I plan to continue with my eye exercises and hope I will be cured and regain my full mobility.
I had this exact situation. Over 60 mph I felt unbalanced, dizzy and perinoid. I went to the first doctor they told me. I had a inner ear infection causing vertigo. I explained I had no symptoms of an ear ache. I went to a different doctor and they said my ear canals were not draining fluid properly. They prescribed me a steroid and I went back to normal. If your also experiencing ear ringing its probably the same thing.
1 Comments
What kind of steroid sod they prescribe? I have exact same thing :(
I was having same problem. Im 37, 20lbs over my recommended weight. I was having same dizzy and fainting experience while driving. I started Gym 1 week ago and the feeling got better. I will update if it gets more better.
About 3 months ago, I had an eye exam and bought a new pair of glasses. The eye doctor noted that one of my eyes was slightly lower than the other and adjusted my lenses accordingly. She also put a prism in one of my lenses so that my eyes would see images in a consistent manner. Without the prism, my eyes were basically fighting one another. I would feel very fatigued when driving a vehicle and also as a passenger.
At first, I did not notice any difference, but about three weeks later, I began driving the highway and now commute 30+ minutes each way......all via highway with some long bridges to boot. All of this from someone who stopped driving highways a few years ago altogether.
Note that I have a very strong astigmatism in one eye that goth much worse over a 10-year period. In my opinion, the combination of all factors listed above were the cause of my driving issues. Driving is not always perfect today, but it is often 100%. I hope this is helpful to you. Good luck to all.
At first, I did not notice any difference, but about three weeks later, I began driving the highway and now commute 30+ minutes each way......all via highway with some long bridges to boot. All of this from someone who stopped driving highways a few years ago altogether.
Note that I have a very strong astigmatism in one eye that goth much worse over a 10-year period. In my opinion, the combination of all factors listed above were the cause of my driving issues. Driving is not always perfect today, but it is often 100%. I hope this is helpful to you. Good luck to all.
Exact same problems. This is very upsetting. It is scary! I am glad it is not all in my head. I hope a solution is found soon.
1 Comments
Does this happen to you while you are in the passenger seat or only when you drivbing?
Exact same problems. I'm 38...this is very upsetting. I get lightheaded, dizzy, feel like the car is tipping over. It's scary! Healthcare is so expensive...not quite sure which one of the possible diagnoses to pursue first. Glad to know that this isn't just in my mind.
1 Comments
Exact same problem. Fell 3 stories in 1989, slightly dizzy after accident, progressively got worse to the point where driving is unsafe.
I think the comments about esophoria are correct; could be heterophoria or similar eye issue. I have suffered from this for 10 years and had every test imaginable performed, some multiple times. There was a brief period when I could drive perfectly. The only thing that changed was that I had a new pair of glasses, which broke a few months later. Driving issues quickly returned. There is an interesting fact sheet about vertical hererophoria at Clarkeye.com. I have every symptom.
I'm so glad to see I'm not alone in this, I for the last few months have started to feel light headed and dizzy when driving. At first I thought it was tied to lack of sleep but even when i have had a great night rest and full meals I suddenly feeling light headed when I'm driving and it rushes over me like a wave. I went to the doctor and he said that I could have had a cold of virus that caused my blood pressure to lower which made me light headed, but I don't have a cold of virus. It is now something I have to try and deal with every day when i drive, it's very scary. I've had to pull over a few times to sit and let it pass and then keep pulling over multiple times until I reach my destination. Its comforting to know it's not just me! Once I get out of the car I am totally fine, it is 100% tied with driving. No idea what to do!
2 Comments
I have the same issue about 2 years now. I don't know what to do anymore. Do you have any update? Thanks
omg..i have the same problem. Im 37 and exact feelings i get when driving. Did you find a cure?
I had the same problem. Spend five days in hospital . Had every exam done you could think of and had everything come back good. Made an appointment with eye doctor . Turns out my eye vision seeing far was bad. Picked up my glasses and was good for a year. Same issue came back a year later while driving started getting dizzy like I was going to faint. When back to get an eye exam , turns out I needed stronger prescription . Now Im back driving with no problem.
I have had this issue for 20 years, had all tests in the book only 1 more item to reviee, the use of fluoxetine over these years. I am now tapering, check back in 4 to 6 months and i will update you.
2 Comments
I have the answer, check your eyes for Esophoria or Exophoria, I know have prism glasses and can drive perfectly fine everywhere
'now have prism glassess'
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Neurology Community
Top Neurology Answerers
Allentown, PA
ON
Queensland, Australia
Queen Creek, AZ
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease
