Lightheaded Most of the Time

[heyitsme]

I'm a 31yr old male non smoker non drinker in Florida, overweight (5'6 215lb), but otherwise no history of disease. I have been lightheaded on and off for the past 6 months. Not dizzy or spinning per say, its more like I have balance issues or fatigue or something. Seems to affect me mostly when I am walking around. Doesn't usually bother me when sitting or driving. But I really notice it when doing things that involve a lot of walking (like shopping). Docs think its all anxiety related, tried Ativan which made me feel better about the situation, but I still felt the lightheadedness. I also seem to have a ton of gas (burping), not sure if its related.

I have had a lot of tests including eyes (normal), glucose tolerance (normal), bp (mild pre hypertensive, slightly rapid heartbeat), blood (elevated cholesterol, TSH 1.26), lung xray (normal), allergist (mold, dust, and elm, no asthma), head mri (normal), ekg 2x (normal), non stress echocardio (normal), gastro endoscopy (mild acid reflux), and sleep study (some apnea, waiting for details), vertigo tilt test (normal).

I don't think the problem is anxiety, I have very low stress in my life (much less than I have had years ago). I'm thinking I should see a Neurologist, from what I have read they deal in balance and dizzyness issues. Any other thoughts? Thanks!

[Gpkusa34]

Hey all- I've had an unbalanced /inner ear problem for about 6 months now. I have had numerous tests EKG, many blood tests, MRI of both head and neck. My primary doctor said in late January that a bad chest cold that the virus probably worked its way into my inner ear. So from the moment my feet hit the floor in the morning I feel lightheaded. Some days are better then other but each day is a struggle because I'm a PE teacher and I'm in my feet all day.

I was referred to a ENT specialist in feb-march and in turn was seeing a vestibular Neuritis Physical Therapist. She has given me many eye, head, neck exercises to perform but it's not helping much.

I had a new series of tests done to test the vestibular nerve on both sides to see if they are working in unison while my eyes are following an object followed by then inserting hear in each ear as well as ice cold water. Don't try this test unless you really need it. It's purpose is to actually make ou a bit dizzy- because if you are ten it means our vestibular(inner ear) is working properly.

So to make a long 6 months short- I then saw a ENT head and neck surgeon after all those tests- he found nothing wrong or alarming. He said to keep doing the exercises the physical therapist gave me an ld to keep walking my 3-4 miles each day. The more I sit around and do nothing the worse it will be. I mind will eventually find a way to compensate for what's going on but if I stay inside- lay in bed- etc... The end result will be much longer and harder for the ears/head to compensate.

So I'm still lightheaded everyday and just trying to battle and get well so I can feel great and laugh again. My personality has really changed over the last 6 months. I used to be the life of the party- now it's usually likely I won't even go to the party.

Any comments are welcome. Write here or email me personally.

Greg
MLBSCOUT2000. At yahoo . Com

[kimmie18824]

and i can barely even walk

[kimmie18824]

i have been extremly light headed everyday for past 6 months and it to the point i cant work anymore..i dont no what to do..can u collect benefits but doctors cant find the problem :(

[ohr2]

It's so great to see others with the same issue especially "heyitsme".  I've been struggling with the same lightheaded and imbalance feeling for over a year.  It happens the same way; when I'm walking around a store or for a period of time.  The best way I describe it to my doctor is that it feels like I'm drunk.  Like most people here I've also been through a litany of tests which have all come back "normal".  One doctor just said it was just  migraines and stress and told me to quit my job!  It was ridiculous.  I was not under stress at the time.  Funny enough the headaches stopped after I stopped seeing her.

I too brought in a holistic practitioner.  It seemed to be working, at least lowering the occurrences of the issue and the amount of walking time before it was triggered.  Alas, when I went off the meds for two weeks due to the flu, the symptoms came flooding back.  I think the vitamins may just be masking everything.

I hope people keep posting and maybe we'll all find some relief.

[geriKoul]

I have the same thing. Did you figure it out?

[Ricobord]

Ave you seen a neurologist yet?  Sometimes dizziness and/or tinnitus have neurological causes that don't show up on an MRI.

There are neuro disorders, infections (e.g. ear infections, Lyme), and also blood vessel disorders that can cause tinnitus even when the inner ear is okay.

You might also google "balance disorders" to see if any of those are similar to what you're experiencing.

One last thought: have you tried eating gluten free to see if it makes any difference in how you feel? Some people are gluten sensitive even when they don't show antibodies for Celiac Disease.  You have to be very strict about it to know if you feel better without it. I did and I felt the difference in less than a week. Some people take 2-4 weeks to notice improvement.  You have to read up on what has gluten in it. It's not just a matter of eliminating wheat.

I hope you feel better soon!