Eye Pressure, Trouble Focusing Occasionally, Dizziness, etc.

[Kath1085]

I'm here looking for some answers as I have trouble chalking what I'm going through up to anxiety (which seems to be the trend response). I started having dizziness in late August which then was followed by some numbness, tingling in my lower extremities and hands, sometimes in my face and this was followed by occasional bouts of fatigue and flu-like symptoms. The numbness has since dissipated, only occasionally and the flu like symptoms are gone. Also, occasionally I get hot and cold flashes. As of right now the main symptoms I have left that I'm dealing with are vision issues- sensitivity to light, eyes that feel strained, dry and have pressure around them. Also, there will be occasional ear ringing and some ear fullness. It also seems my throat feels tighter and/or sore occasionally. I'm so frustrated, I just want to feel like myself again. If these vision and overall "head" issues would go away, I'd be back to myself. MY muscles also seem sore and more tired from time to time. I have seen my PCP several times, he thought I had vertigo from a previously blocked ear canal which was resolved and anxiety. I have since been to an optometrist, ENT, Neurologist and Chiropractor. All blood work, etc. is clear as well as Lyme tests. ENT, Neuro and Optometrist said it seems like nothing serious. All tests normal. Chiro said there is a pinched nerve and very tense muscles in my neck he suspects are causing numbness and muscle issues, but the vision/eye and ear stuff he can't explain. It also seems like when I sneeze my head feels full. Any ideas/guidance? I just want this to stop and could use any suggestions possible, thanks!

[Kath1085]

Thanks for the encouragement. I tried taking Benadryl and Sudafed for the first time today and it seems to have somewhat of an effect. Today was pretty tough. My eyes have alot of trouble/pain focusing and it seems like intermittently I'm dizzy. I also have alot of pressure in my ears, nose and eyes. It seems like my eyes also pulsate or move intermittently which causes frequent dizziness and I can't figure that out for the life of me. I have been tested for nystagmus and no dice. Also, my ears seem sensitive to wind as well as my eyes. Some occasional left ear pain too. Maybe labyrinthitis, inner ear stuff? It get worse at work it seems although I suppose if I'm overly anxious about it, it wont help. Maybe bad sinus infection? Can an inner ear issue or infection persist for months? Sinus infection? I'm getting an ENT second opinion.

[silverfox67]

   I sincerely hope that the new doctors will be able to help you.  It is so frustrating to feel so sick and not be able to grab the nearest supplement to help.

     Wishing you a good outcome.

[Kath1085]

Hi everybody,

    Thanks for all the great responses! I am leaning toward seeking another ENT opinion as the one I saw was rather old fashioned. He was pushing 80 and was very rigid in his responses and "by the book". I am seeing a Chiropractor and the ENT said it was not BPPV as I had no dizziness reaction to the maneuvers he performed. I have not looked into Chiari, but am planning an upcoming MRI which will answer this question. Also, my fatigue and chills, hot/cold flashes don't seem to be explained here. I also may look for another Neuro referral. The Neuro I went to said that my symptoms were not consistent with anything and that my optic nerve was intact and not inflamed along with my responses being normal, he said it cannot be MS. Finally, I am on no medications and have taken very little in my lifetime- maybe 5-6 at most. I take vitamins occasionally and my vitamin levels were normal. Today I had a bunch of dizziness, light headedness and eye pressure to the point where it effected keeping my eyes open. Also, some fatigue, chills upon waking up and a bunch of earn fullness, left ear minor and it seems to feel like my ears and eyes are very sensitive to air/wind. Also, sensitivity to sound and light.

[silverfox67]

     Do you take medication?  Check the read outs the pharmacy gives you on your meds.  I found that Cardizem was "killing" my stomach.  

      Also did you know that plain old common aspirin can cause Macular Degeneration?  We really need to examine what goes into our bodies.

   Are you taking supplements?  A magnesium deficiency causes a lot of the symptoms you describe.    Magnesium Glyconate seems to be the best.
    Wishing you the best outcome.

[NurseGayle]

Wow this is a lot of symptoms for anxiety!  I was going to suggest a good ENT as a first step, but been there done that. A neuro as a second.  Do you have Chiari?  It could be so many things.  There is a procedure of head repositioning that really helps with bad vertigo (Dizziness).  It can cause a host of head symptoms.  Inner ear issues can cause these symptoms.  If all tests are normal & symptoms persist, you may want to consider a second opinion with an ENT or Neurologist.  Not all doctors are equal at diagnosing problems. Sorry could not be more help, good luck.

[Kath1085]

Unfortunately they checked my thyroid levels along with kidney, liver, vitamin deficiencies, etc. All normal.

[Caryopteris]

Good grief this is pretty classic for thyroid.  Make sure they thoroughly check your thyroid.  Some people need supplementation even if their level appears normal.  Give some thyroid and you may get great relief.