Help with vertigo?

impyimpyaj
impyimpyaj Posts: 1,073 Member
in Chit-Chat
I woke up this morning around 6 and rolled over in bed, and suddenly felt like I was falling. It didn't go away, so I just went back to sleep and figured I'd feel better when I got up later. But I don't. I've been having to walk with one hand against the wall, and I almost pitched forward into my bathroom cabinets when I was trying to get up from the toilet earlier.

Obviously I can't see the doctor because I'm not going to get behind the wheel of a car until this passes, so I thought I'd ask if anyone here has had this kind of sudden vertigo. I'm 99% positive it's being caused by fluid in my ears right now. I had chronic ear problems as a kid, and I still have sinus and ear trouble pretty regularly, but I can't remember ever having vertigo that's persisted for more than 5 minutes, so I don't know if there's anything I can do to get rid of it.

Any ideas? I'd really like to be able to get around my house today.

Replies

  • jlzrdking
    jlzrdking Posts: 501 Member
    I have an inner ear problem and it causes me to have Vertigo at times.

    When this happens to me I usually just sit very still and do nothing until it passes which could be a couple of hours to days. If it does not pass quickly find someone to take you to the doctor.

    I've been told by my ear doctor that Valium can help but i've never tried it.

    Hope you get to feeling better
  • impyimpyaj
    impyimpyaj Posts: 1,073 Member
    I have an inner ear problem and it causes me to have Vertigo at times.

    When this happens to me I usually just sit very still and do nothing until it passes which could be a couple of hours to days. If it does not pass quickly find someone to take you to the doctor.

    I've been told by my ear doctor that Valium can help but i've never tried it.

    Hope you get to feeling better

    Thanks. I'll go lie on the couch or something. I've been trying to sit still but it doesn't seem to be helping yet.
  • SVCat
    SVCat Posts: 1,483 Member
    My ex used to get vertigo, a doctor once recommended to lay down face up...and have someone assist you in bending your waist and sitting up as fast as possible. So whoever helps you, will need to almost push you up. I think this does something to the fluid in your ears.
  • mdr3t
    mdr3t Posts: 12 Member
    Google Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV. I've got it and the manuevers the doctor did took care of it and it was a miracle. Not too many doctors diagnose it though.
  • hooperkay
    hooperkay Posts: 463 Member
    I agree with above post. An inner problem/ infection can cause sudden vertigo. If you are otherwise healthy, then this is probably the cause. Unfortunetly antibiotics may be only help. I would make an appointment with md. They can check wbc's and see if it's an infection or not. I am a RN and I've had people come in ER who couldnt even walk and it was simple inner ear infection. Inner ear infections usually do not have pain associated with them so you don't even know you have one. If it persists or even comes and goes, then I'd go get it checked.
  • poledancing_ninja
    poledancing_ninja Posts: 271
    Get someone to drive you to the doctors, my mum was on the floor for two weeks before she went...
  • missym357
    missym357 Posts: 210 Member
    I experience this a couple times a year and you are right- when it is happening, you cannot drive, so going to the doctor is out uless someone can drive you! Look up Epley's maneuver. I have had some luck with that. The only problem is doing it for the correct ear. My problems originate in my left ear, so I have to do the maneuver to target my left ear- doing it the other way around will just set off another spin sensation. I hope you find some relief.
  • lois4468
    lois4468 Posts: 166 Member
    I had a similar problem and the doctor called it "ear rocks". Something gets loose and causes you problems mostly when getting up or turning over in bed. Things spin pretty bad. Simple trick to make it better. Search "ear rocks" on the internet and see if it matches your problem. You can try the method to fix it and if it doesn't then see a doctor. Hope this helps. Good luck!
  • ShrinkingShawna
    ShrinkingShawna Posts: 186 Member
    I had vertigo, and I went through physical therapy to cure it. Vertigo isn't caused by fluid, it's caused when the crystals in your ear are out of alignment. Over the counter motion sickness medicine will make you feel better, or your doctor may prescribe Meclizine. There are other things that cause dizziness though, so you should really see your doctor. Do you have someone that can take you? Vertigo can last from a couple of hours to a couple of months at a time. Good luck, and hope you feel better soon.
  • impyimpyaj
    impyimpyaj Posts: 1,073 Member
    I agree with above post. An inner problem/ infection can cause sudden vertigo. If you are otherwise healthy, then this is probably the cause. Unfortunetly antibiotics may be only help. I would make an appointment with md. They can check wbc's and see if it's an infection or not. I am a RN and I've had people come in ER who couldnt even walk and it was simple inner ear infection. Inner ear infections usually do not have pain associated with them so you don't even know you have one. If it persists or even comes and goes, then I'd go get it checked.

    I don't think I have an ear infection. As many as I've had in my life, I'm pretty adept at recognizing them. I think this is just fluid from allergies (they've been severe since we moved to Nebraska 2 years ago), and I know that if I don't get rid of it I WILL have an infection soon. I will get it checked if it continues to be a problem.
    I experience this a couple times a year and you are right- when it is happening, you cannot drive, so going to the doctor is out uless someone can drive you! Look up Epley's maneuver. I have had some luck with that. The only problem is doing it for the correct ear. My problems originate in my left ear, so I have to do the maneuver to target my left ear- doing it the other way around will just set off another spin sensation. I hope you find some relief.

    Yeah, I was Googling and came across that maneuver, but I have no idea how to tell which ear is the problem and I'm afraid to make it worse. I suspect it's actually both of them, because I can feel the sloshing in both.

    I ended up lying on the couch with my head slightly lower than my shoulders and doing my regular neck stretches that I have to do for tight muscles in my neck and shoulders, since I'm also having that issue. Some of the fluid has started to drain, so now at least I can walk. Still can't bend down unless I'm hanging on tight to something, but at least there's progress.

    Thanks for your help, everyone. I think I can at least function now. If it gets worse again by afternoon or doesn't go away, I'll call the doctor and see if he has any recommendations for me.
  • Angie_Fritts
    Angie_Fritts Posts: 263 Member
    It probably is fluid in you ears that is causing the problem. I know this isn't something that you can do right now but.....I had a friend that periodically had problems with vertigo. She started having ear candleing done and it helped her alot. May have been all psychological. But, it helped.
  • impyimpyaj
    impyimpyaj Posts: 1,073 Member
    It probably is fluid in you ears that is causing the problem. I know this isn't something that you can do right now but.....I had a friend that periodically had problems with vertigo. She started having ear candleing done and it helped her alot. May have been all psychological. But, it helped.

    I've heard of that, but I've never known anyone who has had it done. I'll keep it in mind. Thanks.
  • jesshall281
    jesshall281 Posts: 219
    Shame, I feel for you, I usually have it when ive been on a plane for more than 9 hours, the turbluence affects the fluid in my ears, so once ive landed at my destination it still feels like im bobbing up and down on a plane, horrible feeling!

    But I have also had an ear infection where this has happened, and I had no other signs of an ear infection at all...

    I really hope you get better soon, as I know what its like and it just makes you want to cry!
  • pawheeler1
    pawheeler1 Posts: 80 Member
    I also struggle with this from time to time, def need to see a doctor!
  • KidP
    KidP Posts: 247 Member
    I suffer from vertigo from time to time. It's absolutely horrible when it hits and cripples me from doing anything while it lasts, so i feel your pain. I was not able to find anyone who knew the techniques mentioned, but some folks have also told me that some chiropractors know the Epley maneuver, etc so if you include chiro's in your calling around, that might help.
  • littlewitch1973
    littlewitch1973 Posts: 139
    I had vertigo, and I went through physical therapy to cure it. Vertigo isn't caused by fluid, it's caused when the crystals in your ear are out of alignment. Over the counter motion sickness medicine will make you feel better, or your doctor may prescribe Meclizine. There are other things that cause dizziness though, so you should really see your doctor. Do you have someone that can take you? Vertigo can last from a couple of hours to a couple of months at a time. Good luck, and hope you feel better soon.

    This!! I have a Meclazine RX on me at all times, but when I run out, and have a Vertigo spell, I take Dramamine, or another motion sickness medication. This will bring relief pretty quick (Meclazine within a day or so, and same with Dramamine) Just take it every few hours, and you will be amazed.

    I hate vertigo - it interferes with my ability to do a lot of things (think rides at amusement parks, certain exercises, etc). It is something some of us have to deal with for a lifetime though...

    See if someone can go to the store for you to get some motion sickness meds - if those dont help in a day or so, call a dr, and get in. I have had it so bad I passed out from the spinning - and other times I just cannot walk.
  • Katbaran
    Katbaran Posts: 605 Member
    I have the ear rocks problem a few times a year. A friend suggested blowing your nose hard a couple times. Nothing may come out of your nose, but you might feel bubbling in your ear and the dizziness will be better or gone. It works for me sometimes. I hope it does for you too.
  • ScottyNoHotty
    ScottyNoHotty Posts: 1,957 Member
    Google Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV. I've got it and the manuevers the doctor did took care of it and it was a miracle. Not too many doctors diagnose it though.

    This^^ Google BPPV on Mayo clinic. I suffer from this. You can do self treatment. Its called canalith repositioning. look up how to do it on youtube. its called the Epply Manuvoer.

    Do not see a GP...call an Ear, Nose & Throat specialist. GP will try to prescribe drugs.....


    I have suffered with this for about 10 years now....get it everytime I get a cold. PM me if you want some info.
  • Laura80111
    Laura80111 Posts: 958 Member
    Ohhhh I feel for you...I have Meniere's Syndrome and I get it about 2-3 times a year:sad: and for me it seems to happen when there is a a change in the weather and the air pressure. I have found that taking Dramimine (for motion sickness) helps, I stay in bed and don't move, it can last for 1-4 days. Driving is a No No, but if it persists I'd have someone take you to the Doctors.

    When I had my first attack I was sick for a week and couldn't do anything without someone to hold me up, even getting to the restroom my hubby would have to hold me still or I'd fall off the toilet:blushing:

    Hope yours goes away soon.

    Laura80111:smile:
  • ShrinkingShawna
    ShrinkingShawna Posts: 186 Member
    I have the ear rocks problem a few times a year. A friend suggested blowing your nose hard a couple times. Nothing may come out of your nose, but you might feel bubbling in your ear and the dizziness will be better or gone. It works for me sometimes. I hope it does for you too.

    Please don't do this. Your friend is wrong. It will make it worse.
  • impyimpyaj
    impyimpyaj Posts: 1,073 Member
    I have the ear rocks problem a few times a year. A friend suggested blowing your nose hard a couple times. Nothing may come out of your nose, but you might feel bubbling in your ear and the dizziness will be better or gone. It works for me sometimes. I hope it does for you too.

    Please don't do this. Your friend is wrong. It will make it worse.

    I learned a long time ago that I can't do this. My eardrum burst when I was a kid and doing this makes that ear hurt so bad I can't stand it. I have to be careful when blowing my nose normally, so I definitely don't want to do it on purpose.

    Thanks for the Dramamine suggestions. I'll give it a shot. I'm about to go take my allergy meds and see if that makes a difference. I'm wondering if I brought this on myself because I stopped taking my Nasonex.
  • CathEsh
    CathEsh Posts: 135 Member
    I woke up this morning around 6 and rolled over in bed, and suddenly felt like I was falling. It didn't go away, so I just went back to sleep and figured I'd feel better when I got up later. But I don't. I've been having to walk with one hand against the wall, and I almost pitched forward into my bathroom cabinets when I was trying to get up from the toilet earlier.

    Obviously I can't see the doctor because I'm not going to get behind the wheel of a car until this passes, so I thought I'd ask if anyone here has had this kind of sudden vertigo. I'm 99% positive it's being caused by fluid in my ears right now. I had chronic ear problems as a kid, and I still have sinus and ear trouble pretty regularly, but I can't remember ever having vertigo that's persisted for more than 5 minutes, so I don't know if there's anything I can do to get rid of it.

    Any ideas? I'd really like to be able to get around my house today.
    I experienced vertigo last summer. I was finishing up my Master's degree and was taking two very intense grad classes. If I turned my head or stood up suddenly, the room would spin. I went to the doctor, and he called it a certain name which I can't remember. It is an inner ear problem and whatever it was can be triggered by stress. I believe he gave me some medicine for it. It took 3-4 months for it to go away. Luckily, it didn't bother me except when I moved my head suddenly or got up from a sitting position too quickly. Hope you can get to the doctor soon!
  • CathEsh
    CathEsh Posts: 135 Member
    Google Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV. I've got it and the manuevers the doctor did took care of it and it was a miracle. Not too many doctors diagnose it though.

    This^^ Google BPPV on Mayo clinic. I suffer from this. You can do self treatment. Its called canalith repositioning. look up how to do it on youtube. its called the Epply Manuvoer.

    Do not see a GP...call an Ear, Nose & Throat specialist. GP will try to prescribe drugs.....


    I have suffered with this for about 10 years now....get it everytime I get a cold. PM me if you want some info.
    My friend's husband has this, and he had an attack so bad one time (in the middle of the night) that he had to go to the hospital!
  • MostlyWater
    MostlyWater Posts: 4,294 Member
    wow. terrible.
  • DunkinAndDeadlifts
    DunkinAndDeadlifts Posts: 60 Member
    I had the worst vertigo episode last year, it made me insanely sick to the point I was on bed rest. The only thing that helped mine was rest, for 2 weeks. I felt like I was dying so I feel you.
  • Miz_Owl
    Miz_Owl Posts: 3,026 Member
    I get them when I play video games that involved in driving .
  • jdscrubs32
    jdscrubs32 Posts: 515 Member
    I started getting vertigo in the last few years which seems to have coincided with hearing issues in my ears. When my ears become blocked with wax, the vertigo seems to occur. Thankfully it never seems to occur for that long once I lie down and sleep it off. Worse place to get it is when you are on solo holidays which happened to me in Madrid. Thankfully there was a metro station near where I was which brought me back to where I was staying and I hit the bed. Would advise to book an appointment with a doc and if you cant drive to the doc, get someone to drive you to get your ears syringed by the doc. You may not think your ears are blocked but they probably are.
  • astod4
    astod4 Posts: 49 Member
    Just a suggestion, go see a physical therapist the next time you get vertigo. They do something called Epley’s maneuver and it’ll take care of the vertigo. Doesn’t take long, and you’re back to normal.
  • Antiopelle
    Antiopelle Posts: 1,184 Member
    I have BPV and extreme motion sickness and I can tell that Dramamine (or other drugs for motion sickness) do not help with BPV.
    The only thing you can do is to see a good ear specialist who can diagnose correctly: BPV, Menieres, or ear infection. If you cannot drive yourself, get someone else to drive you. Even if it has passed now, you'll want to know what to do next time it hits you (IF it does).
    Take care !

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