topic Re: Vertigo in Wellness

Vertigo

maximillian — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 01:44:06 GMT

Two friends of mine have recently been diagnosed with vertigo. I don't understand how this condition comes about. In both cases, physicians have talked about the crystals in the ears. Is this condition caused by a virus or by bacteria? Does medication cure it or are some procedures called for? Any knowledge of this, anyone?

Re: Vertigo

D Kay — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 01:50:59 GMT

May I suggest WEB MD or Mayo Clinic websight? Much more reliable info.

Re: Vertigo

luv-the-Q — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 01:54:41 GMT

I have vertigo and my doctor said my ears have too much wax. I know someone who also suffers with severe bouts of vertigo, but it isn't because of her ears. Sometimes blockage of arteries can cause vertigo. A doctor's diagnosis would be the only way to know the cause.

Re: Vertigo

IdahoGram — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 01:59:36 GMT

I had a very sudden vertigo attack about 5 years ago. It was so severe I was taken by ambulance to the hospital. They at first thought it was a stroke, but then determined it was vertigo. I remained in the hospital for 3 days and released with a walker and told to get in for therapy as soon as possible. I couldn't hardly walk, and certainly couldn't drive for several weeks. I had therapy 3 or 4 times a week for 8 weeks. They gave me exercises to do at home, some for balance, some for getting my eyes to keep up with my movements. It was very stressful but finally started going away. If I move too fast, or turn my head too fast I still get a little dizzy sometimes. I believe some people never really get over it and are unable to drive anymore. I was told the same thing about the crystals in the ear, but no real reason why it happens. Could be caused by water, could be caused by this or that. No real answers as far as I could tell. Just guesses, which in my opinion is all medicine is anyhow. I am 78 now and hope I never have another bout with vertigo, it's awful. I feel for your friends and wish them luck.

Re: Vertigo

LogoFan — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 02:51:18 GMT

I was diagnosed with BPPV "Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo" probably 5 years ago. It did eventually settle down after some physical therapy.

Unfortunately, it reocurred in the past 3 years and I was referred to a specialist here in Chicago. He is a marvelous neurologist that specializes in dizziness and hearing. At this point, let me ask if you or your friend are anywhere near the Chicago area. If so, I can post contact information.

In my particular case, I had therapy almost weekly for more than one year. I did not recover completely this time, but I have underlying causes. Lots of issues above the neck including sinus cancer 6 years ago. I still do some maneuvers daily at home that are designed to reposition those crystals. If you do some research on-line like one person suggested Mayo Clinic, you can get a better understanding of the problem. It can happen with age or other factors.

This physician uses state of the art equipment to monitor progress during treatment where they can see a visual of what is happening in your head with you wearing what they call "Frenzel Goggles" during exam. In fact, let me just give a recommendation here. The doctor's name is Timothy Hain with Chicago Dizziness and Hearing on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Easy to look him up if anyone needs help. Please come from surrounding states for treatment.

Best of luck to you. I know only too well how difficult it is to cope with this problem. God Bless.

Re: Vertigo

Goodie2shoes — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 03:03:49 GMT

I had a severe episode of vertigo about 6 years ago. Just so happened my daughter spent the night at my home, I got up to go to the bathroom about 4 am and suddenly my right ear popped and my head started spinning. I was taken to the Hospital by ambulance, test were neg for a stroke or any other major problem and I was sent home the same day. I saw my medical doctor who said vertigo can happen as we get older so he gave me a script for Antivert to be taken PRN for vertigo. I've had about 2 more episodes since then, last one about a year ago but not as bad. I keep over the counter Antivert tabs in my purse at all times. I know when it's about to happen because my right ear pops and then I get dizzy. It's only in my right ear. Not a fun thing to deal with so best of luck to your friends

Re: Vertigo

YorkieonmyPillow — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 03:12:47 GMT

@maximillian wrote:
Two friends of mine have recently been diagnosed with vertigo. I don't understand how this condition comes about. In both cases, physicians have talked about the crystals in the ears. Is this condition caused by a virus or by bacteria? Does medication cure it or are some procedures called for? Any knowledge of this, anyone?

The only thing that I know of that helps is the Epley Manuver, which repositions the crystals in the inner ear. You can find it on youtube.

Re: Vertigo

bonnielu — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 03:20:46 GMT

I suffer from this. I get it twice a year usually when the weather changes. It cannot be cured I am told. If the crystals shift, usually when I turn my head in bed I get a sensation of dizziness where I spin...everything is upside down and whirling. It lasts about 10 seconds and then it takes a day or two for me to feel comfortable. I do believe my grandmother had this. I used to sit with her and hold her hand.

The best treatment was the Epley technique but it is a movement that thrusts you forward and back and makes you dizzy until the dizziness disappears. My doctor who helped me with this retired. NO more help. I am on my own. I found a physical therapist who gave me some exercises to do at home.

When it strikes it is beyond words scary.

Re: Vertigo

Noel7 — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 04:23:59 GMT

@maximillian wrote:
Two friends of mine have recently been diagnosed with vertigo. I don't understand how this condition comes about. In both cases, physicians have talked about the crystals in the ears. Is this condition caused by a virus or by bacteria? Does medication cure it or are some procedures called for? Any knowledge of this, anyone?

@maximillian

As a kid, did you ever spin until you got dizzy, maybe fell down? Maybe get seasick at some point? All similar.

I had a couple of spells awhile back. I keep seasickness pills which help.

It’s about the inner ear usually

Re: Vertigo

GCR18 — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 04:24:03 GMT

I had one episode about four years ago. One morning I jumped out of bed and fell to the floor. I was so dizzy and the room was spinning, it happened really quick. It felt like it lasted a long time, but it was probably 30 seconds. Once it stopped, I crawled back into bed. Whenever I moved my head, I had a mini version of it. I thought I had a heart attack or a stroke, then I remembered reading about vertigo here.

After a couple hours I got up to get my kindle and called in sick to work. I googled vertigo and that's what I had. I stayed in bed for a couple days and took the first Dr appt I could get. It was gone when I went to the Dr. She had me lay down and sit up a couple times, then asked if I wanted a referral for PT. I said no. I had a couple quick mini versions over the next month and it hasn't happened since. I now get out of bed very slowly.

Re: Vertigo

beach-mom — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 04:46:42 GMT

I had a bad case during my first year of college that put me in the hospital. I was really dizzy, but the room wasn't spinning - it was more of an "inner dizziness." They said it was a viral infection, most common in people who had ear problems of some kind. I was a swimmer, and had many inner ear infections (even though I did use plugs). As much as I like the water, I get very seasick when I'm on boats, even a ferry, and I have to wear a patch or take Dramamine. They put me on Antivert, but it was a month until I was able to return to class.

@maximillian - I hope your friends feel much better!

Re: Vertigo

Mega Shopper — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 05:04:09 GMT

The Epley maneuver is the best thing to do for vertigo. Some doctors know about it, but more chiropractors are aware of it. I suffered for years with vertigo seeing all kinds of doctors and taking all kinds of drugs. Vertigo in most cases is the release of crystals in the middle ear. From different movements, bending over, tilting head back, the crystals in the ear move out of place. The Epley maneuver will help you put them back in place and it's like a miracle because you will feel fine when you're done, you just have to stay upright all day, no lying down. All you need to do it is a flat surface and a pillow. I do it by sitting on the edge of my bed. If it doesn't work for you, then it's not benign positional vertigo, it's a different type of vertigo and this maneuver will not work.

If you suffer from vertigo, stop reading and go to Epley maneuver on youtube. There are a bunch of different doctors showing how it's done. It is really easy to do and I wish I would have known about it. I suffered for a long time. Good luck!

Re: Vertigo

qualitygal — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 12:06:17 GMT

My sister showed me this on You Tube, when I was having such bad problems earlier this year.

Carol Foster, MD Vertigo Treatment Oct 11. This has helped me, and I haven't had it since. Knock on wood. Went in for Epley therapy and it did not help me. Everyone should seek their doctors medical advice. If nothing else, she explains it.

Re: Vertigo

maximillian — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 13:17:02 GMT

I am OP. Thank you to all who replied. Hopefully all who have had this condition are doing well.

Re: Vertigo

bonnielu — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 14:31:56 GMT

Epley is the way to go. But having someone to help you do it is more effective. At the moment of the procedure you are MADE dizzy.... so much fun. But it is a cure. It usually takes 3 times back and forth. A helper can exert more force to push the crystals in place. Yuk..... Heredity in my case, I am sure. I thank my grandmother who I love love love to this day and she gave me sooo much..... But this was one gift she should have kept to herself LOL

Re: Vertigo

software — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 15:34:49 GMT

@maximillian wrote:
Two friends of mine have recently been diagnosed with vertigo. I don't understand how this condition comes about. In both cases, physicians have talked about the crystals in the ears. Is this condition caused by a virus or by bacteria? Does medication cure it or are some procedures called for? Any knowledge of this, anyone?

There are so many causes of vertigo. I will have random bouts that last maybe 30 seconds at a time. I've had so many other health problems, I haven't gone for any treatment myself.

A friend who has debilitating bouts of vertigo was diagnosed with Meniere's Disease. She's had various problems with her jaw and temporomandibular joint disorders all her life. Could be related plus it's not that uncommon as we age to experience vertigo.

Re: Vertigo

LogoFan — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 16:42:29 GMT

@bonnielu wrote:
I suffer from this. I get it twice a year usually when the weather changes. It cannot be cured I am told. If the crystals shift, usually when I turn my head in bed I get a sensation of dizziness where I spin...everything is upside down and whirling. It lasts about 10 seconds and then it takes a day or two for me to feel comfortable. I do believe my grandmother had this. I used to sit with her and hold her hand.

The best treatment was the Epley technique but it is a movement that thrusts you forward and back and makes you dizzy until the dizziness disappears. My doctor who helped me with this retired. NO more help. I am on my own. I found a physical therapist who gave me some exercises to do at home.

When it strikes it is beyond words scary.

Bonnielu, just an FYI. I learned from my treatment with Chicago Dizziness and Hearing that there are more maneuvers than the Epley. That works for a lot of patients. However, it is used by physicians to attempt to eliminate vertigo. Did not work for me. I cannot even recall the name of the maneuver I do daily at home. It is not the Epley. This is the reason that Dr. Timothy Hain helped me. With their equipment they can determine various things that will work depending upon the position of those crystals in the ear canal. Just a thought, but if you are not in my Chicago area, perhaps you can call Dr. Hain's office and ask if they have a recommendation for a specialist in your area.

Take care and God Bless you. Happy New Year to all !!!

Re: Vertigo

HarDee — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 18:05:21 GMT

I have positional vertigo too, and do the exercises that you find on youtube. My physician told me that all of us have small calcium stones, or crystals, in our inner ear and in some people they come out and others never have a problem. I've had the epley maneuver done in office and it does help.

Re: Vertigo

Noel7 — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 18:28:00 GMT

Is the Epley maneuver merely sitting up straight for some time?

I didn't understand if that was all you had to do.

Re: Vertigo

sfnative — Fri, 29 Dec 2017 18:36:57 GMT

@maximillian

My first experience with vertigo was in 1993 while seated at a conference table, absolutely still. It was followed 20 minutes later by another episode, both quite severe, but both resolved. It was 9 years until I once again had an episode and at that time we had moved back to California and I was on the floor in one of my teaching labs, on my back reaching up and craning my neck to re-wire a temporal bone drill into the microscope station, when it started again. I immediately laid down flat on my back and turned my head in the opposite direction and it abated.

At that point, I sought the assistance of an ENT and got very lucky. Located at Scripps, La Jolla, this physician not only performed the Epley Manuver on me, but then indicated he was going to apply a vibrating device to a spot about 5 cm above the mastoid process behind my left ear. This was done for a bit less than 10 seconds, followed by a rest, then repeated. It served to cause the micro-crystals to rise up within the fluid in which they exist, then "hopefully" settle back down into the proper position. He told me that in driving back to work I was absolutely not to turn my head driving (use mirrors on the car) and to not turn my head at work or driving home for the remainer of the day. The vertigo passed with that treatment.

Since then about once every 12-18 months vertigo strikes, so I would return to him and have successful vibratory therapy every time. Then we moved to another state and I sadly lost this wonderful ENT.

My new ENT said, "Oh, yes, I can do that vibration therapy, follow me!" After which, we take a very short walk down a hall and into a dark room. There before me is a chair that looks like an old fashioned dentist's chair. Ick! He tells me to sit in it, so I do. Then he proceeds to place a bowl, it's a bowl the size of a child's cereal bowl, on the left side of my entire head. He flips a switch and my entire head starts shaking. But wait, he isn't done! This darn bown travels all the way around the back of my head over to the right, all the while my head is shaking like crazy. I finally told him to stop, as I thought this the most ridiculous this ever - like some Victorian contraption. And, indeed that's what it turned out to be.

Laster that day, I came to realize my vertigo was worse. I had vertigo in positions I never had before. Called his office the next day. He writes a scrip for me to go to "vestibular therapy," so I go.

This 20-something physical therapist places me on a table, puts humongous goggles over my eyes and turns on a screen. She does a slo-mo Epley on me, while looking at images of my eye movements while doing this. The eye movements are supposed to be indicative of what is going on with one's vertigo, except she kept saying things like, " Hmmm, I don't quite understand this," and "....where is..." and "...your eye aren't..." Finally I asked her what the problem was and she said my eyes weren't reacting like they should. So I suggest we stop and come back to it at my next appointment. She was clearly stumped.

So, I get home from this "vestibular therapy" appointment to then realize that my vertigo is even worse - way worse - and again had NEW sources of positional vertigo - than it was after I saw my ENT, so now I am furious. Who ARE these people, anyway, I keep asking myself? They have no idea what they're doing and they're practicing on me. ( I come from a backround in clinical research and surgical training.)

Note to self: Get an Alaska Airline ticket on sale and fly to San Diego to see Dr. M. at Scripps.

My vertigo is now clear. Next time I have vertigo, I get on a plane and go to Dr. M. at Scripps in La Jolla for sure.