Vertigo

maximillian · ‎03-12-2010

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?

D Kay · ‎04-20-2010

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

luv-the-Q · ‎05-04-2015

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.

IdahoGram · ‎08-19-2010

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.

LogoFan · ‎03-11-2010

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.

Goodie2shoes · ‎04-30-2012

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

YorkieonmyPillow · ‎01-13-2013

@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.

bonnielu · ‎03-11-2010

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.

Noel7 · ‎03-09-2010

@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

GCR18 · ‎07-03-2013

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.