What is causing vertigo attacks?

Question

I have been having episodes of vertigo for going on 10 years now. They happen sporadically, usually once ever 3-4 months. The attacks last for anywhere from 12-24 hours. When I have an attack, I am so dizzy that I cannot stand or walk. I am completely indisposed. All I can do is lie on one side and wait for the dizziness to stop. I have had many tests done, including a CT scan, MRI, blood tests, hearing tests,(however I have perfect hearing), allergy tests. Not one doctor has definitively given me a diagnosis. The attacks are not brought on by sudden head movements. The only indication that I have beforehand is I have a feeling of pressure in one ear. Sometimes, I can't hear very well out of the one ear. Then a day of two later, I have the attack, unless I take a diurectic to relieve water retention and ibuprofen for inflammation. Does anyone else have this problem? I have had doctors tell me that it was Meniere's Disease, migraines, allergies or maybe a neurological disorder. Help!

Answer 1

I'm not that familiar with Meniere's disease, but I certainly would make an appointment with a neurologist. I don't see any indication that you've already had complete neuro work-up.

An neurologist can at least make sure it's not some subtle neuro problem that is being ignored as you get opinions about Meniere's disease. Sometimes those subtle problems turn into big problems when you least expect it. Best to catch whatever it is early.

I don't see MDs on these boards, so it's unlikely that any of us could give you an absolutely correct answer. YOU need to see a neurologist for that.

Answer 2

Sounds to me like Meniere's disease. The cause is unknown, and is associated with a feeling of "fullness" or pressure in the ear, and fluctuating hearing loss. The classic symptom is vertigo. Ask your doctor about an anticholenergic, or a benzodiazepine...and see how that works. Good luck!

Answer 3

It sounds like Menieres to me. My husband just went through all the same testing and that is what the Dr.'s said also. He has migrain headachs and has been seen by a neuroligist for many years so when he came up with this dizzy problem about 6 months ago they reran all the tests mri, eeg, and ct . they put him on a low low low salt diet and gave him water pills told him to take over the counter meclazine and called it good. There is no cure and that is pretty much the best they can do for ya. He went to the ER many times and they just gave him a migrain shot that knocked out for 8 hours and they too called it good. I have heard of it going away on its own and I sure hope that is true for his sake and also yours. Meniers is very hard to live with.

Answer 4

Hello,
Vertigo occurs when the central nervous system receives conflicting messages from the the inner ear, eyes, muscles, and skin pressure receptors. This may result from any of a variety of causes in cluding brain tumors, high or low blood pressure, allergies, diabetes, head injury, ear infections, blockage of the ear, anemia,fever, excess wax in the ear,middle ear infections, the use of certain drugs, and many other reasons, best thing for you to do is go to a doctor asap again to explian these attacks and how they are affecting you now,and have it checked out. If you have a primary doctor I would visit them to see who they would want to send you to. a nerouoglist is someone hopefully they would send you to 1st.
I hope this helps alittle and I didn't confuse you.

Answer 5

Just don't believe it. If you don't believe it, it's not real. This might help. I know a guy who thinks that same thing and he lets it control his life. He claims to be a christian yet he still thinks witches can read your mind so he is always on guard about it. Truth is, your thoughts are exactly that yours. You do with your thoughts what you want. I don't believe all your thoughts necessarily come from you but nothing but God can read them. Demons do try to influence everyday lives through manipulating your thoughts till you believe the lie they tell. I would be very weary of things you seem to obsess about. Ask God how to give you peace. I guess first you have to believe that there is a spiritual battle that even exist. You say you believe beyond science, so your heading in the right direction. Just remember things based in fear and paranoia are not of God and you do not have to suffer. Simply laugh at those thoughts witch haunt you and go on with your day.