Vertigo

by teresamasters on August 21, 2009

I know many have vertigo, and it manifests in many ways. Lately, I have had to deal with it in its extreme. I was rear ended July 13, and my head rolled in every which way.

I have been under medical care since July 14th, MD, PT, Acupuncture, and Neurologist. The dizziness and nausea persisted. The neurologist referred me to a specialist in vertigo. I saw him today.

I had heard that there was a recent treatment for vertigo involving repositioning crystals in the ear, which had cured vertigo of 30 years. This is what I endured today, and I do mean endure, for me, it exceeded  the worst I had dealt with to date. I need to return in a week to treat the other side.

The reason I am writing now, is after a few hours I began to feel very good, no instability, and walk straight. I cannot lie flat for 2 days and will sleep in a recliner, but I have an idea that this will indeed work.

For many years I could not lay flat without getting dizzy. I was told it was positional vertigo. today, I was told that was what they used to think, but no longer do. So I may be able to have my PT, or an x-ray without getting dizzy. Hooray. So if anyone is dealing with any form of dizzy or vertigo, check this out.

Hugs,

Terrie

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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }

teresamasters August 23, 2009 at 1:36 pm

Claire,
Thank you for your important information. Funny, how we speak of some things, and not others. One does not want to go about kvetching or moaning.

I now want to be an evangelist for this, as I know tons of folks think they have to live with vertigo and nausea. My blog is not yet read by many, so I think Twitter may be a way. I will read the links you provided, I know you are right on. With only one side corrected, I am walking more like a bi-ped than a crab, and I am sleeping with far less dizziness, I can move my eyes side to side without needing to retch. Amazing!
Hugs and Thanks,
Terrie

Claire Ramsey August 23, 2009 at 12:34 pm

Ohh Terrie I did not know you were suffering from horrid horrid vertigo. How miserable. Nearly half of vertigo patients have it because of benign positional vertigo. I’m glad the treatment looks to be effective.

It sounds like you are describing the Epley maneuver. ENTs know about it, and some PTs. (Also, some typical civilians I suspect). If you have an audiologist (or know an audiology student) he or she can likely test you for “benign positional vertigo” and which ear(s) is affected. (they look in your eyes as they do a dizzying maneuver on you). Eye movements will indicate that you need canalith repositioning. The Epley exercise essentially gets the calcium crystals to drift together via gravity, and then firmly dislodges them from the semi-circular canal and sends them to another spot where they can’t bother you any more).

My husband started getting days-long episodes of vertigo, often after being on a plane or turning his head to look sideways at something. My research assistant, who was an audiology grad student, listened to his moans one day and said, come down to the clinic. One treatment and voila! The green-faced suffering person could stand up and open his eyes. He’s needed a couple of other maneuvers over the years. I don’t think it can do you any harm, even if it doesn’t work. It’s just immensely uncomfortable while you’re getting it, esp if you have a raging vertiginous episode going on. So many people don’t know about this simple non-invasive treatment. When this one works, it works well. Lots of info and videos on the internet.

Beth Wicker August 22, 2009 at 7:10 pm

So sorry about the accident – glad the treatment seems to be working! I have vertigo fairly often; they really have never figured out why. Very interesting to hear about the treatment!

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