Dizzy spells.....

[smudge]

I've been having lots of headaches & a strange sensation on the right side of my head for some time now. I've also been having dizzy spells since 12 May. The doc gave me a steriod nasal spray to help with my sinuses & balance - but all to no avail.

I am still having dizzy spells on getting out of bed, when getting up from the settee, etc., & yesterday had to hold onto things in the garden for fear of falling over. I can only explain that the dizziness feels like I'm going under anesthetic.

I've just been to see another Doc, who said my face looks slightly swollen on one side & that there is blood down in my right ear. She has asked me to go to the hospital this afternoon, after she has spoken to a Consultant there.

Has anyone else had dizzy spells, or had bleeding in the ear? If so what was the cause please. I know everyone's different & I shall find out later, but I'm just interested to know.

[alijangra]

I used to get persistant ear infections as a child, which made me feel dizzy. The bleeding in your ear has most likely caused an imbalance in the fluid in the inner ear, which will make you feel dizzy. Sorry Im really not sure what will have caused the bleeding in your ear, possibly some kind of pressure damage.

[smudge]

P.S. The Doc said my blood pressure was very slightly on the low side, but okay.

[alijangra]

Low blood pressure can make you feel dizzy also, especially if you have a postural drop (blood pressure drops rapidly when you stand). Ask them to do some sitting-standing BPs if they havent already, but I would imagine they would.

[smudge]

Thank you for your reply ali.

Some years ago, I had an infection & fluid in the middle ear which made me feel dizzy, but it cleared up after a course of anti-biotics.

Neither Doc's have mentioned fluid in the ear this time, which is what I thought it might have been.

[netibiza]

Oh smudge for the dizzy bit and for walking to the left( or thinking I do) am off to see a neurologist next Tuesday. I feel it's all to do with my balance, but am walking in a fog most days. I do have hypertension and am under investigation for an over-active thyroid so hopefully it's nothing to serious. let us know how you get on ^8^

[smudge]

Yes, I thought Doc might have mentioned it could be to do with having even slightly low bood pressure, but she was more concerned about the blood in my ear & the swelling in my face.

Frustrating to say the least.

[gessoo]

Good luck this afternoon Smudge. xxxx

Keep us posted.

[smudge]

Oh Neti - I'm so sorry to hear you haven't been too good either. Even tho' I don't go on AB very much these days, I was wondering why you hadn't been around when I did.

I haven't felt right for some time & when I first went to the Doc's a few days after my first bout of dizziness on the 12th May, he told me not to drive - although I have been, naughty I know, but life goes on!

Let me know how you get on too Neti - take care my dear. ^8^

[smudge]

Thank you gessoo - I will.

[rugeleyboy]

my dad suffers with minears disease!! that my be spelt wrong but its the tubes in your head being blocked up?

[smudge]

Thank you rugeleyboy - sorry to hear about your Dad too. I've heard of Minierer's, but will look it up later.

Doc's just phoned, I'm off to pick her letter up & on my way to A&E - speak later.

[Drisgirl]

Hey smudge - that blooming sinusitis - which is the blight of my life has caused all those symptoms.The swelling could be neuralgia - caused by the inflamed sinuses - when my sinuses were clearing after the recent last 4 wk bout it ended with crusty blood in my ear - it was my husband who noticed itThe catarrh has to drain somewhere and it always gravitaes towards your throuat or any other cavity which is clear-like your ear.The funny sensation - is it a kind of crawling prickly feeling?You have caviies (sinuses) on the side and top of your head.

Know this was lengthy-but I hope it was of some re-assurance to you.You will let us know?I'll look out for your post:)

Hey net - long time no hear - hope youre back to full fitness soon:) .

[smudge]

Whoops, I meant Miniere's!

[Fulton]

It is spelt Menieres, and causes dizzy spells, and gives a strange sensation as if one side of your head is stuffed with cotton wool. I also get disturbed vision for a couple of hours. The symptoms are similar to a migraine, but without the accompanying pain! Very wierd.

The best description is that it is as if you have had a heavy night of drinking, and when you lie on your bed, it spins around and tries to throw you off!

[Dollie]

I had the symptoms that you describe Smudge - they checked me for Meniere's Disease (which is often accompanied by Tinnitus) but it wasn't that - turned out to be Labrynthitis (an infection of the inner ear) chronic symptoms for a relatively harmless illness. Never the less I was 'unbalanced' for about three months and felt dreadful - my head didn't feel like my own. However, I made a full recovery and some ten years later have not had a recurrance. Good Luck Dol x

[netibiza]

Dollie and Fulton that describes it perfectly - I honestly thought I was goping mad for a while!

[smudge]

Hi again all - not long got home after being in AAU having extensive tests, etc.

I am relieved to find that my debilitating dizzy spells & strange feelings in my head are due to an inner ear problem. The Consultant mentioned Labyrithitis & has written that & Benign Positional Vertigo on my discharge letter. He has prescribed Betamistine 16mg x 3 times a day, which should help ease the dizziness.

It's amazing how something like an inner ear problem can affect your every day life so much & for so long! I'm only too pleased that it wasn't anything sinister & that I can get back to resuming normal activities like my swimming, which I haven't been able to do - I've been too scared to dive in, in case I didn't come up again!

I do hope all who have suffered & still are, will soon be on the mend like I hope to be. Nite nite, sleep tight. -x-

[smudge]

P.S. Found this web site that gives exactly the symptoms I've been having & would you believe, it's titled Labyrinthitis.

Neti - If you click on the index on the left hand side of the page, you may notice some of the symptoms you've been experiencing too.

I'm so glad to know your haven't had a recurrence of it Dollie.

Thank you again for all your answers. -x-

[smudge]

*That should read: Betahistine not Betamistine!

It's me collywobbles!

[gessoo]

Smudge Glad to hear you are being sorted out and it's nothing too serious, although obviously extremely annoying to say the least. I was thinking of you in the night!!! I went for a country walk yesterday in beautiful grassland. I even picked a bunch of different species of grass and have them in a vase. Stupid thing to do. I felt ill all night with dreadful allergy symptoms and could hardly breath and felt like my throat was closing up. Then lo and behold a dreadful earache. Am dizzy this morning and the earache lingers!! Off for the antihistamines.............................. I have learned my lesson. xx