Labyrinthitis/vertigo

[hellywelly4]

Hello. I've had this since last Wednesday. It's not severe, but too bad to drive or do much at all. I've been given Betahistine tablets, 3 a day.
Any idea how long it will last, or is that a 'piece of string question'.
Really fed up with it.

[scottie2002]

I've had two bouts of it, both being off work for two weeks each time. I sympathise with you as it is a horrible illness.

[hellywelly4]

Thanks Scottie. It's so frustrating too, you don't realise how restrictive it can be.

[Sqad]

Not enough information yo give an accurate answer, as the answer depends upon the diagnosis.

As you have been given Betahistine, the the doctor clearly feels that it is an inner ear problem which although narrows it down, doesn't get us any closer to a diagnosis.

Without further information, then you are correct......how long is a piece of string?

[Sqad]

Oops!..sorry...I have just seen the diagnosis in the heading of your OP.
Again if it is viral labyrinthitis, then you may well be looking up to 2-3 weeks of dizziness....but of course there are many other causes.

[hellywelly4]

Thanks Sqad. The doctor said that she has heard of several people with this problem locally, so it might be a virus.

[Purple_Popple]

Hi...look up benign paroxysmal positional vertigo on you tube..you may be able to stop this with a simple exercise..I did and it worked.

[Zeuhl]

Congratulations helly

Today's top prize for 'Correct Terminology'

vertigo = dizziness, sensation of spinning around and not, of course, a fear of heights (acrophobia)

Hope you get well soon.

[jennyjoan]

Hi Hellywelly I have the utmost sympathy for you as I have been suffering from vertigo for the past 3 and half years. It is truly a debilitating disease and restricts you in every way.

I was diagnosed having Menieres Disease and of course was prescribed Betahistine - unfortunately, for me those tablets did not work for me as I kept taking the attacks whether I took (Beta) or not - everybody is different. I was at my wit's end as I no longer could make arrangements to go to dinner, party or travel for a long weekend as the attacks would happen very quickly.

My last attack was 10 June and I have taken myself (not for you tho) off all medication and I have to say I am feeling much much better than I have for a long time. Also when I wasn't having the attacks I still felt a bit woozy ie going upstairs, bending down etc but find the wooziness has gone.

I hope to God they stay away and hope yours goes too. Sorry for being long-winded but just wanted to tell you my tale.

[Purple_Popple]

My GP printed off this exercise for me to do...the dizziness was awful and I was prescribed Stemetil. However having carried out this head tilting exercise I haven't had an episode for over 2 years. :)

[hellywelly4]

Purple Popple - sorry to be so long replying I had a look at the exercises yesterday but couldn't face doing them! However I've been up nearly an hour this morning and haven't had a 'do' so I've got everything crossed. Perhaps it can go as quickly as it comes. If I get another do I will definitely look at the exercises again Thank you very much, and thanks to all of you for your interest and input.

[hellywelly4]

Still struggling on - had my tablets changed to Cinnarizine, so we will see if that makes things any better. The doctor said if it doesn't go in a few weeks she will refer me to the ENT department. Has anyone any experience of these tablets? They say they may cause drowsiness, and last night I slept really heavily, and feel 'drugged' today. Perhaps it's just a coincidence. I've had it for over two weeks now. I can't lie on my left side in bed, so wonder if it's just one ear that's affected.

[Sqad]

Cinnarizine is a labyrinthine sedative...and may cause drowsiness.

Only vestibular function tests will tell if one ear is affected, or both.

A "few weeks" is a long time to bet a diagnosis.

[hellywelly4]

Thanks Sqad. I've got 10 days worth of tablets, and will go back if nothing has improved. I have spoken to some people in the village and it is surprising how many have had/know people who have had this condition.