Room spinning dramatically

[OnNaturesCourse]

This happened a few weeks ago in the hospital after a appointment for my child. We had stood up, walked back to the waiting room and id bent down under the pram then back up before spinning round to attend my other child. The room didn't stop spinning when I did. I had to sit down and do some big breaths etc. It all passed in under 5 minutes. I put it down to the up, down, spin motions I done in a few moments and quickly. I felt a bit off for a few days after then all back to normal.

Tonight I had bent down slightly and lighted 11month old out buggy, popped head round side of car to instruct other child to get in and possible looked around for my other child at the back of me too. It was dark and there was car lights moving around a lot. Suddenly got very dizzy and then the world started spinning. I had to sit on edge on boot and almost hold on. Kids moving around in car kept bringing the spin speed back up, I noticed I was almost holding my breath and after a few deep breaths it all slowed down again. But it was a bad attack I thought I was going to have to phone for help or lie down in my boot but I was desperately not trying to scare the kids. This was about 2hrs ago now and I still feel a bit woozy but no more spinning. In lasted, what felt like, a good 5 minutes if not longer this time and it was spinning fast. Like I was on the waltzers.

I'm iron deficient and low in folic acid - on treatment for both. Currently on a pretty heavy period (normal for me) but wasn't at the first attack. Was extremely hot having just come out of the kids swimming lessons tonight and possibly a bit warm the first time it happened.

Going to call GP in morning but wondered if anyone had a guess at what the hell is going on? I'm feeling pretty scared. My mind always jumps to the worse.

It scared the shot out of me the first time it happened. I actually had this ridiculous notion that it wasnt me moving, it was the room spinning like a kaleidoscope and perhaps the world was spinning out of control

Yes it's the Brandt Daroff ones.

I don't know my iron levels, just told my iron store was low enough to need tablets.

The world spinning out of control is a good description.

Honestly, I'd find an HCP who'll do the Epley with you asap if you are reluctant to give it a go yourself. Have a read about it - there's a ton of stuff from NHS sources (so reliable and legitimate) online which talks you through it. It's not difficult or dangerous, just easier with a partner to hold your head as you go through the positions. But I can understand wanting a 'professional'.

Brandt Daroffs are really outdated. Please see a physio with expertise in vestibular rehab. It’s not unusual that GPs are out of their depth with these presentations.

I agree.

Low iron can make you feel a bit dizzy. It doesn't give you major room spin where you feel like you're on a hideous fairground ride and might be flung off if you don't hang on to something. Not to say you don't have an iron deficiency which needs supplements but they won't cure the room spin.

The GP seems to think the BPPV is causing the spinning but low iron is contributing to the anxiety and woozy feeling after the attack.

New development over the weekend is very slight burning ears both sides and high sensativity to noise - too much noise makes me feel like I am swaying and on the edge of the spinning attack. Heat makes the situations worse too. It's absolutely horrible. Soreish throat too, like at the start of a cold when it gets scratchy and you know it's coming.

Have you had the manoeuvres done to dislodge the stones OP?
Unlikely given how long you've had the symptoms but do a Covid test, it caused symptoms similar to the vertigo bout for me

Oddly my parents had covid that week I had the first spin attack

Back to GP tomorrow - another massive spell on Sunday, and then a small one today. Can not figure out what is going on. Been a few possible triggers but none consistent with all attacks of the spins. It's beginning to really worry me. Hopefully not brushed off by GP.

All the best, @OnNaturesCourse.

Ask your GP if he's looked for labyrinthitis. I had a colleague with this, and it was debilitating. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/labyrinthitis/

I am going to... I just doubt it as it's been ongoing a month and all guidelines point to symptoms clearing in a few weeks? Plus it can go 1 or 2 days without the vertigo, but I do have general out of body dizziness kind of feeling most of the time. I do believe I'm battling anxiety around it too as I'm constantly worried and after each attack I'm convincing I'm dying.

Rounding this up

Since middle of last month I've had 2 episodes of vertigo badly, and 4 episodes of a woozy dizziness that lasts from 5 mins - 30 mins. It's all horrible and makes my heart race. More recently I've been a bit lightheaded and heavy feeling, ringing in my ears and a cool burning feeling in my ears if I've been in a noisy, busy environment. Can't find any set triggers for the vertigo or dizzy spells but looking up, even slowly, for a longer than a minute or so seems to bring on a woozy lightheaded spell and multiple noises (think busy restaurant everyone talking etc) makes me feel like I'm on a boat. Loud noises don't seem to trigger it, just multiple noises.

I know my anxiety is starting to set in and grab hold of all this so I'm trying to remain positive and sensible but everything I read says Labyrinthitis should be clearing up by now whereas I am getting more symptoms.

Been to the GP twice, including today, and just keep being told it's all "likely" inner ear. Today they said labyrinthitis and to give it another month before they'll refer me to ENT.

Basically update is it's likely labyrinthitis and to wait. But I'm worried. I want to work on my anxiety to try eliminate that making things worse.

I said this before, but I really did have all this from low iron. Can you find out what your levels are? (You can normally see all blood test results on the nhs app). Are you still taking iron tablets and have you ever had a repeat test to see if they're working?

My iron tablets have been stopped pending blood test at the end of the month.

I didn't even know the NHS did a app.