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Original poster

Dizziness and referral

94 replies

Anonymousxo · 31/08/2021 12:34

Hi everyone, I've been getting horrible dizzy spells and headaches, doctor had ruled out infection of the ear, ruled out vertigo and any other conditions that he was able to establish and has now referred me onto ENT
I'm a 25 year old female and I'm actually worried about anything sinister, the dizzy spells feel like a swaying motion for a few seconds then go but always come back and I've recently developed headaches at the back of my head with it, almost feels like pressure all around my head and ears.
I initially thought it was an inner ear infection as i have had this before, this exact thing and I was given anti biotics and it went! But now they are telling me no, it's not that and we will just have to refer you.
What could be causing this? It's very concerning I get it when I'm outside walking when I'm sat down, when I'm laid down everything!
My ear is a tad itchy and I feel so much pressure in my head and ears together, how long does it take to get an appointment during these unprecedented times? I just want it gone :( I've had it for about two weeks now.

OP posts:
greenmelonsanta · 31/08/2021 19:00

Labyrinthitis or Ménière's disease?

Original poster
Anonymousxo · 31/08/2021 19:08

@Rainbowshit

Sounds like the vestibular migraines that I get. It took quite a while to be diagnosed. It's cause by grinding my teeth and I have a splint from the dentist to wear at night to stop it.

I suggest visiting your dentist

Really? But I thought doctor would know this...
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Original poster
Anonymousxo · 31/08/2021 19:09

@Rainbowshit

I also thought I had an ear infection because of the pain and pressure and had several courses of antibiotics that did nothing. If you think you grind your teeth at night then it might be worth buying a generic bruxism teeth guard on Amazon.
Wow, see they haven't even tried me on anti biotics that's the annoying thing about it, so I don't know if it would help or not!
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Original poster
Anonymousxo · 31/08/2021 19:09

@MargeSimpson00

Couldn't attach in pm, hopefully that's clear enough.
Thank you so much
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Original poster
Anonymousxo · 31/08/2021 19:10

@greenmelonsanta

Labyrinthitis or Ménière's disease?
GP wasn't concerned about anything so I thought that was ruled out but referred me today to ENT because he said he doesn't know what is wrong :/
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Castlecould · 31/08/2021 19:13

Have you recently had Covid? 2 people I know now have a B12 deficiency after having Covid. They each had slightly different symptoms but the main one for both was dizziness so might be worth getting it checked?

Original poster
Anonymousxo · 31/08/2021 19:27

@Castlecould

Have you recently had Covid? 2 people I know now have a B12 deficiency after having Covid. They each had slightly different symptoms but the main one for both was dizziness so might be worth getting it checked?
No I've never had covid, I had this exact thing nearly two months ago and was told it was an ear infection and had anti biotics but now they won't give it to me cause I don't have a temp or have any pain..just dizziness and headaches
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Rainbowshit · 31/08/2021 19:29

Rainbowshit
Sounds like the vestibular migraines that I get. It took quite a while to be diagnosed. It's cause by grinding my teeth and I have a splint from the dentist to wear at night to stop it.

I suggest visiting your dentist 
Really? But I thought doctor would know this...

I wouldn't expect a GP to have this kind of specialist knowledge. It was an ENT that diagnosed me after an MRI to rule out anything sinister and hearing tests to rule out menieres.

It really felt like an ear infection to me as I had so much ear pain and pressure.

Look at the surface of your teeth in the mirror. Do they look ground down at all?

If so I would try a bruxism/tmj mouth guard from Amazon. It's not going to hurt in anyway and may just give you the relief you need before getting your referral through.

Rainbowshit · 31/08/2021 19:31

Professional Dental Mouth Guard for Teeth Grinding, Bruxism & TMJ Relief | 4 Customisable Night Guards in 2 Sizes | Dentist Recommended - UK Designed Teeth Grinding Guard | Storage Case https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07YRX7895/ref=cmswwrcppapiglttfabcTWJ6RAVP94CT4B8XYS35

Original poster
Anonymousxo · 31/08/2021 19:35

@Rainbowshit

Rainbowshit Sounds like the vestibular migraines that I get. It took quite a while to be diagnosed. It's cause by grinding my teeth and I have a splint from the dentist to wear at night to stop it.

I suggest visiting your dentist 
Really? But I thought doctor would know this...

I wouldn't expect a GP to have this kind of specialist knowledge. It was an ENT that diagnosed me after an MRI to rule out anything sinister and hearing tests to rule out menieres.

It really felt like an ear infection to me as I had so much ear pain and pressure.

Look at the surface of your teeth in the mirror. Do they look ground down at all?

If so I would try a bruxism/tmj mouth guard from Amazon. It's not going to hurt in anyway and may just give you the relief you need before getting your referral through.

I was at the dentist last month and they never mentioned anything about my teeth said they all looked normal so I'm not sure, would they bring it up or would I have to ask?
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Original poster
Anonymousxo · 31/08/2021 19:40

Anyone have any tips for the dizziness? I've been prescribed anti dizzy tablets but honestly they don't help much at all, im not sure what else I can do

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Monoceros · 31/08/2021 19:42

I experienced dizziness and headaches for about six week after my first Astra Zeneca vaccination. Could it be that?

Original poster
Anonymousxo · 31/08/2021 19:53

@Monoceros

I experienced dizziness and headaches for about six week after my first Astra Zeneca vaccination. Could it be that?
I don't think so, I had this dizziness before I received my first dose and now it's back :( I had Pfizer
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KILNAMATRA · 31/08/2021 21:19

I got vestibular neuritis.. which felt like constant dizziness and pressure in my head.. they decided it was viral and was made do Excercises to train my eyes to compensate for my ears.. sounds daft but it worked. Vestibular exercises are on you tube.

KILNAMATRA · 31/08/2021 21:22

These worked for me.. m.youtube.com/watch?v=bWt7o2LzUu8. After I had an MRI of brain to rule out anything really sinister like tumour. Etc.. can you pay for Mri brain privately somewhere? If you are worried?

Original poster
Anonymousxo · 31/08/2021 21:34

@KILNAMATRA

I got vestibular neuritis.. which felt like constant dizziness and pressure in my head.. they decided it was viral and was made do Excercises to train my eyes to compensate for my ears.. sounds daft but it worked. Vestibular exercises are on you tube.
Did your ears feel full aswell? Like pressure? Thank you!
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Original poster
Anonymousxo · 31/08/2021 21:35

@KILNAMATRA

These worked for me.. m.youtube.com/watch?v=bWt7o2LzUu8. After I had an MRI of brain to rule out anything really sinister like tumour. Etc.. can you pay for Mri brain privately somewhere? If you are worried?
I've been referred to an ENT so I guess if they think I need a scan they will do it, I'm only 24 so I am a bit worried considering I am so young and having these issues! But I'm hoping it will go, my ears head feel so full with pressure and I keep getting dizzy I'm so upset with this, I start my new job Monday it's so unfair
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Original poster
Anonymousxo · 31/08/2021 21:39

@KILNAMATRA

These worked for me.. m.youtube.com/watch?v=bWt7o2LzUu8. After I had an MRI of brain to rule out anything really sinister like tumour. Etc.. can you pay for Mri brain privately somewhere? If you are worried?
Just did the head sway side to side and up and down and now I'm so so dizzy and feel like I'm going to vomit! Made my eyes a bit fuzzy aswell, is that what is normal? It's really made my dizziness worse I feel sick
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Moreguac · 01/09/2021 10:50

If the cause is thought to be the middle ear the steam, val salva and yawing as you do on a plane can be helpful. If it’s the inner ear try epstein-expletive exercises and or get the GP to do the Hallpike manoeuvre.
It may well an infection which is likely to be viral if the inner ear, Plus the fact the antibiotics did not work.
What did you eat drum look like as that helps differentiate between middle and inner ear issues.
Was Romberg’s test done in the surgery ?
We’re you given any medication ?
Eg betahistone or prochlorperazine?
Dairy doesn’t increase mucus production but does make it stickier so steam may help if it feels as if that is the problem.

Original poster
Anonymousxo · 01/09/2021 11:01

@Moreguac

If the cause is thought to be the middle ear the steam, val salva and yawing as you do on a plane can be helpful. If it’s the inner ear try epstein-expletive exercises and or get the GP to do the Hallpike manoeuvre. It may well an infection which is likely to be viral if the inner ear, Plus the fact the antibiotics did not work. What did you eat drum look like as that helps differentiate between middle and inner ear issues. Was Romberg’s test done in the surgery ? We’re you given any medication ? Eg betahistone or prochlorperazine? Dairy doesn’t increase mucus production but does make it stickier so steam may help if it feels as if that is the problem.
Hey anti biotics did work, they never gave me anti biotics this time but last time I had this it got rid of it which is why it's so frustrating! I know it's an inner ear infection it feels the exact same but they just won't listen to me, I'm even debating going to a&e just for them to help me... no doctors didn't do any manoeuvres at all. They literally checked my ears and did my temp and blood pressure which were all fine apparently except a bit more ear wax than normal
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Original poster
Anonymousxo · 01/09/2021 14:47

Update guys, ENT contacted me today to tell me they've received my referral but can't offer an appointment yet until I've been triaged.
Ear and head pressure is worse today and so is the dizziness I'm hoping they will be able to do a next day appointment if not I will probably have to make my way to a&e :(

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dizzydizzydizzy · 01/09/2021 17:47

I spent about 2 years with dizziness going backwards and forwards to practically every consultant in my area. I was finally sent to a vestibular expert within ENT and she diagnosed PPPD. My (very good) GP had not heard of this condition nor have any of the other doctors I have spoken to since. The good news is that it is easy to treat - vestibular physio, SSRI drugs and CBT.

Original poster
Anonymousxo · 01/09/2021 18:31

@dizzydizzydizzy

I spent about 2 years with dizziness going backwards and forwards to practically every consultant in my area. I was finally sent to a vestibular expert within ENT and she diagnosed PPPD. My (very good) GP had not heard of this condition nor have any of the other doctors I have spoken to since. The good news is that it is easy to treat - vestibular physio, SSRI drugs and CBT.
Really? I'm suffering with headaches too, is that a symptom? I feel really unwell
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dizzydizzydizzy · 01/09/2021 18:39

Yes @Anonymousxo I had headaches too.

Original poster
Anonymousxo · 01/09/2021 18:48

@dizzydizzydizzy

Yes *@Anonymousxo* I had headaches too.
I've just researched it, wow the way it describes the dizziness is spot on! I really thought it was to do with my ears because my ears are full and things but that really sounds like the way my dizziness feels!
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