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Original poster

Vertigo

34 replies

Sexisthairdressers · 03/07/2023 00:50

I've been suffering from vertigo for the past few days. Thursday I couldn't get out of bed. Now it's much better unless I try to do some of the exercises that supposedly help, eg Brandt-Daroff exercises or get into certain positions - leads to room spinning, nausea etc. Horrific basically. Been taking medication. Anyone have experience of this? Did it get better. How long did it take? Thanks everyone.

OP posts:
ComeTheFckOnBridget · 03/07/2023 00:57

I've heard the exercises can make it feel a bit worse before it gets better so 🤞

Original poster
Sexisthairdressers · 03/07/2023 01:00

ComeTheFckOnBridget · 03/07/2023 00:57

I've heard the exercises can make it feel a bit worse before it gets better so 🤞

Thanks. I've heard this too. They're just so awful though. Can't bring myself to do them again! I've just been looking at YouTube though so maybe not doing them right...

OP posts:
Procrastination4 · 03/07/2023 01:07

I have to either take medication or do vestibular rehabilitation exercises. Am not supposed to do both as the way the exercises work is that they trigger the symptoms and your system learns to “recalibrate” quicker over time, leading to a very good recovery. (I go to a physio for my programme/monitoring progress). I have found the exercises far more beneficial than the medication, to be honest. They are not a “quick fix” but can give you relief for ages.

My vertigo is triggered mainly by tiredness and stress, and at this stage I’ve learned to recognize the onset and take action (either an appointment or starting the programme that I have.) I don’t take Serc or Stemetil any more as they are are counter productive when doing the exercises. It might be worth your while visiting a physio trained in vestibular rehabilitation for a while, rather than doing exercises that may have been recommended by the internet etc. They really do work and give you a way of coping with vertigo if you get another onset of it in the future.

Wishing you a successful recovery. Vertigo is so debilitating.

ComeTheFckOnBridget · 03/07/2023 01:10

Procrastination4 · 03/07/2023 01:07

I have to either take medication or do vestibular rehabilitation exercises. Am not supposed to do both as the way the exercises work is that they trigger the symptoms and your system learns to “recalibrate” quicker over time, leading to a very good recovery. (I go to a physio for my programme/monitoring progress). I have found the exercises far more beneficial than the medication, to be honest. They are not a “quick fix” but can give you relief for ages.

My vertigo is triggered mainly by tiredness and stress, and at this stage I’ve learned to recognize the onset and take action (either an appointment or starting the programme that I have.) I don’t take Serc or Stemetil any more as they are are counter productive when doing the exercises. It might be worth your while visiting a physio trained in vestibular rehabilitation for a while, rather than doing exercises that may have been recommended by the internet etc. They really do work and give you a way of coping with vertigo if you get another onset of it in the future.

Wishing you a successful recovery. Vertigo is so debilitating.

This is really good advice and one I'll take next time I get an attack as I've never been brave enough to try the exercises.

Original poster
Sexisthairdressers · 03/07/2023 01:13

Procrastination4 · 03/07/2023 01:07

I have to either take medication or do vestibular rehabilitation exercises. Am not supposed to do both as the way the exercises work is that they trigger the symptoms and your system learns to “recalibrate” quicker over time, leading to a very good recovery. (I go to a physio for my programme/monitoring progress). I have found the exercises far more beneficial than the medication, to be honest. They are not a “quick fix” but can give you relief for ages.

My vertigo is triggered mainly by tiredness and stress, and at this stage I’ve learned to recognize the onset and take action (either an appointment or starting the programme that I have.) I don’t take Serc or Stemetil any more as they are are counter productive when doing the exercises. It might be worth your while visiting a physio trained in vestibular rehabilitation for a while, rather than doing exercises that may have been recommended by the internet etc. They really do work and give you a way of coping with vertigo if you get another onset of it in the future.

Wishing you a successful recovery. Vertigo is so debilitating.

Thanks, that's very useful. I think I'll be heading back to the GP. And I agree, it's so debilitating! My first experience currently. I hope I don't get it again once it eventually improves.

OP posts:
wineandsunshine · 04/07/2023 20:07

Take the stemetil - it should ease symptoms within three days.

My last episode, I tried exercises and they really helped (alongside medication). Sit of the side of the bed, turn head to the side, drop body to the opposite way. Repeat on both sides x 3.

Good luck - vertigo is bloody awful 😞

Itiswhatitis2022 · 04/07/2023 22:52

Hi I had my first episode of vertigo on Saturday. Horrendous. 4 days on and the exercises have helped. The first time I tried I felt so sick and had to make a run to the loo even though I had been given anti sickness meds at hospital. I now just feel like I am on a bobbing boat. Is that normal? I read that Benadryl can help too. Anyone tried it? Awful experience and now not going to make our holiday on Saturday to Minorca as I am not feeling well enough.

Pixie1771 · 07/07/2023 19:52

So glad I came across this. Literally at my wits end. Have had really bad vertigo for last 5 weeks. So much so had to cancel my holiday to Greece on Thursday. Have tried 2 lots tablets, had the epley done and nothing. Today has been my worst day ever and now getting totally worked up that this will never go away. People say it can be stress related, of which I've had lots, but tbh I'm stressed and upset because of vertigo not the other way round. Doctors say it will go away and there's nothing to worry about. But I'm so stressed by it and am menopausal. Please can someone who's had it a long time come forward and tell me it will go and give me hope. Keep crying I feel so low. Stuck in lying on sofa in this lovely weather.

BeadedBubbles · 06/11/2023 09:22

@Pixie1771 - a while since you posted but just wondering how you're getting on?

I just did a search on vertigo as I'm currently suffering. Had my first ever attack in May which lasted a couple of days and had hoped it would be a one-off.

Itiswhatitis2022 · 06/11/2023 13:06

Hi there. Still struggling. I have BPPV which comes and goes but feel like I am on a boat the whole time. Have you seen the GP again? I really feel for you.

BeadedBubbles · 06/11/2023 13:54

@Pixie1771
I saw the GP in May and he said it was BPPV. That attack lasted around 2 days.

Yesterday evening I stretched backwards in an armchair and felt my head whoosh. Felt slightly off during the rest of the evening and overnight. Got up this morning - big mistake! Whole room spinning and felt like I was going to throw up. So back in bed trying to keep my head still. Have taken 2 prochlorperazine tablets so far - which the dr prescribed last time. Doesn't seem to be helping.

I wish I knew if there were any avoidable triggers. I had a Covid jab 2 days ago so wondering if there's any connection.

How often do you get attacks and how do you manage them?

Itiswhatitis2022 · 06/11/2023 17:07

Have you asked your GP to perform the Epley manoeuvre? This should move the crystals back in to place in your inner ear.

I have had it twice. First time I felt back to normal for 4 days and then the boat trip returned. Went back on Friday and had it again with not such a good result. Have done it myself now as GP said it was safe to do and feel OK. For me, as soon as I feel tired, I start feeling off balance. Unfortunately I feel tired most days. Please ask about the Epley.

Starrrz · 03/12/2023 22:57

@Sexisthairdressers did it go? What helped ? X

Starrrz · 03/12/2023 22:57

@Pixie1771 how are you now ? X

keeptalkinghappytalk · 03/12/2023 23:05

i take Betahistine ... daren t do exercises! .. and it works within 2 to 3 days... I notice attacks get a bit less frequent ( first always the worst) and it s usually post cold or virus...

Starrrz · 03/12/2023 23:06

@keeptalkinghappytalk do you have meiners disease ?

catsanddogsandrabbits · 04/12/2023 08:02

This popped up in active. I also get this and it's connected with migraines which I've had since puberty. I've got a GP appointment later in the week for the migraines -and will ask about this. Thank you for those who've shared. I hope you've managed to deal with these attacks - I can honestly say they are completely debilitating. My last one was in public and at first I could see people thought I was drunk, by the way they swerved me. Then I had to sit down, then lie down - in the street! My head was lolling, my speech was slurred and I couldn't get up. Luckily I wasn't too far from home and I was able to call DP to come and get me. But really - it's awful.

ConsistentlyPeeved · 04/12/2023 08:21

Mine is also migraine related. I didn't realise until after a long while of constantly having migraines and vertigo. I also get auditory migraines which is I hear noises and voices that aren't there (feel like I'm going mad) and then I get the severe tinnitus. I usually get really confused, disorientated and very dizzy before an attack.
Occasionally I can catch it at the start with a paracetamol, but the majority of the time I'm so confused that I don't know what's happening and end up not being able to take a tablet until the initial confusion has passed.

BeadedBubbles · 04/12/2023 08:31

@catsanddogsandrabbits - Interesting that there might be a connection to migraine. Though 've had migraine all my adult life but never had vertigo until this year (I'm in my 60s).

Both the attacks I've had this year have really started overnight then kicked in fully when I've tried to get up - awful to have one when you're out and about. On each occasion I've felt really ill and had to stay in bed for a day, my head still doesn't feel quite right after the last attack a month ago. I keep being aware of a slightly swimmy/light-headed feeling which makes me worry I'm about to get another attack.

I'd be interested to hear what your dr says. Mine hasn't said anything useful.

Starrrz · 04/12/2023 09:31

@catsanddogsandrabbits cery intresting! I can migraines with aura! Sunce having a baby so im sure its hormones related and i not long had endometriosis removed and it happened! Are you on a pill to stop periods? X

catsanddogsandrabbits · 04/12/2023 17:56

I'll let you know what the GP says. Honestly - it's a horrible thing. My most recent attack was the weekend before last and I was cooking. Suddenly it was if the floor was tipping away beneath my feet. I felt sick and staggered to the sofa - where I stayed for the rest of the day - drifting in and out of sleep and unable to get up.
Once I could get up I managed to get upstairs but clung onto the walls and banister as if I were on a ship. Still feel a little unsteady ten days later.

Lizsmum · 04/12/2023 18:29

I have Menières disease and have found Betahistine very helpful. I take it every day. I have also lost most of the hearing in one ear as a result of Menières nerve damage so that could be another reason why the vertigo has stopped.

Starrrz · 04/12/2023 21:31

@Lizsmum oo i see! Do you wear a hearing aid? Would u mind me asking what age it started? Im only 28 x

Tanfastic · 04/12/2023 22:01

I have suffered from bppv for years and keep it in check by doing the exercises which really work for me. They do make you feel horrendously sick whilst you do them but you just have to push through it.

Starrrz · 04/12/2023 22:13

@Tanfastic ive been doing them! Do you do them everyday? X