Dizziness when laying down

[DizzyDozy]

I've a few health issues. I have GERD, high blood pressure and hypothyroidism. All managed with medication. I am also diagnosed with CPTSD and depression which I'm also medicated for. Probably not relevant but just thought I'd include to give a clear picture.

I have been extremely stressed for months, due to relationship issues, bereavements and general day to day stress.

For the last week I've been suffering with extreme dizziness, especially when I lay down. The whole room spins. It only lasts for around 20 seconds but it's really scary while it lasts. It also happens when I stand up so seems to be linked to changing positions but is most noticeable when I lay down.

I also have headaches and pain behind my eyes. My neck and shoulders are extremely tense, which I think could be contributing. My neck in particular is tender to touch.

I've seen the GP and due to my medical history have been brushed off as they think it's just anxiety.

Has anyone experience similar? I don't have any pain in my ears or anything which I know can cause similar symptoms.

Vertigo? I get it and wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.
If it is, you can try this. It works for many although not me unfortunately.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17930-canalith-repositioning-procedure-crp

Have you ever suffered from sinusitis? I have had sinus-related vertigo twice, alongside sinus infections. Going from lying down to sitting, sitting to standing, turning over in bed, bending my head forward all bring on severe dizziness and nausea follows.

You mentioned pain behind your eyes which made me think sinuses might be involved. Last time I needed antibiotics and steroids but it was almost 3 months before I was 100% better.

Try the Epley manoeuvre mentioned above. There are some good videos on YouTube explaining what to do

That’s def vertigo! Could be BPPPV - try the Epley manoeuvre although usually someone needs to do it for you (a trained professional). Y

There's Epley videos on YouTube. Dh helped me do it and my vertigo stopped.

It does sound like sinus related vertigo. You can buy Sturgeon travel sickness tablets and they should get rid of the dizziness but see if you can get antibiotics from your GP for the sinuses.

Definitely positional vertigo by the sounds of it. I’ve suffered with this for years and manage it at home myself. If it’s really bad I take anti sickness tablets and a couple of ibuprofen but I’ve not needed them for years now. What I do is a type of epley manoeuvre that you can do yourself with no help. It’s like a forward roll technique. If you google it there’s a video showing you how to do it. When I feel my vertigo is getting worse I try and head it off with that and it does work well for me. Be aware it can make you feel very dizzy and sick whilst doing the manoeuvre but I find the next morning I’m right as rain.

i live and manage mine as a long term condition and try and avoid lying completely flat (dentist chair is challenging) or turning over quickly in bed. I also avoid looking up at the sky 🙈.

good luck op.

Sounds like BBPV as others have said. You need to get the crystals in your ear to settle if it is that. I’ve not had the epley manoeuvre but I have found moving gently while lying down does eventually get the to settle although it is very uncomfortable as you’re forcing the dizziness and nauseous feeling. Thankfully and touch wood I’ve not had it too badly for a few years. Interestingly it started after I turned 40, my mum also gets it and then after my sister turned 40 she also started getting it. Often for me it was after I’d had a cold or some sort of head illness, even over a month after I was better.

Agree BPPV and do the Epley manoeuvre.

You may find it just settles on its own. I had it 2 or 3 times for a few days over the course of a few months. That must have been around 2018/19. Not had it since.

My mum had this at one point-I think it was the crystals in the ear thing. She'd notice it when reaching to the side for her phone in the morning. I think it's gone away now-she just has to be very careful when turning to the side/getting up in bed and then it doesn't happen.

Vertigo, and l remember my first attack ( many years ago) was terrifying.I've suffered with it on and off for ages but can generally control it now. I find when it strikes that l have to avoid lying flat or turning my head too quickly from side to side as it makes you very unsteady. Keep your vision to the front as much as possible. Also l have prochloraperazine tablets on repeat prescription from my GP and they really help.

Thanks all. I have an appointment today, it seems to have eased slightly when I introduced electrolytes but I don't know if that's just a coincidence. I also bought new pillows and have tried the stretches mentioned previously. Also been using an acupuncture mat and pillow. It's definitely not as bad as it was but is still happy sporadically. Comments here made me realize it is only happening when I lay down on my side, I am a side sleeper so it never really clicked before but it doesn't happen if I lay on my back first.

I have quite noticeable huge knots at the base of my skull/top of neck so I think they're definitely contributing