Hi everyone,
I’m hoping for some advice or to hear from anyone who’s experienced something similar.
Around 7 weeks ago I was ill, and ever since then I’ve had a persistent feeling of being off balance. It’s not really spinning vertigo like I’ve had in the past. It’s more like a constant unsteady, off balance feeling that I just can’t seem to shake.
It’s usually worse when I’m tired, but I notice it mainly when I’m moving my head in some sort of manner. For example, when looking down at my phone, bending over to look at something, or looking up and then back down. Sometimes it feels worse if I’m looking down for a period of time, such as reading a menu. However, I generally feel fine when I’m walking around or driving, which makes the whole thing even more confusing.
Sometimes it comes with a mild headache or a feeling of pressure at the back of my head.
The worst part is the fatigue. I constantly feel drained, and because I work at a desk, my eyes become very heavy and tired. I also get a “heavy head” feeling with brain fog, almost like I’m not fully present.
I’ve had blood tests, and everything came back normal. My GP thinks it’s just BPPV and has referred me to ENT. The thing is, I’ve had BPPV before, and that caused short episodes of spinning vertigo lasting a few hours to a day. This feels completely different. It’s been a persistent off balance sensation for nearly 7 weeks.
I’ve also noticed what might be a high pitched sound in my ear, although I honestly can’t tell whether this is tinnitus or something I’ve always had and have only become aware of recently. My hearing seems completely fine and I haven’t noticed any hearing loss.
It has improved slightly over the last couple of weeks compared with when it first started, but it now seems to have plateaued. Some days are better than others, but the feeling is there almost every day.
I’m not really sure what to make of it. Has anyone experienced anything similar? Did it eventually go away, or did you find out what was causing it? I’m worried I’m going to be stuck with this permanently.
Just to add, I’m 34M with no other health conditions.