I've just been to the GP (this started 5th November, so I'm just over 3 weeks in) and told her how I still have blurred vision, adversion to bright lights, dizziness, nausea, head fog and shoulder pain and how it got worse again over the weekend.
She pretty much shouted me out of the room, said labyrinthitis does not cause sensitivity to lights and vision disturbances. She has given me prochlorperzine and says I should be back at work by the end of the week.
I'm a teacher in a very challenging school, I have to be able to move fast and my brain needs to be working properly. I do not feel on the ball with this thing and do no feel able to cope with work or even to drive there at the minute. My children think it's hilarious that Mum is such an empty head the last few weeks.
Do you all find that symptoms of labyrinithitis come and go, does it if you lie down and then when you get up, walk around, try to do some jobs around he house etc the drunk feeling, nausea and blurred vision kick in again?
I have a house that I'm renovating and each time I've started to feel a little better I've gone there and done some work only to come home totally wiped out and so dizzy I've spent the rest of the day in bed.
Is the GP right, or does she not actually understand this condition?
How old are you, please? It sounds like perimenopause. Have you checked out the perimenopause site here? Take a look your symptoms sound hormonal.
Perhaps get another opinion and look at vestibular problems, not just labrynthitis? The GP may not understand the condition, my doctor had never heard of it! I see a consultant in Kent now. Very good wishes to you.
Perhaps the aversion to bright lights isn't directly related to the labyrinthitis? Do you suffer migraines? I think slightly blurry vision is quite common due to nystagmus. Visual aura might be more suggestive of migraines. I am currently apparently suffering labyrinthitis too so looking for answers like you and unable to do much! I feel better laying down too but like on a boat walking around! Hope we are both better soon. X
Hi - it could be labs but I went thru the same and after a year of endless appointments, I was finally diagnosed with migraine associated vertigo. If it doesnt go with these tabs, then ask to see a neurologist. I have exactly the same symptoms, dizzy 24/7 problems with lights, and sounds, drunk feeling, sickness and weird vision. You need an MRI to rule out anything sinister but Im sure it wont be, then they will prob say MAV. There are two really good support groups on facebook VESTIBULAR MIGRAINE PROFESSIONAL and MAV SUPPORT. You will see they have the same symptoms as you. It can be quite hard to get rid of. Its due to extra electricity coming from your brain stem that causes the weird vestibular symptoms. Good luck.
Hi Brenda
Do you see Dr surenthiran by any chance? At Medway?
Hi! sorry to hear you are having a bad time . Do you have a confirmed diagnosis for Labyrinthitis ? I have Vestibular Neuritis which by all accounts in simular to your symptoms only i don't have blurred vision i have nystagmus. I too work in a busy school and had 6 months off sick with dizziness, that constant drunk feeling,nausea ( in the early days) and a fuzzy head . I'm 7 months in and have had no medication whatsoever but have been prescribed vestibular exercises which have helped a little ( i joined a gym too for walking on a treadmill which helped) My nystagmus is settling down but i still feel very dizzy whilst walking. I'm now back at work but i have made slight adjustments to my working day to avoid hundreds of kids walking around me! I still can't drive long distance so kind collegues offer lifts to work. Have you been referred to a Neurologist for confirmation? Your GP doesn't sound at all sympathetic. Can you see a different one? Hope this helps as there are others out there in the same boat .
yes pinky, I do. I have to travel from West Sussex to see him. What about yoou?
HI Paula,
I have the exact same sympoms as you and have the same diagnosis. Are you still dealing with MAV or have your symptoms gotten better??
I saw him for the first time just over a month ago. Thought it was time I saw a neuro otologist. I travelled from rossendale, lancs to see him and I have my 2nd appt in January. Has he helped you at all?
Hi Nicole unfortunately I still have it its now four years. It has improved with Botox and gabapentin. Headaches better but still got dizzies and weird head stuff. I also take anti depressant cymbalta it duloxetine.
He has prescribed balance exercises from his physio. Some effect to begin with but not so good now. I saw him about 6 weeks ago and see him again in April. keep in touch please?!
Yes definitely will keep in touch. I saw him for an hour privately and after some testing diagnosed silent migraines. I'm now on an elimination diet. He also prescribed some meds which I've been plucking up courage to take!! Got to just do it as when I see him in jan he'll want to know how I'm doing on them. Also asked me to keep a diary of flare ups.
Did he call the sillent migraines 'vestibular migraine'? What meds did he prescribe please. For me he said no med at all would make the slightest bit of difference. That's partly why I feel bad for those , especially in USA, who pay time after time for meds that might be inappropriate but expensive. Anyway I hope that the diet points the way forward for you.All the best x
He only wanted to know about my flare ups and not what I'm like day to day. He said it's a migraine variant balance disorder which I think is the same as vestibular migraine. Said it would be harder to treat as I'm perimenopausal and the spikes of hormones don't help. He gave me the diet sheet with other measures of regular sleep, regular meals, avoid stress and exertion. Then he prescribed venlafaxine to which I asked if I could just follow the diet. He was quite sure my anxiety over this problem wasn't helping me get better hence the meds. He sounds very knowledgeable and confident and I feel we're in good hands!!! X
thank you pinky. We'll see how it goes. Very best wishes x
And to you too. Let me know how you get on. 😊xxx