Lab or VN symptoms or something else ?

Ears, nose and throat
1

Hi,

All very strange this, been having sudden attacks of disabling vertigo, where balance is lost and i fall to floor, there is about a seconds warning, i do not black out. The attack last 20 seconds max and i am feeling normal after about 10 mins, no dizzyness or sickness just a bit dazed

Background-

I am a 43 yo male, generally good health, tho do have very reduced  hearing in my right ear due a bone crushing my ear canal. My first attack was at work about 2 months ago, the computer screen just moved, i put this down to a stressful late day and thought nothing of it. Had another milder attack while sat down doing nothing, again just passed it off. Worst was to come, while sat relaxing in front of TV i just got this feeling of falling forward and i was heading towards floor at terrific speed. Again just shrugged it off.  Went to work but when i got home i had another attack and had to grab a table to stop me falling. Went to doctors and he said it was BPPV but later said it wasn’t correct as has nothing to do with my head movements, he said it would just go, it hasn’t ! I have been referred to ENT. Now i am getting these attacks every two or three days. I was carrying on going to work but then had an attack in a busy car park (wasn’t driving) again no warning and nearly got run over, luckily nice passers by helped me out. This has terrified me, i daren’t leave the house as these attacks are so random !

Just wondered if anyone could help me out here, or had the same thing ? I have no dizzyness or sickness and feel great in between apart from been very anxious .

Other symptoms include blocked ears, lots and lots of popping and crackling, a few feelings of brain resetting and the odd small room movement lots of tingling when in bed.

Doctor gave me serc 16 but stopped taking them as have been told this slows down recovering !

This has been going on for 2 months now and the attacks seem to be getting closer. Any advice on how his might last, weeks, months, or even years or what is going on. Its really sucking the life out of me !

Thanks, Paul

2

Ah no, how awful! You are young compared to me! I have had three weeks of this and now use a wheeled walker to give me confidence to get around. I am 70 and retired and female. I would suggest you take yourself to an ER as this is dangerous and hopefully they will thoroughly check you including a brain scan and referral to a neurologist. You cannot risk having something worse happening than has already occurred. I see a neurologist this week so hope for some help. Hope you are okay and get some expert help urgently.

3

Your symptoms seem to indicate Ménière's disease. You should see an Otoneurologist in order to get an accurate diagnosis. The first thing they will do is the proper test to form a diagnosis. You really need an MRI to rule out any bad potential issues. There are many things that cause these symptoms and you need to seek the proper diagnosis before trying things others may suggest.

4

Hi Smithy

Sorry to hear you are suffering in this way.  It does sound like a problem with your inner ear but you should be tested to find out exactly what it is.  Do go back to your GP and explain the recent attacks and ask to be referred to a consultant. 

Good luck.