I had a mini stroke 4 yrs ago but recovered well. I am on BP Tablets which normally keep my BP within acceptable levels. Last year I suffered nasty vertigo attacks and the GP diagnosed inner ear infections and prescribed antibiotics. Eventually the vertigo returned but this time a locum suspected over medication and stopped one of my BP medication tablets. It is now 5 months since the diagnosed ear infection but I am still suffering vertigo problems. My GP still considers they are linked to an ear infection and wants me to start taking Stemetil Tablets which I am concerned about starting. I have noted that I will also feel suddenly cold and shiver and whenever this happens if I check my BP I will invariably discover it has suddenly shown an increase up to 170 perhaps as opposed to my normal 135 readings. I do feel that perhaps there are other problems other than the ear infection. Any suggestions please?
Hi Malcolm, Having had an infection in your ear or both ears, there is an issue called BPPV…there are crystals suspended in a gel type substance inside your inner ear, if they get dislodged and end up in another area of the inner ear it can cause some really awful symptoms, like; vertigo(everything else is moving & you aren’t…different from dizziness) nausea, falls, imbalance…these things can cause anxiety and then increase blood pressure(esp. if you have had prior medical issues, I think the blood pressure will get better, once the vertigo is fixed)…there are 4 different types of manuevers the Dr or physio therapist can help you with & you can be shown how to try them on your own(because of your prior stroke, do not follow online instructions ASK YOUR DR, these movement involve moving the head a neck, in your case you need a DR consult FIRST)…the Epley is the most common…It can take a while to get the crystals sorted out but, there are medications like Beta-histine for Vertigo and also anti- nausea meds like Stemetil, to help with nausea(you can start with a really low dose) side effects are usually maybe a little sleepiness, & it dries you out a little, which helps that pukey feeling but, you may not have ANY… if you start with a low dose(ask your DR or Pharmacist if you can start w/ a low dose or if the tablets are scored to be cut)..Ask your Dr about BPPV, if they’re not aware of it, you can ask for a referral or find a DR who does…the only other thing I can think of is a side effect of your bp meds but, if you’ve been on it awhile it may be unlikely, wish I could be more helpful, Good Luck…hope you get it sorted out, vertigo is just awful…BEST WISHES:wedding:
Thank you for your helpful response which I will look into. Much appreciated.
malcolm 22715