Experiencing a Sensation of Falling While Standing
Hello, I'm a 42-year-old female and I've been having this peculiar sensation lately where it feels as if the ground is collapsing beneath me. This disorienting feeling occurs intermittently, specifically when I am standing still, and it has been happening around 10 to 15 times each day. To provide a bit of context, I am 5 feet 3 inches tall and weigh 165 pounds. I have a history of asthma for which I use Ventolin. Additionally, I have been diagnosed with ADHD; I recently experienced an increase in my Vyvanse dosage from 30 mg to 40 mg just five days ago. I also live with narcolepsy accompanied by cataplexy, and the Vyvanse is helping manage both conditions. Alongside these, I have PTSD, which involves dissociative symptoms such as depersonalization and derealization, occasional fugue states, as well as memory lapses concerning trauma and various life events, along with short-term forgetfulness in my daily activities. Is there a simple explanation for these sensations I'm experiencing? Thank you!
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 4:01:17 PM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing a sensation of falling while standing can be unsettling, and it's important to understand potential causes while addressing your specific concerns. These sensations may stem from various factors, including medication adjustments, inner ear issues, anxiety, or underlying neurological conditions.
Possible Explanations:
- Medication Adjustment: The recent increase in Vyvanse dosage, while beneficial for ADHD and narcolepsy, can affect your balance and anxiety levels, potentially leading to dizziness or vertiginous sensations.
- Inner Ear Function: The inner ear helps control balance. Conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) can cause such sensations when stemmed from changes in head position.
- Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms: Your history of PTSD may also play a role in these sensations, especially if you're experiencing dissociative symptoms that could alter your perception of reality.
- Fatigue: Both narcolepsy and PTSD can lead to increased fatigue, which can contribute to feelings of unsteadiness or imbalance.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Triggers: Keep a journal to identify any specific triggers for these sensations. Note the time of day, activities you were doing, and your emotional state.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you stay well-hydrated and eat regular, balanced meals. Low blood sugar or dehydration can contribute to dizziness.
- Slow Movements: When standing up or changing positions, do so slowly to reduce the likelihood of dizziness.
- Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness to help manage anxiety that may be contributing to these sensations.
- Review Medications: Discuss the recent change in your Vyvanse dosage with your healthcare provider to determine if it could be affecting your balance or causing these sensations.
Keep a close eye on any changes in intensity or frequency of these sensations. If they worsen or you experience additional symptoms like fainting, severe dizziness, or confusion, it’s important to seek follow-up advice from your healthcare provider promptly. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further clarification!
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