Experiencing Persistent Dizziness: Seeking Insights
Hello everyone! I created this account specifically to seek advice regarding a troubling issue I've been facing. I am from the Netherlands and will do my best to express myself in English. Five weeks ago, I woke up feeling an overwhelming sense of dizziness, as if I were on a boat swaying side to side. My legs felt completely unsteady, akin to jelly. I have a history of Crohn's disease, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis, and I’m a 39-year-old female. I refrain from consuming alcohol, smoking, or using recreational drugs, aside from prescribed medications. Prior to the onset of dizziness, I maintained a workout routine three times a week. In the past, I've experienced bouts of dizziness, typically due to exhaustion, but nothing has lasted for this long—five consecutive weeks. It disrupts my sleep, waking me up because of the dizziness. Whether I am sitting, lying down, or standing, it simply does not let up. My general practitioner diagnosed me with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) following a brief examination in which I had to close my eyes and touch my nose; I was able to do so on the left side, but not on the right. He recommended that I take Betahistine and perform the Epley maneuver twice daily. Despite following his advice, the dizziness persists at the same intensity with no improvement or worsening, and although my ear does not hurt, I have a slight ache in my left eye. Both my doctor and specialists are puzzled, as am I, regarding the cause of this condition. I try to approach this with humor, but after five weeks of struggling to function, I'm genuinely reaching the limits of my endurance. Every day feels like a battle against my body to avoid falling over. Interestingly, I noticed months before this dizziness began, whenever I walked beside water, I would experience a similar sensation, albeit for only a few moments. As for my current medications, I am taking Infliximab, Fexofenadine, and Xarelto (following two episodes of thrombosis at ages 28 and 32), along with Bisoprolol due to my heart being slightly tachy sensitive as a result of the other medications. I was on Prednisone for all of 2024 but discontinued it after beginning Infliximab. Additionally, I use Foster and Ventolin for my asthma, and I take vitamin D and B12 supplements due to deficiencies (with B12 levels at 112 and vitamin D at 24). If anyone has experienced something similar or has any insights to share, I would greatly appreciate your input. I'm really hoping to find some relief from this dizziness. Thank you for taking the time to read my post!
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 9:40:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that experiencing persistent dizziness for five weeks can be incredibly challenging and disheartening, especially when it significantly affects your daily life and sleep. It’s commendable that you’re actively seeking insight into your situation. Based on the details you've provided, we can explore potential causes and recommend some steps to help manage your symptoms.
Key Points:
- Persistent dizziness lasting five weeks may have various causes, possibly requiring further investigation beyond BPPV.
- It’s important to consider other factors, such as medications, hydration, and general health conditions.
- Immediate steps can be taken to manage dizziness and monitor your condition.
Explanation:
You've already been diagnosed with BPPV and prescribed Betahistine and the Epley maneuver, which are appropriate for this condition. However, since your dizziness has not improved, it’s essential to explore other potential contributing factors.
Given your history of Crohn’s disease and current medications, a few considerations include:
- Vestibular Disorders: While BPPV is common, there are other vestibular conditions that may cause prolonged dizziness.
- Medication Side Effects: Some medications, especially those altering blood pressure or affecting fluid balance, can lead to dizziness.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Your mentioned vitamin B12 and D deficiencies can sometimes contribute to neurological symptoms, including dizziness.
Next Steps:
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Hydrate and Maintain Nutrition: Ensure you are drinking enough fluids and eating regular, balanced meals to support overall health. This can help mitigate dizziness.
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Medications Review: Consider discussing your current medication regimen with your healthcare provider. Some medications could potentially contribute to your symptoms, and alternative options may exist.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a log of your dizziness, noting when it occurs, its intensity, and any accompanying symptoms (like the eye ache). This could help identify triggers or patterns.
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Follow-Up Appointments: Since your symptoms have persisted, it might be beneficial to re-visit your healthcare provider or a specialist, such as a neurologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, for further evaluation. Discuss your complete medical history and medications in detail, and express your ongoing concerns.
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Consider Stress Management: Since you describe using humor to cope, continue to nurture positive coping strategies. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or gentle yoga may help reduce any anxiety associated with your dizziness.
Please keep in mind that while these steps can help, they should complement any plans your primary care doctor has made for you. You are doing your best to manage a complicated situation, and it's okay to continue seeking answers that lead to relief.
Should you have any more questions or need clarification, feel free to reach out. You are not alone in this, and it's good to know you’re actively looking for ways to improve your health.
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