Understanding Vestibular Paroxysmia
An ear, nose, and throat specialist has labeled my condition as vestibular migraine; however, I’m uncertain if that truly captures what I’m experiencing. My situation lacks the typical headache associated with migraines, and the bouts of dizziness are incredibly brief—lasting only a second or two, yet they occur multiple times each hour. I underwent an MRI due to experiencing pulsatile tinnitus and was informed that an artery is situated near my eardrum. Interestingly, I managed to lose 95 pounds, which coincided with the disappearance of both the pulsatile tinnitus and dizziness, though not necessarily at the same time. Unfortunately, over the past week, I have started to notice a return of the fleeting dizziness (or a feeling of imbalance), and for several weeks now, the pulsatile tinnitus has also resurfaced. What are your thoughts on this situation?
Answers (1)
6/19/2025, 3:20:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been experiencing a complex set of symptoms with dizziness and pulsatile tinnitus that are frustrating and concerning for you. While vestibular migraines can sometimes present without the typical headache, your symptoms, especially the brief bouts of dizziness and the recurrence of pulsatile tinnitus, suggest a need for further evaluation.
Explanation:
-
Vestibular Symptoms: Vestibular migraine can include dizziness but typically also presents with headaches. Your significant weight loss may have contributed to the temporary resolution of symptoms, as overall health and lifestyle changes can impact vestibular function and related conditions.
-
Pulsatile Tinnitus: This type of tinnitus often stems from vascular issues or changes in blood flow near the ear, particularly with an artery close to your eardrum. While it can be influenced by various factors, including posture, stress, and possibly changes in body weight, it’s essential to keep an eye on it.
-
Potential Triggers: Reflect on any triggers that may coincide with the reappearance of your symptoms, such as dietary changes, stress levels, or activities that may aggravate your condition.
Next Steps:
-
Maintain a Symptom Diary: Track when your dizziness and tinnitus occur, how long they last, and any associated activities or dietary habits. This can help identify patterns or triggers.
-
Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you’re well-hydrated and consider a balanced diet rich in nutrients. Dehydration or dietary deficiencies can exacerbate vestibular symptoms.
-
Manage Stress and Rest: Stress and fatigue can heighten symptoms. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or gentle exercises into your daily routine.
-
Follow Up on MRI Findings: Keep in touch with your ENT specialist regarding the MRI results, especially since the artery’s position may need monitoring if your symptoms persist. Discuss the changes and concerns about your dizziness and tinnitus with them for personalized advice.
-
Consider Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy: If dizziness continues, vestibular rehabilitation exercises may help. These exercises are designed to improve balance and reduce vertigo and could be an option to explore with your healthcare provider.
Please continue to monitor your symptoms closely and consider the above steps. If you notice that symptoms worsen significantly or new symptoms arise, keep your healthcare provider updated. Your health is a priority, and understanding your body is a key part of addressing these challenges.
Related Questions
Feeling 'Stuck'? Exploring Potential Dissociation
Greetings! I’m a 24-year-old assigned female at birth. **Medical Background**: I have been diagnosed with conditions including fibromyalgia, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), hypothyroidism, autism, ADHD, complex PTSD, psoriasis, and migraines accompanied by aura. **Current Medications**: My medication regimen includes duloxetine at 90mg, levothyroxine (Synthroid) at 150mcg, suboxone at 3mg for pain management, dextroamphetamine at 5mg, and rizatriptan at 10mg for migraines when necessary. **Vitamins and Supplements**: Under the guidance of my healthcare provider, I am taking magnesium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D3. **Ongoing Assessments**: I'm in the process of evaluating potential sleep disorders that could be impacting my REM sleep. There’s also a possibility of MPN-U given my chronic pain, persistent elevations in platelet counts, and genetic tests suggesting a hereditary link. I’ve experienced postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which leads to blood pressure drops and an increase in heart rate exceeding 40 beats per minute when moving from a seated to a standing position. Previously, I've dealt with seizures while seeking pain relief through kratom, before switching to suboxone, which has proven to effectively manage my symptoms.
The Journey with Punctate Inner Choroiditis and Behçet's: A 30-Year-Old's Tale
My health struggles began in early childhood, when I faced the challenge of foot deformities, specifically flat feet. This issue resulted in my brother experiencing premature closure of his growth plates, which led to surgeries to create arches in our feet. In these procedures, bones were cut and reshaped, with anchors inserted to keep everything aligned. The result was a lengthy recovery where I relied on a wheelchair for a year and a half. Around the age of 22 to 25, I started to suffer from significant pain in my feet and joints, which I attributed to my job in HVAC and the typical discomfort that comes with it. However, everything changed when, at 26, I was hospitalized due to excruciating pain in my lower left abdomen. The diagnosis was perforated diverticulitis, leading to a five-day hospital stay treated with intravenous antibiotics, after which I noticed my condition deteriorating. Almost a year later, I awoke one morning to find blind spots in my right eye. At the time, I lacked insurance and was busy caring for my mother, who had recently undergone brain surgery, so I chose to dismiss the troubling vision issues. Since that time, I've experienced persistent diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, debilitating fatigue, and an overwhelming sensitivity to heat. Despite undergoing multiple colonoscopies on medical advice, no solutions were found. Fast forward to a year and a half ago, I woke up with severe vision loss in my right eye and blurred sight in my left. Fortunately, I had acquired indigent healthcare due to my inability to work from my earlier health problems, which also allowed me to continue caring for my mother. At the hospital, the doctors examined my eyes, appeared alarmed, and referred me to an optometrist. That optometrist quickly sent me to a retinal specialist, who confirmed that I had Punctate Inner Choroiditis. It was discovered that both of my optic nerves showed swelling, likely stemming from an autoimmune concern, and I was advised to consult a rheumatologist. While awaiting that appointment, I became severely ill, suffering from high fevers, severe weakness, complete loss of appetite, and emotional distress that led to uncontrollable crying. I lost a substantial amount of weight during this ordeal. After three months of waiting, I finally met with a rheumatologist, who was immediately concerned about my condition and ordered extensive testing. The results revealed that I carry genes associated with Familial Mediterranean Fever and Behçet's disease (specifically HLA-B51). She placed me on colchicine treatment, which significantly improved my symptoms within a fortnight, lifting fever and emotional turmoil, although I still suffered from fatigue and joint pain. The rheumatologist also observed skin lesions and oral ulcers that I had endured for many years, mistakenly believing they were normal. Though I recalled having genital ulcers in the past, I hadn’t experienced them recently. Meanwhile, my GI doctor conducted another endoscopy, diagnosing me with Barrett's esophagus and a hiatal hernia accompanied by mild stomach inflammation. Months later, while managing these issues, my fatigue reached a point where I needed 15 to 16 hours of sleep nightly, with only the energy for two daily activities before requiring rest. My foot problems worsened, resulting in dreadful bunions that caused them to turn outward once again. With ongoing fatigue, joint discomfort, daily diarrhea episodes, and worsening conditions, I sought out a specialist at UT Southwestern in Dallas, a research hospital more familiar with Behçet's. During my first consultation, the staff acknowledged my rheumatologist's approach was beneficial but noted my hypermobility and referred me to a physical medicine doctor for additional evaluation. My regular rheumatologist then prescribed azathioprine, which quickly alleviated my eye issues, eradicating flashers and blind spots—huge relief! Recently, I met with the physical medicine doctor, who conducted a thorough exam and collected my medical history over three hours. In the end, she diagnosed me with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a condition I had never heard of before our meeting. Consequently, my rheumatologist suspects Behçet's and is treating me accordingly but is hesitant to give a formal diagnosis. Adding to my woes, she is moving away, and local rheumatologists have expressed reluctance to take on a Behçet's patient. This means future appointments will involve a lengthy three-hour drive to Dallas. Familial Mediterranean Fever has not been entirely ruled out due to childhood fever episodes, but treatment for both conditions appears largely similar, leaving me in uncertainty. The past year and a half have been incredibly challenging. Despite numerous medication attempts, I continue to suffer severe pain that does not respond to medications like diclofenac sodium, and my GI doctor advises against ibuprofen and aspirin due to elevated liver enzymes. Unfortunately, over-the-counter options are largely off-limits due to my current prescriptions, and nothing seems to alleviate my persistent pain. It’s difficult to manage life with ongoing diarrhea, joint pain, eye discomfort, and abdominal issues. I’m currently waiting for a decision about disability benefits, yet I’m only 30 and aspire to regain my health, return to HVAC work, and not rely on disability long-term. I apologize for my lengthy message. If you’ve managed to read this far, thank you! I would deeply appreciate any honest suggestions or insights concerning my situation, as I am desperate for guidance.
Seeking Guidance
Hello, I’m a 32-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 5 inches and weighing 70 kilograms. I’m not currently on any medications and I don’t smoke. I’ve been dealing with Costochondritis, and recently I visited a physiotherapist. During the session, he performed some manual manipulation around my chest, focusing on my collarbone and left pectoral muscle, as well as applying pressure to my rib cage. Despite this treatment, I still experience discomfort. Over the past week, I have been applying ice regularly, which provided some relief, but after a lengthy walk in the summer heat yesterday, the pain resurfaced. Has anyone else experienced something similar? I’m growing weary of this persistent pain. Some days I feel fine, while other days the discomfort returns. The primary area affected is the left side of my left pectoral muscle, specifically near the nipple, extending into my armpit and down from there. I have ongoing physiotherapy sessions, where he is also using ultrasound therapy to assist with my recovery. Additionally, I am feeling quite stiff in my upper left back area.
High Lymphocyte Levels: Should I Be Concerned?
I’m a 24-year-old man who has generally been fit and well throughout my life until this year changed everything. It all started in January when I fell seriously ill, and since then, my health has noticeably declined. I received a diagnosis of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) due to my elevated heart rate. Recently, I decided to have my blood tested to determine if there were additional issues contributing to my condition, especially since none of the treatments for POTS have offered me relief. The results revealed that my lymphocyte count is at 46.3, while all other values appeared to be within normal ranges. This raises a question for me: should I be worried about the possibility of cancer, or could this elevated lymphocyte level indicate something else entirely?
Understanding My Symptoms: What to Do Next
30 years old Height: 5’6 Weight: 180 pounds This morning, I woke up drenched in sweat, dealing with a fever of 101 degrees. It seems as if I have caught the typical bugs after recently being surrounded by sick children during my daughter's kindergarten graduation. I felt miserable throughout the day, accompanied by dizziness and bloating. I have ongoing back problems, and while preparing my daughter for bed, my back pain intensified, which in turn made me feel dizzier. In response to the escalating discomfort, I began to scream. The harder I screamed, the more saliva I produced, leading to repeated episodes of vomiting. This is a scenario I've never encountered before. Now, after nearly an hour, I am experiencing a sense of pressure in my abdomen. While I'm not feeling acutely dizzy, I still feel somewhat off balance and a bit disoriented, with my vision also slightly impaired. I did take some cold and flu medication earlier today (two capsules) along with Sedaflu (three pills). Currently, I’m on the following medications: Lamotrigine at 400mg, Lithium at 1050mg, Klonopin at 2mg, Adderall XR at 30mg, Adderall IR at 15mg, and Hydrocodone at 7.5/325mg (two times daily). Additionally, I take Tizanidine (half of the lowest dose, though I took a full dose today), Topiramate at 50mg, Phentermine at 37.5mg, and Atrorvastatin (I apologize for the misspelling) at 10mg for cholesterol. I also take a multivitamin from Garden of Life and use Albuterol sulfate and Lidocaine patches as needed, though the patches occasionally cause rashes.