Persistent Dizziness Despite Epley Maneuver Attempts
I am currently 31 weeks pregnant, weigh 226 pounds, and stand at 5’7". I have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes and hypothyroidism, along with having environmental allergies. On Tuesday evening, I slipped in the shower and injured my right knee. By Friday morning, I awoke feeling somewhat lightheaded but did not prioritize it, choosing instead to carry on with my routine. However, during my midday appointment with a physical therapist, I experienced significant dizziness when I was turned onto my right side. Ultimately, the therapist concluded the session prematurely and departed. I returned home, where I continued to feel quite unwell and decided to take a nap. I reached out to my obstetrician, who informed me that my symptoms were likely not related to my pregnancy, suggesting I could follow up on Monday if my condition didn’t improve. Later that evening, I sought help at an urgent care facility, where they conducted a urine culture and an EKG, both yielding normal results. Neurological tests were also satisfactory, revealing my blood pressure to be 105/76, pulse at 99, and oxygen saturation at 99%. My blood sugar levels were average, recording a standard 95 over the last three days. The medical staff diagnosed me with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and advised me to watch a tutorial on the Epley maneuver on YouTube to try at home. Last night, my husband, who is not a medical professional, attempted the Epley maneuver twice, focusing on the right side since that was the source of my dizziness. We allowed a gap of 1-2 hours between attempts to see if there would be any effect. While I noted that looking to the right didn’t induce dizziness, I still felt some unsteadiness when shifting from lying on my left side to my right. Unfortunately, I experienced vomiting at midnight and again at 10 AM. Thankfully, I am not suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), as I have been ill fewer than ten times throughout my entire pregnancy. Currently, I feel a general sense of dizziness, but it is not as intense or direction-specific as it was yesterday. My main concerns are that I am too unwell to drive, fulfill work obligations, or care for my other children. I lack the energy even to do household tasks like laundry, bathing, or preparing food. Should I assume all these symptoms are linked to vertigo, or might there be an underlying issue that requires attention?
Answers (1)
6/28/2025, 4:20:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are dealing with a complex situation involving ongoing dizziness, potential vertigo from your recent diagnosis of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), and symptoms that are impacting your daily life significantly. Your recent slip and subsequent knee injury, along with your existing medical conditions, add to the overall concern.
Understanding Your Situation:
- BPPV Diagnosis: BPPV occurs when tiny crystals in the inner ear become dislodged, leading to brief episodes of dizziness, especially when changing positions.
- Symptoms You're Experiencing: Your dizziness seems to be less intense now, which is a positive sign, but the added issues of nausea and vomiting can arise from dizziness or other conditions, such as anxiety or internal stress from being unwell.
- Ongoing Impact on Daily Life: It's understandable to feel overwhelmed by your inability to care for your children and fulfil daily responsibilities due to these symptoms.
Immediate Next Steps:
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Continue Epley Maneuvers: It's important to follow through with the Epley maneuver regularly as recommended. Aim to try it twice a day if you can. Ensure you are in a safe, comfortable setting when performing them.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Focus on staying hydrated, especially since vomiting can contribute to dehydration. Sip on clear fluids like water, broth, or an electrolyte solution. Eating small, bland meals may help settle your stomach.
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Rest and Restore: Prioritize rest, as your body is likely stressed from both physical and emotional factors. Ensure you have support at home, even for basic tasks.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your dizziness and any associated symptoms (like vomiting). Note when they occur and any triggers (positions, movements, etc.). This will be useful if you follow up with your healthcare provider.
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Limit Movements: Until your dizziness improves further, avoid sudden movements, especially turning your head quickly or getting up too fast.
When to Seek Further Help:
- If symptoms worsen or new symptoms arise (like severe headache, severe vomiting, vision changes, or if dizziness doesn't improve with the maneuvers), please reach out to your healthcare providers earlier than your scheduled follow-up.
- If you start to feel emotional distress because of these limitations, consider speaking with a mental health professional.
Remember, you are not alone in this, and it's completely reasonable to seek help and accommodations during your recovery. Focus on gradual improvement and prioritize your health and well-being. Let me know if you have further questions or need additional information.
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