Ongoing Swaying Vertigo for Two Weeks: Seeking Insights
I am a 21-year-old female, weighing 120 pounds, and I have been diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), ADHD, and anxiety. For the past couple of years, I've been taking Lisdexamphetamine at a dosage of 40mg. Approximately two weeks ago, I began to experience a persistent feeling of swaying, rocking, and bobbing vertigo—not the spinning type—which has yet to subside. The onset coincided with a day at work; while I was walking around in my retail job, I suddenly felt overwhelmed, leading me to crouch down during a severe vertigo episode. I remained slightly off-balance for the remainder of that day, but it was manageable. Since then, the only symptoms I have experienced include the ongoing sensation of vertigo, mild pressure in my head and ears, as well as a moist crackling noise inside my ears that has occurred on three separate occasions. I haven’t encountered any pain or discharge from my ears. Notably, I have previously experienced this sensation after being on trains or in elevators, which would typically last for several days to a week. However, I have not used any forms of transportation recently. I have a strong suspicion that I will awaken to the vertigo still present tomorrow; it doesn’t manifest right after I wake up, but it tends to start about an hour after getting out of bed and gradually intensifies throughout the day. Furthermore, my balance seems to be compromised, as colleagues have playfully suggested that I might be intoxicated due to my unsteady walking. This condition is genuinely driving me to distraction, causing significant disorientation which hampers my ability to think clearly, speak, and formulate sentences effectively at times.
Answers (1)
7/18/2025, 4:10:51 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about your ongoing vertigo, especially given how it affects your daily functioning and clarity of thought. Your symptoms could be related to your previous diagnosis of POTS, which can often lead to balance issues and sensations of dizziness. However, it’s important to look into possible other causes, especially since these symptoms have persisted for two weeks.
Explanation
The swaying, rocking, and bobbing sensation you describe can be indicative of vestibular issues or low blood pressure symptoms, both of which might be exacerbated by your POTS. The mild pressure in your head and ears, alongside the moist crackling noise, can relate to Eustachian tube dysfunction or fluid in the inner ear, which can contribute to feelings of imbalance.
It's noteworthy that your symptoms seem to worsen over time and affect your balance significantly, which requires careful monitoring. The connection between stress and your symptoms, given your anxiety and current lifestyle, could also be a contributing factor.
Next Steps
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Stay Hydrated and Increase Salt Intake: POTS can lead to lower blood volume, so drinking plenty of fluids and possibly increasing salt intake (if advised by a healthcare provider) can help manage symptoms. Aim for 2-3 liters of fluid a day and consider electrolyte solutions.
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Posture and Movement Adaptations: When standing up or moving around, do so slowly to help manage symptoms. Try incorporating gentle movements (like turning or bending) in a controlled manner.
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Vestibular Exercises: Engaging in specific balance exercises, like tai chi or activities designed for vestibular rehabilitation, can be helpful. Even basic head movements may assist in re-acclimating your senses.
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a journal detailing when your symptoms occur, their intensity, and any triggers or relief factors. This documentation can provide valuable insights if you consult a healthcare provider in the future.
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Monitor for Additional Symptoms: Keep an eye on any new symptoms such as changes in hearing, severe headaches, or visual disturbances. If these arise, they may indicate the need for immediate attention.
If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, it’s important to seek medical advice during a follow-up appointment. Your safety and well-being are the priority, and it’s essential to find the right approach to manage this disorienting experience. You're doing a great job maintaining awareness of your body and symptoms, which is crucial for identifying the right support.
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