Experiencing Persistent Dizziness and Breath Regulation — Seeking Insights
Hello everyone, I am in my 30s and reside in India. Despite being active and having no history of alcohol or smoking, I've been grappling with a perplexing health condition for several months now, and the medical professionals I've consulted have been unable to clarify my situation. Here’s a brief overview of what I am facing: I experience a nearly constant sensation of dizziness; however, it does not resemble the typical spinning vertigo. Rather, it manifests as a feeling of mental fogginess, a lack of balance, or a disoriented state, particularly when I am walking or in motion. Alongside this, I am acutely aware of my breathing, almost as if I need to remind myself to take deep breaths or concentrate on inhaling and exhaling. There are times when it feels as if my breath is hindered or that I need to exert effort to breathe properly. I have undergone various tests, including an ECG, an echocardiogram (with an ejection fraction of 60%), regular blood pressure checks (typically between 105–117 systolic), complete blood tests, and maintained normal oxygen saturation levels (97–99%), even during episodes of breathlessness. All these assessments have returned normal results. In addition, I occasionally experience symptoms while standing or moving, such as mild chest discomfort, neck tension, lightheadedness, and a peculiar sensation in my head. Multiple doctors have ruled out significant cardiac issues, with one suggesting it could be linked to an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system or early signs akin to POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). Unfortunately, I have not yet had the opportunity to undergo a tilt-table test. I’ve attempted various remedies including breathing exercises, staying adequately hydrated, increasing my salt intake, and practicing yoga, which provide some relief, albeit not complete. To share a bit more about my routine: I typically enjoy three balanced Indian meals each day, manage to get about 6 to 7 hours of sleep nightly, and drink roughly 2.5 liters of water daily. While I don’t suffer from severe anxiety, I do occasionally experience mild panic sensations, particularly when I’m standing for extended periods or walking outdoors. I am finding myself both mentally and physically drained, and this ongoing situation is impacting my work and personal life. Despite what doctors claim is “nothing serious,” I am aware that this feeling is not typical for me. --- Has anyone here gone through something similar? Could this potentially be related to POTS or some form of dysautonomia? How can one manage such a persistent focus on breathing and the sensation of being off-balance? Is there a possibility that this is anxiety-related, even if I do not consciously feel anxious? Any insights or shared experiences would be incredibly valuable to me as I navigate this difficult time. Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
8/8/2025, 5:31:22 AM
OpenHealth AI
You're experiencing persistent dizziness and a heightened awareness of your breathing, which can be distressing and impact your daily life. While you've ruled out significant cardiac issues and normal test results are reassuring, your symptoms may be linked to autonomic nervous system imbalances, potentially resembling conditions like POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).
Explanation:
Dizziness that feels like mental fogginess or disorientation can occur for various reasons, including issues with blood circulation, hydration, or even autonomic nervous system functioning. The sensation of needing to focus on your breathing and occasional lightheadedness could relate to how your body is regulating itself, especially during movement or when standing.
Mild anxiety and panic sensations can also contribute to how you perceive these symptoms, leading to a cycle where physical sensations increase anxiety, and anxiety makes those physical sensations feel worse—sometimes known as a "feedback loop."
Next Steps:
-
Stay Hydrated & Maintain Diet: Continue your current hydration levels and balanced diet. You might want to incorporate foods rich in potassium (like bananas) and electrolytes to support circulation.
-
Breathing Techniques: Since you find some relief with breathing exercises, practice techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing or paced breathing, which can help regulate your respiratory awareness. Aim for 5-10 minutes daily.
-
Physical Activity: Gradually increase your physical activity, focusing on gentle exercises like walking or yoga, especially that doesn't require sudden movements. This can help your body adapt to changes in position and improve balance.
-
Monitoring Symptoms: Consider keeping a symptom diary to track when these feelings occur (times of day, activities, duration), which can help identify triggers or patterns.
-
Tilt-Table Test: If possible, discuss scheduling a tilt-table test with your healthcare provider to further investigate autonomic function, as this may help clarify your condition and guide more targeted management options.
-
Coping with Anxiety: Even mild anxiety can exacerbate physical sensations. Techniques such as mindfulness meditation or guided relaxation can aid in improving your overall sense of well-being.
While navigating these symptoms can be challenging, taking proactive steps can help you feel more in control. If symptoms worsen or new ones arise, continue to consult your healthcare providers for support. You're not alone in this, and it's okay to seek help as you manage these complex sensations while ensuring the best care for yourself.
Related Questions
Experiencing Clear Fluid from Ear with No Discomfort: Should I Wait for My Appointment?
I am a healthy 57-year-old female, weighing 120 pounds and standing 5 feet 5 inches tall. My daily medications include 100 mg of Losartan for effectively managed high blood pressure, 200 mg of Lyrica taken twice daily for post-herpetic neuralgia, 100 mg of Synthroid following treatment for thyroid cancer, and a combination hormone replacement therapy patch. Additionally, I take Zyrtec and Flonase every day to combat allergies. Since October, I have been dealing with persistent tinnitus in my right ear, accompanied by some pressure and a muffled sensation. Recently, I've noticed that when I speak, it feels akin to the sensation I experience when my ears clear during a flight after chewing gum—my voice sounds amplified in my head. I've scheduled an appointment with a physician's assistant in an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) office for the end of March due to my worries about the tinnitus and any potential hearing impairment. Yesterday, I noticed that my ear emitted a clear fluid. Thankfully, there was no associated pain. The fluid was somewhat thicker than water, completely odorless—unlike the unpleasant discharge I recall from my daughter's ear infections—and there was no sign of blood. Could this indicate a perforated eardrum? I suspect this might be the case, but can this occur without an underlying infection? Should I seek attention sooner than my appointment in March? I would prefer to avoid urgent care during flu season; however, if this situation is serious, I am prepared to take precautions and visit.
Understanding Possible Seizure Triggers and Recurrence Risks
Health Background: I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 169 cm and weighing 65 kg. Over the past three years, I have been using oral contraceptives. As of this morning, I started taking 25 mcg of levothyroxine along with a weekly vitamin D supplement of 0.266 mg. Recently, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and found to have a vitamin D deficiency that I suspect has existed for the last three years. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and I can confirm I am not pregnant. Two years ago, I experienced a mild concussion. I currently reside in Spain. A couple of months back, in mid-December, I blacked out twice. The second occurrence took place while I was at the doctor’s office after seeking urgent medical care for the initial incident. Following the second episode, I underwent a CT scan and an EKG, both of which returned normal results. Further tests, as directed by my physician, revealed a critical vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism; however, he expressed doubt that either of these conditions led to my loss of consciousness. I was then referred to a neurologist, and I am presently awaiting an appointment. Although the waiting period is lengthy, my doctor indicated that I should receive priority for scheduling, although the exact timeframe remains uncertain. The referral document summarized my events, labeling the second episode (which the physician witnessed) as a potential seizure devoid of tonic-clonic movements—a revelation that took me by surprise. After regaining consciousness, I felt extremely disoriented and terrified, struggling to process what was happening. I have no prior history of seizures, epilepsy, or any related conditions, and there is no known family history of these issues. If this indeed was a seizure, what might have triggered it? Additionally, what is the likelihood of experiencing another one? Since that time, I have not had any further incidents, but I have experienced moments where I felt a sense of impending doom, which I managed to overcome. I intend to wait for the neurologist's evaluation, but the uncertainty surrounding a possible neurological condition is quite distressing. Thank you for any insight you can provide!
Understanding EEG Results for My 22-Month-Old Son: Insights Needed
Could someone help clarify this for me? My son, who is just 22 months old, hasn’t started walking yet, becomes tired easily, and has been experiencing behavioral outbursts. He had a febrile seizure in February 2025, followed by another unexplained seizure in April 2025, which led us to consult a neurologist. Since he was 3 months old, he has been receiving therapy from a physical therapist for torticollis. At birth, he spent five days in the NICU due to issues with meconium aspiration. A recent MRI showed normal results, and he also had a follow-up EEG after one conducted in July 2025. The results from this recent EEG were abnormal for a pediatric patient in awake, drowsy, and sleeping states. Notably, there were brief episodes of left frontotemporal delta slowing, which occurred mainly when he was awake and drowsy. There were no signs of epileptiform activity detected. In contrast, the EEG performed back on July 3, 2025, was deemed normal for both awake and drowsy states, again with no evidence of epileptiform irregularities, although it did not capture any sleep data. This examination was prompted by the child's existing history of febrile seizures. Importantly, he is not currently on any anti-seizure medications. The EEG procedure used standard electrode placements per the 10-20 system, conducted a single-lead EKG, and included continuous video monitoring. During the analysis, the background activity was symmetric, indicating some anterior-posterior (AP) organization, with a dominant rhythm of 50-80 microvolts at 7 Hz. His drowsy state was marked by a reduced amount of eye blink activity, less breathing motion interference, and a generalized slowing in theta/delta frequencies. Stage II sleep exhibited spindles and vertex waves patterns. Additionally, there were intermittent bursts of 250-300 microvolts in the left frontotemporal region with semi-rhythmic activity of 2-4 Hz, mostly observed during wakefulness and drowsiness. No definitive epileptiform discharge was noted. Photic stimulation during the test did not elicit a strong response, and hyperventilation was not conducted during this session.
INTENSE Spine Discomfort, Breathing Difficulties, Muscle Twitches, and Sweating
To elaborate on the situation mentioned in the title, I’ve been experiencing unusual muscle twitches and spasms for the past few days, along with some discomfort in my back. However, today, I felt an unexpected sharp pain shoot through my spine, which has left my legs feeling numb and made it impossible for me to sit up straight. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with cold sweats for the last hour and struggling to breathe properly. Perhaps I’m just overanalyzing things and it’s a common occurrence, but the intensity of the pain is overwhelming—it's truly unbearable. I’m shaking quite a bit, and unfortunately, my parents aren’t responding to my attempts to reach them for help. I have a history of a chronic heart condition and arthritis, yet I’ve never experienced pain this severe, especially in my spine. For context, I am nearly 15 years old and female. My current medications include pain relievers, anxiety medication, beta blockers, and some vitamins, though those specifics may not be particularly relevant. I don’t smoke; however, I have tried vaping a few times, which might not matter much, but I thought it was worth mentioning as it was requested.
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation and Thyroid Issues: Variability in Cardioversion Decisions
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for guidance regarding my mother’s current health situation, and I’d greatly appreciate any shared experiences or thoughts. **My mother's background:** - **Age**: 55 years - **Weight**: Recently dropped to 116 kg from 118 kg in just two days, likely due to diuretics. - **Health history**: Previously an underactive thyroid, undiagnosed and untreated, now presenting as overactive. - **Medications**: Currently taking thyroid medication and a beta-blocker (Rapiblock). **Current health status:** My mother has been hospitalized since Tuesday, experiencing **atrial fibrillation with heart rates exceeding 200** beats per minute due to her thyroid's hyperactivity. - The plan for cardioversion was initially settled on Tuesday. However, the following day, the medical team advised postponing it until her thyroid levels could be stabilized, believing that her heart rate would return to normal once her thyroid condition was managed. - Her **obesity** precludes her from undergoing a transthoracic echocardiogram, and due to her thyroid concerns, she cannot handle contrast dye (this has been a consistent issue for over four years). Therefore, the only feasible option was a **transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)**, which has yet to be performed. - She has been prescribed various medications including beta-blockers and thyroid treatments in the past. - On Friday, a doctor proposed proceeding with cardioversion; however, the attending senior physician objected. - Today (Saturday), another clinician has expressed a desire to move forward with cardioversion, having initiated a new medication, as the senior physician is unavailable. - **Communication has been unclear**, as we were notified of developments by a nurse rather than the physician in charge, causing confusion and anxiety. - Currently, only a **chest X-ray** is scheduled, and the TEE remains unaddressed. **My inquiries are as follows:** 1. Is it common for medical professionals to have varying opinions and frequently revise medication or treatment plans like cardioversion? 2. Is it safe to conduct cardioversion in the absence of a TEE? I presumed that this was a standard procedure to exclude the presence of blood clots. 3. Is it usual practice to have only a chest X-ray prior to moving ahead with cardioversion? 4. How typical is it for patients or their families to not be directly informed about treatment changes and learn about them through nursing staff instead? I recognize that this cannot substitute for professional medical advice. I’m simply trying to discern whether these circumstances are typical or if we should express our concerns more assertively with the healthcare facility. Thank you for your insights!