Seeking Insights on Ongoing Dizziness Issues
Hello, I am a 26-year-old male, standing at 173 cm in height, and I am currently on warfarin. In January 2022, I contracted COVID-19, and shortly after, in June of the same year, I began experiencing episodes of spinning dizziness. These episodes persisted occasionally until November 2023. Following November 2023, I encountered severe vertigo; it felt as though my head was violently swaying left and right while I walked. This experience triggered significant anxiety, impacting my day-to-day activities. Fortunately, as time passed, my vertigo improved, which in turn helped me manage my anxiety better. However, the vertigo remains with me to this day. I still experience sensations of my head moving in circles—though not as intensely as at the end of 2023—especially during walks. Prolonged walking, particularly on uneven terrain, leads to discomfort and pain in my right ear. Additionally, I experience eye strain in the same eye during these longer walks. I have undergone two CT scans, both yielding normal results. I have also consulted several ENT specialists, yet they have been unable to determine the root cause of my symptoms. Though I have adjusted to the condition, I would prefer to see it resolved, as the ear pain during long walks can be quite debilitating. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I would appreciate any insights or opinions on this issue.
Answers (1)
9/5/2025, 10:01:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experiences and concerns about the ongoing dizziness and related symptoms. It's understandable to want clarity and relief, especially when these issues impact your daily life and cause anxiety. Let’s break down your situation and focus on actionable steps.
Key Points
- Persistent Symptoms: You’ve experienced ongoing dizziness and vertigo since your COVID-19 infection and have noticed related ear pain and eye strain, particularly with prolonged walking.
- Normal CT Scans: Since your scans have returned normal, we can focus on non-structural causes of your symptoms.
Explanation
Dizziness and vertigo can arise from various factors, including:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Issues: Problems with your inner ear, even if scans appear normal, can lead to dizziness.
- Post-Viral Syndrome: Following COVID-19, some people experience lingering symptoms affecting balance and coordination.
- Anxiety and Stress: Anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms, creating a cycle that may heighten your perception of dizziness.
The pain in your right ear during walking may be related to how pressure changes affect your ear, potentially linked to vestibular function.
Next Steps
- Keep a Symptom Diary: Track when the dizziness occurs, its severity, and any associated activities (like walking on uneven terrain). This can help identify triggers and patterns.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are well-hydrated and eating balanced meals; dehydration and low blood sugar can exacerbate dizziness.
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): Consider asking about VRT to help improve your balance and reduce dizziness. This involves specific exercises designed to retrain your brain's response to balance.
- Focus on Ear Health: Maintaining ear health is crucial. Avoid sudden pressure changes (like rapid head movements) and consult an ear specialist about your ear pain during walking.
- Mindfulness and Anxiety Management: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga may help you manage anxiety, which can improve your overall sense of balance and comfort.
If you see no improvement or if your symptoms worsen, continue seeking follow-up with healthcare professionals who specialize in vestibular disorders, as there may be additional tests to explore this further.
Please let me know if there's anything else you would like to discuss or clarify!
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