Over a Year of Intense Dizziness Without Explanation
Hello all, I’m reaching out to share my experience with a **crippling dizziness issue** that has persisted for over a year now. Despite consulting several medical professionals, I remain without a definitive diagnosis. I’m interested to learn if anyone else has encountered something similar. Here’s a summary of my symptoms and medical background: * **Primary symptom:** Constant, severe dizziness that feels overwhelming (not mild—it’s as if my entire body is failing). * **Duration:** This condition has been ongoing for approximately one year, with no respite. My current episode has continued since July. * **Episodes:** * This marks my third severe episode within a single year. * Each attack begins suddenly with profound fatigue, leading me to sleep for nearly the entirety of a week—I struggle to keep my eyes open. * Although the fatigue lessens after a while, the dizziness and imbalance linger for several months. * During these incidents, it feels as if my body is collapsing, severely impacting my daily functioning. * **Characteristics of dizziness:** * I experience both spinning vertigo and an ongoing sense of swaying (disequilibrium). * While walking, halting suddenly causes a sensation as if the ground is stretching and my vision is expanding, which then triggers dizziness. * Exposure to bright or white light exacerbates the issue. * Focusing on reading has become challenging, as I need to exert additional effort to keep the words clear. * This dizziness is neither brief nor positional; it persists even while resting or sleeping. * **(Also) Pain:** During my third episode, I noticed significant pressure in my head, neck, and eyes, which was not present during the first two episodes where dizziness was the sole symptom. Fortunately, post-treatment with Tebokan (ginkgo) and magnesium, this pain improved significantly and almost resolved. * **Additional symptoms include:** * Visual distortions, such as a loss of focus akin to a camera lens, and a sensation of the floor moving beneath me. * Sensitivity to light (photophobia). * Occasional head pressure, although not accompanied by typical migraine symptoms. * **Medical evaluations conducted thus far:** * Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist — normal findings * Audiology tests — normal results * Neurological examination — normal * Internal medicine assessment — normal * Cardiology evaluation — normal * **What perplexes me:** * This does not align with BPPV since the episodes are not transient or positional. * It doesn’t resemble Meniere’s disease due to the absence of tinnitus or hearing impairment. * The duration spans months rather than just minutes or hours. * It appears to be more akin to PPPD (persistent postural-perceptual dizziness) or vestibular migraine, but I have yet to receive any confirmation from a doctor. **Demographics:** * Age: 26 years * Height: 171 cm * Weight: 80 kg * Smoking/Alcohol: None / Occasionally * Current medications include Tebokan (ginkgo), magnesium, melatonin combined with 5-HTP, and a folate supplement * Duration of condition: Over a year **My inquiries:** * Has anyone else dealt with unrelenting dizziness that lasts for months? * For those diagnosed with PPPD or vestibular migraines, do my symptoms resonate with yours? I appreciate your insights!
Answers (1)
9/13/2025, 3:31:02 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been through a frustrating and challenging journey with your persistent dizziness, and I commend you for reaching out for insights and support. Your symptoms clearly have a significant impact on your daily life, and it’s understandable that you are looking for answers.
Summary of Key Points
You are experiencing severe and continuous dizziness for over a year, with episodes of profound fatigue and pressure in your head and neck, along with visual distortions and light sensitivity. While evaluations have not yielded a clear diagnosis, your symptoms could align with conditions like PPPD or vestibular migraines.
Explanation
Dizziness can stem from various causes, including vestibular disorders (which affect balance), migraines, or even anxiety-related conditions. Persistent dizziness, especially when accompanied by fatigue and sensitivity to light, may suggest conditions like Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) or vestibular migraine, as you noted. These conditions can be complex and often require a multi-faceted approach for management.
Next Steps
-
Symptom Journal: Begin keeping a detailed diary of your symptoms. Include the timing, severity, triggers (like specific lights or activities), and any associated feelings (fatigue, pressure). This can help you and your healthcare providers identify patterns and potential triggers.
-
Lifestyle Modifications: Consider the following strategies to manage your dizziness:
- Gradual Exposure: If bright lights trigger your symptoms, try gradual exposure to reduce sensitivity incrementally. You can start by spending short periods in bright environments and slowly increasing time as tolerated.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you are well-hydrated and consume nutritious meals to support overall health. Diet can play a role in managing migraines and dizziness.
- Movement Strategies: If you experience balance issues, working with a physical therapist who specializes in vestibular rehabilitation can help strengthen your balance and stability.
-
Follow-Up with Specialist: Given the complexity of your symptoms and that previous evaluations were inconclusive:
- Consider a neurologist specializing in vestibular disorders or headaches for further assessment, particularly focusing on the possibility of vestibular migraines or PPPD.
- You might also explore the potential benefit of consulting a vestibular therapist for targeted exercises and interventions.
-
Support Group or Community: Connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide emotional support and practical advice. Look for support groups either online or in person that focus on dizziness or vestibular disorders.
While your situation is certainly challenging, being proactive about tracking your symptoms and seeking the right support can lead you to more effective management strategies. You're not alone in this, and reaching out like you have shows strength and resilience. If there are further details or specific areas you would like to explore, feel free to ask!
Related Questions
Identifying Seriousness in Prolonged Abdominal Discomfort
Age: 24, Gender: Female, Height: 5'2", Weight: 121 lbs. Diagnosed with PCOS, but no significant medical history and no surgical interventions to date. Chronology of Symptoms: - **Sept 4-6**: I experienced the beginning of sharp pain in the upper right section of my abdomen. The discomfort felt like stabbing or creeping sensations, typically lasting only a few seconds but consistently located in the same area. - **Sept 7**: The pain became less localized, leading to more generalized discomfort in the upper abdomen. - **Sept 8**: I noticed a peculiar pulsing feeling akin to a heartbeat in my abdominal area. Additionally, my bowel habits changed, with softer stools occurring more frequently than normal. My stomach began making loud gurgling sounds. - **Sept 9-13**: Ongoing discomfort persisted in the upper abdomen. A new development was an urgent urge to relieve myself shortly after I eat, which became a daily occurrence. My stools remained soft. I have scheduled an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound for Monday and have been directed to a gastroenterologist. However, I haven't received any guidance regarding what these symptoms might indicate or what steps I should take while awaiting these scans, with the specialist's visit potentially several weeks away. I'm looking for insights on what these symptoms might suggest.
Distinguishing Between Typical Discomfort and Alarming Pain After Tibial Stress Reaction
At 20 years old, I received a diagnosis of a tibial stress reaction which led to a six-week hiatus from running, occurring 11 weeks ago. Although I rested for the initial six weeks, I continued to experience discomfort in my leg, prompting me to extend my break from physical activity. Recently, my orthopedic specialist has given me the go-ahead to gradually resume running, on the condition that I am free from pain. Walking no longer causes any pain, so I attempted to jog. While jogging, I didn't experience pain, though I could feel pressure and a sense of my bone. However, shortly after my jog and the following day, I did feel some pain when walking. I've been diligently taking Vitamin D and calcium supplements, ensuring I rest adequately. Given my youth, I wonder if my concerns are unfounded. I doubt that I've sustained another injury, yet I realize I need to navigate through discomfort to return to my routine. Unfortunately, I struggle to discern between pain that is simply a part of recovery and pain that signals something more serious. - I experience irregular menstrual cycles, likely due to excessive training. - The stress reaction arose from my intense workout regimen. - As an athlete, I push my limits often.
What Steps to Take After Possible Bat Bites?
Demographics: Male, 17 years old, from Iași, Romania, height of 170 cm. Current medications: None. About two days ago, I discovered two unusual marks on my leg, spaced less than a centimeter apart, shortly after spotting a bat near my apartment. My relationship with my parents has been challenging; they have largely neglected me throughout my upbringing. Lately, their disregard for my health has reached alarming levels—they leave my medical issues unresolved and push me to engage in sports, even when my doctor has advised against it. I am quite certain that I won’t receive the rabies vaccination through them. If I seek help on my own, there’s a risk that child protective services might get involved. This situation could lead to severe consequences, including potential physical punishment from my parents or being put into isolation, which would prevent me from establishing my independence when I turn 18. This would leave me without an ID and without a place to live, as they would obstruct me from changing my address to theirs. More details are available in the comments.
Surgeon's Advice on Gallbladder and Hernia Surgery
**Patient Profile** - **Age:** 28 - **Gender:** Male - **Height:** 178 cm - **Weight:** 68 kg **Medical History:** Eight years ago, I underwent surgery for an intestinal perforation, and since then, I have developed a hernia directly below the incision site. I do not smoke and consume alcohol sparingly, typically on special occasions like birthdays or festivals. In a recent ultrasound, doctors identified four gallbladder polyps that do not cast shadows, with the largest measuring approximately 3.5 mm. My physician has informed me that even these small polyps carry a risk of becoming cancerous and could also cause digestive issues, regardless of malignancy. I am prepared to proceed with the hernia surgery, but I have significant apprehension regarding the potential removal of my gallbladder. Should I consider gallbladder excision in conjunction with the hernia operation, or should my focus remain solely on addressing the hernia? I welcome any insights or personal experiences you may wish to share. Thank you!
Understanding Vasovagal Syncope: How Concerned Should You Be?
In February, I encountered my initial episode of vasovagal syncope, leading to a loss of consciousness that lasted for approximately 45 seconds. I suspect that the trigger was a sudden gulp of soda, which caused an unusual and uncomfortable sensation while swallowing — a detail I managed to relay to my sister just before I fainted. The following day, I promptly scheduled an appointment with my doctor, who conducted an EKG. The results were within normal limits, although they did note my consistently low heart rate, a condition I've always had. This incident was unprecedented for me (thankfully, nothing like it has occurred again) but it has left me wondering about its seriousness, particularly since I have never experienced a loss of consciousness before now.