DISCLAIMER I am not a medical professional, this blog is based strictly on my opinion and experiences and does not reflect the opinions of any other parties.
For the past few years, I have suffered numerous vertigo spells lasting from a week to 6 months and varying in intensity but always with the constant feeling of movement. At its worst I have found it hard to walk without stumbling, sensitivity to light, nausea and vomitting. I have spent countless hours researching potential treatments and gone through extensive testing. Along this journey I have encountered many other vertigo sufferers all at a loss to why we have been the lucky many and where we go from here.
"Vertigo can be described as the sensation in which a person feels like everything is spinning around him or her. It is accompanied by a perceived and false sense of movement. A description that is quite commonly given by people is a feeling that the room is constantly whirling with inconceivable and rapidly changing movements. This condition is a sign or a symptom and not a disorder in itself. Vertigo is, therefore, a symptom of a disorder pertaining to balance.
Hearing trouble, vision impairment, and severe headaches are all signs of the onset of a serious attack of vertigo. Before the condition becomes worse, it is important that you consult a doctor to get rid of the vertigo symptoms. To understand the symptoms of vertigo it is essential that you are clear about what it is. The symptom of vertigo that is most prominent is the sensation of your surroundings spinning around you, although there is no actual movement taking place. This can sometimes happen in a mild manner and sometimes it can be so bad that the affected person will be unable to maintain his or her balance. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, problems with walking, inability to maintain balance, erroneous vision, and an inability to concentrate.
The vertigo causes vary from ear infection, head injury, severe migraine to a virus." I find that anxiety and stress often exacerbates the symptoms, but how is it possible to not be anxious when you feel as though you are drunk stumbling through your day-to-day hoping that no one notices that at any moment you could topple over. It is a hard thing for some to be empathetic to things they have not heard of, experience or can not see.
Once I realized that it wasn't an extended hangover and could not recall any recent boat excursion, I made a visit to my family doctor (at the time). His first plan of attack was Serc. For some, such as my cousin, there can be improvement in their symptoms. No such luck for me. I was recently informed that the dosage has been increased but prefer to try natural treatments where possible.
From there I was referred to an ear, nose, throat specialist. Luckily for me the symptoms had not subsided over the months I waited for this appointment. After numerous tests, the conclusion was that there was no conclusion other than it was probably vertigo. I have warned overly optimistic vertigo sufferers of this common outcome.
On to the next, an MRI. This starts to make you nervous. Thoughts of all the potential results caused anxiety but thankfully I was given the A OK. So no what now.
At this point, around 6 months since onset, the symptoms seemed to have disappeared and life was back to normal. I have to say, there is a new appreciation for life when you regain the ability to live it with little limitations. I reminded myself though that reoccurance of vertigo was very common and so I continued my research into treatments.
Some time later I was hit with another episode. I quickly got on to my next set of treatments. I made a visit to a chinese medicine doctor recommended by my husband. This lovely gentleman gave me a combination of herbs in packets to be mixed with hot water. I was enthusiastic and optomistic and rushed home to try it out. Don't let the pungent smell fool you, it tastes as bad as it smells. Unfortunately, Buckleys theory of bad taste equating to good results was not the case here. On to the next.
Physiotherapy. My doctor recommended me to a great group of doctors at Lifemark Physiotherapy. By the time that I went in for my appointment my symptoms were almost all but gone. I went anyways to see what I could learn and potentially apply should another episode occur. I found the balance disorders specialists to be extremely knowledgeable, sympathetic and optimistic. I was given some great information and advice and would highly recommend them to anyone in need of physiotherapy including for vertigo. One thing that I was told, that I continue to tell anyone I come across suffering from these symptoms, is to keep moving. Their materials included many movements to help your brain learn to compensate for whatever deficiencies were occurring to regain the body's balance. This got me to thinking, perhaps there are other ways of incorporating these movements to get the same results.
I have been an avid supporter of the benefits of many forms of yoga over the years. For overall well being I have always found it beneficial. Perhaps it could lead to similar results as physiotherapy. At the onset of my next episode I headed straight to my local Tula yoga studio. I went as often as I could. Combined with eating well, B12, Vitamin C and ginger supplements (especially if any nausea is involved) I found I started to feel better a lot sooner.
As I write this article I am currently going through another bout of vertigo, none of these treatments have been a cure nor are they immediate. However, any improvement is a relief from the constant discomfort of vertigo. As with most ailments, a healthy and active lifestyle along with a positive and relaxed attitude will go a long way. I've attached a few of the many articles discussing the benefits of some of the treatments I've used over the years and am currently using.
Never self diagnose, see your doctor if you are suffering any of these symptoms and find the right treatment for you.
Namaste,
Haley
Go ziplining or hike up to a volcano! http://adventuremaui.com/
