Vertigo

[cheatgal]

For the past few days I have been experiencing a horrible feeling of losing control when I wake up and the world is turning until I sit up and it gradually goes away. While I am up and about during the day I have no symptoms but as soon as I lie down on my back the spinning starts. I am assuming it is vertigo but feel it's a bit soon to consult my very busy doctor if it's likely to clear up fairly quickly. Any suggestions?

[Peter Pedant]

not a very well recognised feature of the flu hat is going around
I have had a bit of it and should go away

[Prudie]

Personally this is one occasion I would go to GP if only because it's a very unpleasant and scary feeling. It may labrynthitis or some other ear problem or something entirely different but I'd want something to make it go away. I think Stemetil can help but am pretty sure it's only available on prescription.

[losgigs]

Could be a symptom of Mernier's disease which affects the inner ear. I'd check with your GP.

[cheatgal]

Thanks for your prompt reply Peter - I don't have flu or even a cold at the moment - just came out of the blue.

[237SJ]

http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/benign-paroxysmal-positional-vertigo-pro It could be this.

[gingejbee]

You may find the information on here useful:

http://www.patient.co.uk/health/benign-paroxysmal-positional-vertigo-leaflet

[Peter Pedant]

cheers cheatgal - the majority recommend a visit to the GP
and I can only agree ....

[cheatgal]

Thanks also to Prudie and losgigs - I am so impressed by the speedy replies. It's good to hear how others would deal with similar problems. I will see the doctor on Friday if possible.

[tonyav]

I'd go and see your doc, cheatgal. I had this around six years ago and after a few days of it I went to the doc's, he prescribed some tablets ( can't remember what they were called ) they worked, it had disappeared in a few days.

[gingejbee]

losgigs: if it were associated with Meniere's Disease (which I have had for years)...there would be tinnitus and hearing loss as well...as well as vomiting with the vertigo attacks.

[grasscarp]

A few months ago I had something similar first thing in the morning and it seemed like the benign etc thing that a couple of people have suggested. However as quickly as it had come and within a matter of days it had gone. Thank goodness.

[Sqad]

Not enough information....not nearly enough.

How old are you?
Are you taking any medication for any pre-existing underlying medical condition?
Just confirm that during the day, even with constant movements of the head, you do not have any attacks, your only problem is when you wake up in the morning.

Do you get any deafness or wringing in the ears during your attack?

Until my question are answered, it certainly doesn't sound like BPPV or Meniere's disease and at the moment doesn't sound "a big deal."

I would rush to the GP,s at the moment, but look forward to your answers.

[cheatgal]

Attention of Sqad.
I am 71 and take several medications for a very long standing liver disease, PBC which was diagnosed 20 years ago but I worked until 65 and didn't lose a day's work because of this. I also have thyroid medication which has been treated with thyroxine - again with little interference from daily life. I seem to have a compromised immune system whatever that is.


I have had no problems during the day and continue to look after my two young grandsons and so far keep up with their demands for joining in with their activities. I have never suffered with anything like this before so it came as a shock as the feeling was so weird. It came on the day after my wonderful brother's funeral and his death was a complete shock to us as he was fit and healthy at74. He had an aneurysm so he didn't suffer for long but I can't think that my problem is because of losing him. He died on 12th December and the funeral was late because of delays with the Coronor and Christmas so I was over the worst by the time of the funeral.
Sorry to go on but you did ask for feedback and your advice is much sought after.

Bet you wish you hadn't asked!!

[Sqad]

No! No! That was indeed very helpful and possibly makes the diagnosis clearer.
I will assume that your thyroid checks have been normal.

What you are describing is an emotional response to your brother's death and does not suggest any life threatening or organic disease.

This will settle given time and as far as a GPS consultation is concerned....that is up to you, but I cannot see the value at the moment.

Thanks for your full and helpful response which indeed offered the diagnosis.

[cheatgal]

Many thanks Sqad for your helpful comments.