A question for Salu.

**Maggy J** · 02-03-2006, 15:33

Dear Salu,

Is dizzyness a symptom of anything really serious like coronory thrombosis?

I ask because for the last two days I've been suffering this during the night and when I wake up in the morning .I roll over and immediately the room is spinning.However after a couple of hours or so it does wear off.I'm also concerned because my mother was suffering bouts of dizzyness during the 6 months before she died of a coronory at 58(I'm 53).

She was being tested for Meniere's disease before she died but hadn't had the results when she died.

Or am I just having an over active imagination?

Salu · 02-03-2006, 15:55

Dizziness can be a symptoms of a heart attack but only when the heart is compromised as a result of the attack. It wouldn't fluctuate and would be regarded as a late sign and doesn't really match the symptoms that you describe.

As usual my answer would be to go to your GP but what you are describing could be something as innocuous as an ear infection.

There are many causes of dizziness from postural hypotension to ear infection to Menieres. Meniere's is not diagnosable from a set of symptoms as they differ from person to person. What you do is exclude other causes and are then left with a differential diagnosis of Menieres.

Have you had a sore throat or have one now?
Are you experiencing any hearing loss? (I SAID, ARE YOU EXPERIENCING......

)
Are you getting any tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Do you have any history of Thyroid problems?

These are some of the questions that you will be asked but it's not something that I will be able to diagnose over the web I'm afraid. It's too complex as there are many causes and tests required.

Feel free to bounce any questions you have off me though. I can understand your concern regarding your mum.

Angua · 02-03-2006, 16:02

If someone else is driving in an abrupt manner does it make the dizziness worse? A couple of people I know suffered with Laberithytis (sp) which seems to be where the fluid in the ear gets a bit sluggish and so what your eye sees and what your balance tell you doesn't match until you have been still for a moment. Ma in law noticed it when she got out of be one morning.

**Maggy J** · 02-03-2006, 19:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salu

Dizziness can be a symptoms of a heart attack but only when the heart is compromised as a result of the attack. It wouldn't fluctuate and would be regarded as a late sign and doesn't really match the symptoms that you describe.

Good!

As usual my answer would be to go to your GP but what you are describing could be something as innocuous as an ear infection.

I hope not.

There are many causes of dizziness from postural hypotension to ear infection to Menieres. Meniere's is not diagnosable from a set of symptoms as they differ from person to person. What you do is exclude other causes and are then left with a differential diagnosis of Menieres.

Have you had a sore throat or have one now?

No.
Are you experiencing any hearing loss? (I SAID, ARE YOU EXPERIENCING......

)

Pardon? No.

Are you getting any tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

No.
Do you have any history of Thyroid problems?

No.Sometimes I wish I could use the excuse for my weight problem but no.

These are some of the questions that you will be asked but it's not something that I will be able to diagnose over the web I'm afraid. It's too complex as there are many causes and tests required.

Fair enough.

Feel free to bounce any questions you have off me though. I can understand your concern regarding your mum.

Well thank you for your help and prompt response.If the condition continues I'm off to the doctor's surgery to ask to have my blood pressure tested at the very least..I've never had high blood pressure even when pregnant.I have indeed been given to understand that it may be inclined to be on the low side.Could that cause such giddyness?

**Graham M** · 02-03-2006, 19:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Incognitas

Well thank you for your help and prompt response.If the condition continues I'm off to the doctor's surgery to ask to have my blood pressure tested at the very least..I've never had high blood pressure even when pregnant.I have indeed been given to understand that it may be inclined to be on the low side.Could that cause such giddyness?

I expect so. Is it more of a light headedness or a proper dizziness?

**Maggy J** · 02-03-2006, 20:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeph

Quote:

Originally Posted by Incognitas

Well thank you for your help and prompt response.If the condition continues I'm off to the doctor's surgery to ask to have my blood pressure tested at the very least..I've never had high blood pressure even when pregnant.I have indeed been given to understand that it may be inclined to be on the low side.Could that cause such giddyness?

I expect so. Is it more of a light headedness or a proper dizziness?

It's the world spinning type of dizzyness.Very unpleasant...

**Graham M** · 02-03-2006, 21:53

I would imagine (and this is not a professional medical oppinion mind you) that if it was related to the circulatory system then itd be more of a light headed feeling. I'd be more inclined to say that it was something to do with balance. But again, not professional, go seek help.

Ramrod · 02-03-2006, 22:06

Do you get dizzy if you go from lying down to sitting up or visa versa?--or if you just turn your head all the way to one side (or the other) whilst sitting?

---------- Post added at 22:06 ---------- Previous post was at 21:56 ----------

Have you had a cold (or similar) recently?

Salu · 02-03-2006, 22:42

I don't this this is to do with blood pressure. One thing that suggests not is the turning over in bed problem. This sounds more like a labyrinthitis/vertigo/inner ear balance problem than a blood pressure one.

**Maggy J** · 03-03-2006, 00:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramrod

Do you get dizzy if you go from lying down to sitting up or visa versa?--or if you just turn your head all the way to one side (or the other) whilst sitting?

---------- Post added at 22:06 ---------- Previous post was at 21:56 ----------

Have you had a cold (or similar) recently?

I'm getting it lying down when I roll over and when I first sit up for an hour or so.

Will be off to bed soon(I'm rather put off bed at the moment though).

No cold since before Crimbo.However I do suffer from catarrh especially at night.I get a very annoying phlegmy cough when I lie down sometimes.

Salu · 03-03-2006, 10:17

How did it go last night then Incog?

**Maggy J** · 03-03-2006, 10:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salu

How did it go last night then Incog?

No so bad especiallly if I concentrate on keeping my head still and moving the body instead.

I'm also getting over it rather quicker this morning.However I have to work most of next week.Shall have to try and see a doctor.Won't get an appointment today now(

) and can't prebook an appointment(

) so I'll have to phone on Monday morning now.Probably by then it will be better.

Trouble is I have to work 4 days next week so I may have to rethink my day's arrangement and instead of driving hubby to work and myself back at 6 am (40 minute trip) before getting off to work at 8 I'll taxi it until I feel better.I can't drive while I suffer from this that badly in the morning.

**Graham M** · 03-03-2006, 10:37

That sounds sensible Coggy

Salu · 03-03-2006, 13:11

Coggy.

Have you banged your head recently?
What happens if you turn your head quickly to one side or indeed the other. I don't mean repeatedly....
Are you being/feeling sick?
Get someone to look at your eyes when you are experiencing these symptoms (but are remaining still) and get them to tell you if your eyes are moving rapidly (flickering side to side) This can be subtle...
If it is a viral labyrinthitis, which I suspect it is, then you can expect it to last around a fortnight.
I wouldn't recommend driving to be honest....but you will need to be examined first before this can be advised.

**Maggy J** · 03-03-2006, 15:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salu

Coggy.

Have you banged your head recently?

No.

What happens if you turn your head quickly to one side or indeed the other. I don't mean repeatedly....
When I do that it just seem to get much worse.When I stop it subsides.This is only for the first 20 minutes after waking and then begins to ease off.It may return if I bend over or look down.After about two hours of getting up it's almost gone.By the time the morning is finished it's gone(apart from bending over too quickly)
Are you being/feeling sick?

Only at first when the world is spinning.When that subsides I'm fine.
Get someone to look at your eyes when you are experiencing these symptoms (but are remaining still) and get them to tell you if your eyes are moving rapidly (flickering side to side) This can be subtle...

I would but they have been up and gone from the house these last three mornings.I'll ask tomorrow if I've still got it.

If it is a viral labyrinthitis, which I suspect it is, then you can expect it to last around a fortnight.

How the hell did I catch it?I've had no symptoms of illness and not even a cold or sore throat.Though today I my left eye keeps watering.But no red eye,just annoying cattarrh thus far.

I wouldn't recommend driving to be honest....but you will need to be examined first before this can be advised.

I'd certainly rather be safe than sorry.

And thanks!