Anyone have long term BPPV?

Mach1USMC

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[ame=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benign_paroxysmal_positional_vertigo]Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/ame]

I was diagnosed with this last wed (9 Nov)- they said it could last for a few days to a few weeks. So far the drugs have allowed me to actually eat but the Vertigo is a biotch. Picture being hammered and hungover all at the same time!!

Anyone ever experience this? I'm on Valium to calm the nerves and Steriods to help repair the nerves (I presume)- is there anything else I can do? I can't even drive right now. They did a "field sobriety" style test to see how your eyes bounce at your peripheral vision and they said they were bouncing like a guy twice the legal limit. I'm going crazy here- what if anything else can be done? This just sucks!!
 

astrocreep96

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Benzos and steroids are not part of the standard protocol for treating BPPV - unless they're trying the steroids for suspicion of vestibular neuritis. Benzos still don't have a role in treatment, though. Was this diagnosed outside of the US (Japan)?

We commonly use meclizine in our hospital, although scopolamine is also indicated in some cases.
 

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Benzos and steroids are not part of the standard protocol for treating BPPV - unless they're trying the steroids for suspicion of vestibular neuritis. Benzos still don't have a role in treatment, though. Was this diagnosed outside of the US (Japan)?

We commonly use meclizine in our hospital, although scopolamine is also indicated in some cases.

I'm being treated via "Obamacare" (socialized American medicine compliments of the U.S. military- IOW's a U.S. Naval Hospital in Japan)

They did say Labyrinthitis as a possible diagnosis- which after looking it up just now is probably why they are giving me the prednazone. But they were pretty sure it was BPPV- but it shouldn't last this long should it?
 

astrocreep96

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I'm being treated via "Obamacare" (socialized American medicine compliments of the U.S. military- IOW's a U.S. Naval Hospital in Japan)

They did say Labyrinthitis as a possible diagnosis- which after looking it up just now is probably why they are giving me the prednazone. But they were pretty sure it was BPPV- but it shouldn't last this long should it?

BPPV usually comes and goes, each attack should last a few minutes or so and then resolve, often triggered by sudden head movements or positions. If it is a neuritis then it will resolve over a couple of weeks as inflammation decreases.

If you're having consistent symptoms that are not waxing and waning it would be a bit odd for BPPV. Did they try any maneuvers in the clinic/hospital (either Dix-Halpike for diagnosis or Eply for resolution)?
 

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BPPV usually comes and goes, each attack should last a few minutes or so and then resolve, often triggered by sudden head movements or positions. If it is a neuritis then it will resolve over a couple of weeks as inflammation decreases.

If you're having consistent symptoms that are not waxing and waning it would be a bit odd for BPPV. Did they try any maneuvers in the clinic/hospital (either Dix-Halpike for diagnosis or Eply for resolution)?

They did the test where they grab either side of your head- tell you to look at the tip of their nose then violently jerk your head up/down or side to side. Not sure exactly what they were looking for with that one. They also did CT scans which were neg....:shrug:
 

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I get it one or two times a year, mine is only a vicious 30 seconds or so when i wake up. I have a theory that dehydration causes mine. I take some multivitamins and water just to make sure, not sure if it helps.
 

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I get it one or two times a year, mine is only a vicious 30 seconds or so when i wake up. I have a theory that dehydration causes mine. I take some multivitamins and water just to make sure, not sure if it helps.

I've been pounding Gatorade and water once the valium allowed me to keep food and fluids down and while I'm not hungry or thirsty anymore I'm still "dizzy"..... I'm going back to the Doc on Monday- hopefully he'll have some more answers then.
 

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My wife had it bad. She suffered with it a while. Like you, couldn't drive or sometimes get out of bed.

Found an ENT that specializes in it. Very wierd but he put her in a dentist like chair, put strobe light on, rolled her head around in a circular motion, back and forth, etc.... and it rolled the crystals back in place.

this was 5+ years ago and she has not once had it since. Walked out of there like a new person.
 

ArgusFaul

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Treatment for BPPV

Interesting. The best treatment for BPPV is indeed the Epley maneuver. I had it. It makes the symptoms go away. You can do it at home too. Go see this website - you can buy a DizzyFIX device which shows you how to do the whole thing yourself. Good luck. Drugs just mask the symtoms - forget them and get a real treatment.
 

Mach1USMC

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Interesting. The best treatment for BPPV is indeed the Epley maneuver. I had it. It makes the symptoms go away. You can do it at home too. Go see this website - you can buy a DizzyFIX device which shows you how to do the whole thing yourself. Good luck. Drugs just mask the symtoms - forget them and get a real treatment.

YouTubing home remedies as we speak. I'll keep you all posted as to the results.

How people stay feeling hammered this long on purpose I have no idea:shrug: This SUCKS!!
 

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Epley maneuver, as stated above, works well for a fair amount of my patients, if it's truly BPPV. I'm sure you can find some youtube vids on that. Good luck and keep us posted.
 

Mach1USMC

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Epley maneuver, as stated above, works well for a fair amount of my patients, if it's truly BPPV. I'm sure you can find some youtube vids on that. Good luck and keep us posted.

Did several of the techniques multiple times at multiple intervals and it's not helping....... maybe it's something else:shrug:

Very frustrating!!
 

'03GTinFLA

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How did your symptoms start? Any recent head trauma? Sounds like it's constant but is there any relieving positions or any that make it worse, like rapid head movement or laying down? Maybe try Brandt Daroff exercises. They are midpage on this link BPPV -- BENIGN PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL VERTIGO
I looked on VEDA's website but they don't list any physicians in Japan but they do have some basic advice for home vestibular rehab training. VEDA - Vestibular Disorders Association - Home-based exercise
I usually work with my patients for a week or two using the Epley and vestibular rehab training similar to whats in the link above along with having them perform home exercises, Brandt Daroff exercises. If they don't improve within a week or two I usually refer them to the American Institute for Balance which is close by to where I work. I wish I had something else for you but it's hard to help over the internet.
 

Mach1USMC

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How did your symptoms start? Any recent head trauma? Sounds like it's constant but is there any relieving positions or any that make it worse, like rapid head movement or laying down? Maybe try Brandt Daroff exercises. They are midpage on this link BPPV -- BENIGN PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL VERTIGO
I looked on VEDA's website but they don't list any physicians in Japan but they do have some basic advice for home vestibular rehab training. VEDA - Vestibular Disorders Association - Home-based exercise
I usually work with my patients for a week or two using the Epley and vestibular rehab training similar to whats in the link above along with having them perform home exercises, Brandt Daroff exercises. If they don't improve within a week or two I usually refer them to the American Institute for Balance which is close by to where I work. I wish I had something else for you but it's hard to help over the internet.

The weird thing for me is a lot of my co-workers have been sent home for a few days with nausea etc.... it first started with dizzyness along with lack of balance- then over the next few hrs I started getting nausea too. By the time I got home that evening (wed) I couldn't keep any food or drink down- even crackers and water. Fast fwd to Saturday- I've now lost 7 lbs and haven't eaten or had any liquids since Wed morning. The wife forces me to go to the ER and they give me several IV's.... they do their tests and CT scans and determine that I have BPPV and the steroids and valium should fix it- they sent me home to "sleep it off"- except the next morning the only thing that was better was the nausea a bit- I could actually eat and drink which was a good thing. As long as I'm sitting pretty still I'm good- as soon as I get up to move around the dizziness and lack of balance comes back. I can't walk more than a few feet without having to grab onto a wall or have someone guide me. I did get a cane which helps a lot- but I can't do hardly anything for myself it seems anymore. Even though I CAN work at home due to the type of work I do for my primary mission my Unit wants me present for the collateral duties I perform...... this just sucks.

But no recent head injuries, no boxing, MMA, falls etc..... I did have a pretty bad case of heat stroke back in March but the Docs say that should have nothing to do with this.
 

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Have you had a MRI? I was diagnosed with BPPV, then I come to find out I have MS. Get an MRI If you can
Same thing happened to me in Afghanistan, CTs dont show anything. Everything you described I had, except for a visual change. I lost about 13 pounds. Have an Visual Changes?
 
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Mach1USMC

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Have you had a MRI? I was diagnosed with BPPV, then I come to find out I have MS. Get an MRI If you can
Same thing happened to me in Afghanistan, CTs dont show anything. Everything you described I had, except for a visual change. I lost about 13 pounds. Have an Visual Changes?

I still have problem,s tracking... I can type, read and watch TV for short periods of time. But it's very difficult. I might have to switch to Audio books and stick to the radio..... but If I can't drive anymore I don't know what I'm gonna do:nonono:

I'd gladly give up all those other things to be able to drive.

Sorry to hear about your MS- how severe is it and how has it affected your life? I take it you're medically retired?
 

BV600

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I still have problem,s tracking... I can type, read and watch TV for short periods of time. But it's very difficult. I might have to switch to Audio books and stick to the radio..... but If I can't drive anymore I don't know what I'm gonna do:nonono:

I'd gladly give up all those other things to be able to drive.

Sorry to hear about your MS- how severe is it and how has it affected your life? I take it you're medically retired?

On the safe side I would get an MRI just to clear yourself.
Pretty big actually, Still getting used to the changes, Only have had it since April this year. The only way for me to describe it is lots of pain and fatigue. I have to give myself shots 3xs a week. Canged my diet, tons of vitamans, light excersise now. Doctors are still dumbfounded on how I got it. Im 25 always healthy and No family background of MS.
Im going through a Medical Retirement should be outta here by May
 

Mach1USMC

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On the safe side I would get an MRI just to clear yourself.
Pretty big actually, Still getting used to the changes, Only have had it since April this year. The only way for me to describe it is lots of pain and fatigue. I have to give myself shots 3xs a week. Canged my diet, tons of vitamans, light excersise now. Doctors are still dumbfounded on how I got it. Im 25 always healthy and No family background of MS.
Im going through a Medical Retirement should be outta here by May

That is pretty crazy.... hope things will improve if that's possible. I need to read up on MS. The last thing I want to do is be medically retired but I am almost non-functional right now- at least not near the level I need to be to perform my duties.


Can you be having panic attacks? If the Benzos are helping?

No panic attacks, no nerves..... def aggravation but that's more towards how I'm feeling right now. The drugs are just making me feel lethargic and sleepy more than anything else.

*update-

Doc now thinks it could be vestibular neuritis since the symptoms don't exactly match BPPV and are lasting longer than usual. Going in for an MRI tomorrow to see what's up. Hopefully something definitive soon. This is driving me (and my wife) nuts!! lol
 
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svtfocus2cobra

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My ex had it or has it still for all I know and it sucked for her. She would do the home remedies and took some sort of medication for it which made her feel tired so she tried to stick to the exercises which would help enough. It would come and go, but some weeks were really bad where she would have to pull over if she was driving. I don't know too much about it except that, but best of luck to you.
 

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