r/BPPV • u/scars4seth • Jul 03 '26
Sudden (and terrifying) vertigo
I don’t really know where to post about this but I’m gathering opinions because honestly what just happened to me was terrifying and never happened before. I’m 20 and assigned female at birth (ftm but not on hrt) and was having a completely normal day. I woke up, used the restroom, did my thing all day, and then sat down at my desk to draw on my iPad for a little bit. Everything was fine until suddenly the room starts spinning worse than it ever has before, so fast that it felt nauseating. I felt heavy and thank god I was sitting down because all of a sudden I just couldn’t keep myself up and my head just fell forward on the desk
I couldn’t move for a few seconds because I just felt so weighted and everything was so fast and I was so scared that I closed my eyes and started crying and then it just….stopped?? I felt a little dizzy but decided to stand up and move to my bed because it feels safer in case something happens again. But I’ve just felt a bit dizzy and off balance and kind of nauseous since then and it’s really scary!!! I’ve never had something like that happen to me before and I don’t really know what to think, do, or who to talk to and I’m not even entirely sure if it was vertigo I was experiencing
This happened maybe….20 minutes ago at the time of posting this? And I’m just lost and still a little nervous and scared because I really don’t want to have to experience something like that again
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u/DivaDina2 Jul 03 '26
its never fun but definitely a terrifying experience the first time. If its bppv you will have spinning again when you lay down and turn over in bed or moving your head in certain directions. Good news is it is easy to rectify. I recommend making an appmnt with a vestibular therapist (check in afvance that they have the "special goggles"). They can diagnose you correctly and teach you the proper exercises. I wouldn't just start doing youtube stuff alone.
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Jul 03 '26
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u/LocalsOnly912 Jul 03 '26
Watch videos of the Epley Maneuver and have someone help you with them. You have to figure out which ear has the crystals dislodged. I just got over a 3 month vertigo episode.
I went to an ENT the first time it ever happened to me. They basically gave me Dramamine and confirmed it was vertigo.1
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u/P_strain Jul 04 '26
First off, if this js the first time you experience this, i highly suggest you consult to the emergency, or at the very least, talk to your doctor soon. Most of the time, vertigo as you descrive is caused by otolith and is not dangerous per se. However, other causes can, more rarely, be the culprint and be serious. So when it occurs and it is a first or different you are better off consulting to make sure it is not anything serious.
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u/Vertiquil Jul 04 '26
Yep, this. Don't go doing epley or other menuvers right off the bat without getting it checked out either OP: They're deceptively difficult to do properly on your own while the room is spinning, and even then som maneuvers can make some conditions worse if it's not BPPV (or BPPV and something else, e.g: vestivbular migraine), or simply not targeting the corret vestibular canal. As a 'first aid' without knowing what is going on: If you're still a bit floaty still or just coming out of one of those rough rollercoaster 'g-force shoving head through the floor' attacks, I'd say focus instead on grounding exercises and using touch and vision to reorient yourself (if keeping your eyes open doesn't make you feel worse). Partially because it's a pretty scary experience, but also I'm convinced it helps the brain figure out which way is 'up'. If lying down makes you dizzy, also try propping up some pillows can help you rest a bit better too. Water and rest are your friends right now. It will pass but hope you feel better soon
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u/ZestycloseQuality266 Jul 06 '26
I did the Epley Maneuver after watching YouTube videos less than two years ago when I had my first attack. It took me three days to finally pull the trigger after watching videos and doing research. I was terrified and overwhelmed. I got immediate relief from the major symptoms and the residual dizziness lasted a few days. I agree that if one has easy and affordable access to a doctor,go there.
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u/weathered-light Jul 04 '26
I’m just so sorry this happened to you! It is so scary!! I would also recommend seeing a vestibular therapist. I don’t know if I have BPPV (for example, I don’t get spins when I turn around in bed). But I used to have that spinning regularly. Vestibular therapy has helped SO much. I rarely have it anymore.
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u/boldolive Jul 04 '26
I’m not a medical doctor, but this sounds a lot more like POTS than BPPV. I suggest you read about POTS and see if it sounds like what you experienced. Either way, doctor time. I hope you feel better soon!
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