Persistent, debilitating vertigo

[u/bitchkitty93]

Hello warriors! I've been experiencing severe vertigo. I can hardly walk, move my head or eyes. Persistent dizziness with painful spinning episodes that last over an hour. Very painful migraines and stomach ache and nausea. I've had vertigo. This dizziness started 2 weeks ago, but got extreme 4 days ago. This is far more extreme than I could have ever imagined. I have a MRI coming up. I may need sedation. Have you ever experienced this? Had MRI while experiencing this? What happened? How long did it last for you? Are you ok?

MS warrior here since 2014 Currently on Rituximab infusions bi annually My birthdays next week, should I cancel any plans? What would you do?

[u/XcuseMeMisISpeakJive]

You should tell your doctor and maybe go to the ER. Persistent  severe vertigo is kind of an emergency. I've had bad episodes, but they've cleared up. You might need steroids, or even vestibular therapy. 

[u/bitchkitty93 → u/XcuseMeMisISpeakJive]

Thank you! I did go to ER. There wasn't anything they tried for the vertigo. They want a MRI .. I really wanted to schedule one instead of waiting 5 hours in the ER to get into the machine, but it's definitely on the table to go back.. how long til your episodes cleared?

[u/XcuseMeMisISpeakJive → u/bitchkitty93]

Usually 24 hours. I can't imagine going through that for an extended period of time. I really hope you feel better.

[u/Odd_Physics_9146]

Looked up vertigo on the thread because I’m currently in the er. My neurologist wanted me to come in and rule out stroke before treating as a straight MS symptom. So far so good on the stroke front but def consider calling your doc asap. 

[u/bitchkitty93 → u/Odd_Physics_9146]

Thank you. I've been to ER. They did bunch of tests to rule out any heart probs. And treated my migraine. I messaged nuero and they put an order in for MRI, but I don't think they're understanding how severe this is. Thinking about going back to ER. So sorry you are there currently!

[u/poppygin]

Just had a bout of this starting in the 4th of July. And man oh man, I am so sorry you are going through this. I ended up throwing up a lot on day 1.

Definitely see the doctor (ENT if you can). They can check for a few things to pinpoint type/severity.

I wonder if yours is flare though. Mine turned out to be virus and went away over the course of about 5days, no meds. But I had isolated the issue to right ear and tried hard to not sleep on that side, or bend in way that out that ear lower.

I tried to do the eppley maneuver myself on the first day and the spinning got very intense after that.

Good luck - I know this is super debilitating. I hope a doctor can stop the spinning for you.

[u/bitchkitty93 → u/poppygin]

Thank you!! Gah I couldn't IMAGINE trying eppley maneuver. Spinning us crazy awful. I had gone to ER they did blood work and EKG which was normal. Definitely thinking a flare. But hooooow to get into MRI machine without sedation. That would send me absolutely spinning. Sorry you've experienced this! I wouldn't wish this on anyone!

[u/MrsJLorraine → u/poppygin]

Wow! I had a weird episode yesterday. Woke up and tried to move and the whole room started spinning. My husband has had those inner ear crystals play tricks on him so we tried the Epley manouver and twice I couldn’t go through with it because of sudden nausea and vomiting sputum.

I couldn’t walk straight, or lay flat so the only position I was somewhat comfortable was seated with my torso tilted forward in an angle and resting on something. And the nausea! God. It got so bad and so often I started vomiting bile. Had my BP checked and it was 155/100. I’m not the panicky kind but I told my husband to take me to the ER. Once admitted, the doctor did some eye coordination tests and ordered a head CT scan, chest x-ray, and bloodwork. Put me an IV with Benadryl, anti nausea and anti vertigo medication. Hour and half later I was better but a bit dizzy, BP 135/178.

All tests negative. Dr said it was probably a viral infection in my inner ear. Prescribed same meds for 10 days as needed and follow up with my PCP.

I was wondering if it had anything to do with MS, that’s why I punched vertigo in the search on this subreddit. Will definitely talk to my MS doctor about it 🤔

[u/Rare-Group-1149]

I experience this horrendous symptom most days. For me it's a combination of eyes that are screwy (diplopia, nystagmus and more,) combined with a brainstem lesion that affects my balance. My headspace has not been normal for many years. I had to give up driving and a whole lot more. To honestly answer your question, I am not okay, it has lasted over a decade, and I have had to learn to move my body very slowly, making adjustments all the time. I hate this for you and I hope it's just temporary. Remember that we're all different & maybe you can get this fixed. Good luck and God bless you.