Okay so i just created this account because i thought this would be the best place for advice.Im 17 years old and im pretty sure i have some kind of inner ear problem.I have always had balance problems.It took me about 5 years longer to learn to ride a bike than everyone else i knew.But when i was about 10 years old,I was honestly just walking through our hallway and something 'Clicked' in my head and i had my first panic attack.I just felt like i was about to pass out.And i havnt been the same since.It has gotten better,Or should i say manageable,but now it has gotten so much worse.There are almost 'Levels' to it.Like ill be sitting there and my head spins,and i feel pressure in my head and i get more dizzy and lightheaded.I started having chest pains last year so i was rushed to the hospital where they found nothing wrong with my heart.Lately i have had this HORRIBLE ringing in my ears,And the right side of my face goes a little numb then is back to normal. Im having headaches,i cant get my license because of this.Im terrified i have a brain tumor or something.This is CONSTANT dizzy lightheaded badness! Its gotten so bad i may not leave my house for a week or two at a time.I have a DEATHLY fear of doctors,But im getting scared that i may never be okay.Any advice is MUCH appreciated! Thanks so much!!!!

Hi

With such a long history of problems it is probably likely you are suffering MAV (also called vestibular migraine amongst many other things). It would explain symptoms like facial numbness, and the chronic nature of your dizziness. There are treatment options but they require a lot of commitment and they are not always successfully immediately.

The first thing you need to do is seek out a neurotologist (not a neurologist, or an ENT) for evaluation. Even if you have to travel, it is worthwhile. If they determine what you have is MAV, they will be able to provide instructions to yourself and your doctor on treatment.

It is not life threatening, and it is very unlikely you have anything life threatening considering your prolonged history of dizziness.

There are really no other conditions that present like this, besides migraine.

Adam

Hello,

Just to second the excellent post by Adam, I also think you have MAV - migraine associated veritigo also known as vestibular migraine. The advice Adam has given you is great advice - seek a neurotologist (different from a neurologist) out and they should be able to help you.

I have vestibular migraine and all your symptoms are totally familiar to me. My condition is controlled a lot of the time with drugs.

best,

Thanks so much! That was some very helpful info.I wouldve never thought migraines,Because the headaches are the least of my problems most of the time! But i will def. look into it.But are there really any home remedies i could maybe try before i go to a professional? Ive seen that eliminating some foods from your diet is a good place to start (cheese,chocolate,ect.).Because i saw that they may have to do an MRI and i cringe at the thought.Maybe some good over the counter medicines? Im probably just grasping for straws but i would like to try whatever i can on my own,Then go from there! Thanks!