Hi,

I am male + 24 years. Recently started to get light headed for a few weeks, then had a sore throat and cold. Saw the doctor and she said to inhale Menthol Eucalyptus oil. Got better, but then the light headedness came back.

Went to see another doctor, and he told me that all my muscles around my shoulders are totally tense.

These are my symptoms ;

Cracking in my ears when swallowing
Dulled 'stoned' kind of feeling constantly, feel like i'm not 100% there.
Anxiety (related to not knowing whats wrong, which probably accounts for tense muscles)
Empty kind of 'airy' feeling at the back of my head.
Really tired, no sleep is enough.
Also, my wisdom teeth had a dull feeling recently.

Have been taking Ibuprofen which don't seem to do much at all, and have just got hold of some phosphorus from the local homeopathic store (supposed to help with light-headed feeling).

I seem to recollect having this a few times before, and just put it down to drinking too much. Most of the time I am successful in ignoring it - but sometimes feel really anxious like I have something seriously wrong !

Can anyone relate to the above ?

Hey Unduly,

Ive got all those same symptoms along with an off balance type feeling(sorta dizzy like). I have extreme anxiety over all this and depression. Have had it now 6 months solid....

You might possibly grind your teeth at night and that;s causing wierd feeling with your teeth. I grind and my teeth feel trippy sometimes....Did the docs check you ears for anything? Anyway bro you're not alone. IM 27yr old male and I feel ya. If you wanna know more just let me know. Hang in there.-----Fighter--

hui unduly

unfortunatly we can all relate to your symptoms. i'm not 5.5 months into it. have you seen an ENT? that would definately be your next step. it could be a number of different thing like Labyrinthitus, Eustachian Tube dysfunction, crystalisation somewhere in your ear, etc. mine is partially a TMJ problem (still investigating that) you may what to check that out too.

for noe your best bet is to educate yourself. search for words like "foggy" "spacey" vertigo, etc and see what you come up with. we're all in the same boat and believe me it makes it easier having people to relate to.

Take care and keep us posted.

Anastasia

hi - thanks for the encouragement.

Well, pressure in my ears seems to of calmed down, but I've noticed that the low ceiling lighting at work seems to make me mor on edge - working with computers doesn't help either.
Also, when I'm on my bicycle crossing the road - i have to check twice that no cars are coming! I put this down to the anxiety and dizziness.
I am flying on holiday next week, and am hoping that the air pressure of flying doesn't make me worse. It would totally ruin my hols thinking that I was dying or something!
I still have a dis-conected feeling mentally. What I don't have is total diziness when walking - I can control what I'm doing, but it does take more concentration than 'normal'.
I think the phosphorus I got from the homeopath's has eased my anxiety a bit. I am not worring so much now.
Another thing - my girlfriend had a virus over the past 2 months, but this hasn't affected her in this way - I'm thinking that maybe my ears were just more susebtable (?) to a virus. Maybe the unusually hot weather here has also made me more aware of my symptoms ? I hear of so many people I know being ill in one way or another recently.

Let me know what you think of my thoughts (does that even make sense!!!)

Hi there Unduly worried,

A couple of things in your initial post caught my eye -the dull feeling in your wisdom teeth and also the crackling in your ears. Also the fact that you may have experienced this before and it's gone away. Sounds like it could be tempero mandibular joint disorder. This can be caused by clenching or grinding of the teeth, although there can be other factors involved. If you have a mild case, it could be treated by wearing a simple mouthguard made by your dentist to suppress clenching.

It's hard to say, as the light headed sensations could also be inner ear, it's just when you say you have experienced this before. Especially in the early stages tmjd can be defined by flare ups, probably brought on by extra stress induced clenching, then the irritation in the muscles dies down again, and it goes. I experienced my first spaced out, tight ear sensations 2 ish yrs ago, because it only lasted a few days I ignored it. A lot of people with tmjd initially think it's their wisdom teeth feeling dull or hurting, because it's so close to the jaw joint. TMJD can, and often does, cause a lightheaded sensation, also a stiff neck. I have it and my physio says for some reason people with muscular probs in their jaw and neck get this, along with the stoned, foggy headed feeling. It can also cause a feeling of full ears.

I can't say for sure, like I said, could be inner ear, but it's a hard one to get diagnosed, regular dentists don't have to do further training in tmjd, and often miss it. Especially if people don't have the obvious popping and clicking jaw symptoms. Do you happen to know if you have a clenching or teeth grinding problem? Some people only clench hard at night in their sleep and are unaware they're doing it.

Anyway, thought I better mention it as like I said, it's often missed as a diagnosis. I have it, and Anastasia who has replied above also has it. No one spotted mine apart from finally my dentist. I also have labyrinthitis. If it goes on get your ears checked out, and if that proves fruitless, try a dental hospital, see what they say. If you do have this you don't want to ignore it - it starts off mild but if you don't stop the clenching with a mouthguard it can get worse. I wish someone had told me what it was 4 yrs ago during my first attack - would have saved me a lot of horrible stuff later down the line.

Like I said, don't know, but wanted you to be aware of it, just in case. By the way, when my dentist told me some of my ear/dizzy problems could be caused by my jaw I thought she was mad, now I know more about it I realise it's very common. Should your 'wisdom teeth' start to hurt more, you'll know where to look.

[This message has been edited by hbep (edited 08-22-2003).]

Hi - thanks for the reply!

Well - a couple of things really ; Last doctor's appointment, he said that my left ear was not popping as well as the right one. Funnily enough, this is the same side my jaw clicks when opening my mouth (not all the time, about 50%).
Also, the phospherous I was told to take by the homeopath shop seemed to relax my anxiety. Make what you will of that...
Another thing - it may sound totally stupid, but I was feeling quite bad earlier (feeling like i was 'observing' rather than participating), and made myself eat something (hadn't eaten properely for a few days, probably due to anxiety) and I immediately noticed a difference. Common sense maybe, but my eating habbits have always been too relaxed.

I have booked ane eyesite test on drs orders (seems pointless now - I'm sure my eyes are fine even though I wear glasses) but will book the dentist when I return from hols - the wisdom teeth thing has really had me thinking. They don't 'hurt' as such, but I can definatley 'feel' them more than before. Thanks for the info about TMJ. That dentist's my next port of call...

Hey Unduly-worried..

I have alot of the same symptoms. Ive had them off and on for awhile now....

Something to possibly look into may be your wisdom teeth. Ive heard of various impactions and other w-teeth issues creating such problems.
Good Luck Let us know.

Tim

ps... 9 times outta 10 eating helps me too. My ears hurt sometimes, do yours ever?

Tim

Well - thought all was well when I went to sleep, then woke up after 5 hours and felt really light headed (also, lower jaw around my ears seemed really swollen).

No - I never have 'pain' in my ears, but they do get blocked and crackle a lot when I swallow. It might be down to not having sensitive ears though. Like some people are really sensitive to loud noise (I on the other hand am not).

I have also noticed a washy sensation at the back of my head. I am now thinking this has to do with my jaw/wisdom teeth, as it is the area where the jaw joins and behind.

Hi there Unduly Worried,

Just to reiterate after your last post, this sounds even more like tmjd. If your jaw has now started hurting it's a bit of a give away. Although I reiterate I do also always think it's worth getting your ears checked out by a specialist. I was diagnosed with tmjd first, then labyrinthitis later. With regard to tmjd treatment, I am seen at The Eastman dental Hospital in Grays Inn Road, London. I notice you are in Brighton, I realise it's a bit of a distance, and there may be a dental hospital in Brighton, but if not, you could get reffered there. It's often preferable to a regular dentist as they aren't always fantastic at diagnosing it. It's also NHS, so you won't have to pay.

If it is tmjd (and I'm not doc or dentist, so don't know for sure) there are little things you can do to help yourself. Warming up your shoulders, i.e doing circular motions back and forth and then stretching you neck, any good book on stretching will have some simple ones, keep it gentle, little and often, should help. If you're in pain or your jaw feels bad, moist heat - hot water bottle in damp towel, or ice - a bag of peas is a winner. You just work out which one works best for you. If you are diagnosed with this in the long run you should wear a splint at night to supress clenching.

TMJD treatment in this country isn't very advanced, the Eastman doesn't believe in the new (last 20 yrs) school of treatments being used a lot in The States. Tmjd treatment is a hot bed of controversy - the old schoolers are very hostile to the new schools of thought as they say their methods aren't tried and tested enough. The Eastman, however, is a good place to start, as you can get a diagnosis and they can use the most 'conservative' treatment on you, then you can decide if you want to try other things if that doesn't work. If you are diagnosed and want to find out more about all the debates around treating this it's a good idea the try the tmjd board on here. You would need to put time aside and really familiarise yourself, it takes a while, but eventually you get the hang of all the options.

As I said, I really don't know if this is definitely your problem - I have tmjd and labyrinthitis, it's obviously possible to have both.

Anyway, let us know how you get on.

best,

hbep.

ps Timm - my ears often hurt. Obviously ear pain can indicate a number of things but tmjd is definitely one thing that'll cause it.

[This message has been edited by hbep (edited 08-25-2003).]

Thanks a lot Hbep. I really appreciate you taking time to respond to my problem. I have posted a message on the other board to see if it confirms what I think your right about.

I have been really anxious today, just worrying why my thoughts are so eratic (but then at least I'm able to question this, so it can't be anything THAT bad!!!).

I am totally uncomfortable with this 'insert a nasty word' feeling.

I've got an eye test 2morow, and am def. booking me a dentist app.

Thanks again. Hope your symptoms are not getting you down as well.

Hey

Went to the dentist - as far as he could tell it was nothing dental. He suggested going to see a back/neck specialist.
I still have the clicking in my ears, so I guess that is what is mainly causing my probs.
My anxiety feeling has lessened. Just maybe once a day I will feel awful for about an hour.

I was feeling quite good two days ago (in the evening, but bad earlier that day) then yesterday I had my most normal day for the past 3-4 weeks.
The reason for this (i assume) is that whatever I have (probably a viral infection affecting my balance/ears I.M.O) has actually dropped in intensity and allowed the Ibuprofen to work. (2 x 200mg capsules)

But, this morning I felt kind of okay, and then after being at work (lots of walking around for four hours) I felt a bit awful. Came home and felt a bit shakey. Maybe I pushed myself too hard too early at work ?

I have noticed that when the Ibuprofen starts to wear off I get a 'sick' feeling in my stomach. Like when you're really nervous.

Also, going off to sleep can be hard. I have been having the most weird and strange dreams over the past few weeks.

In general I feel a bit better, I hope it is the same for whoever reads this.

Hi Unduly worried, glad you are feeling a bit better. Bear in mind pain in the jaw and near the ears is not always indicative of a jaw problem but also of sinus problems. The fact that this started with a sore throat etc indicates its prob a viral infection more than anything else. Your jaw could be hurting because of the sinus pressure but also because you are tense. Ear problems so create anxiety. Good luck to you xxx

Hi

I really hate to seem like I'm moaning but I just needed to say that I feel absolutely awful at the moment.

It is not so much the symptoms but the ANXIETY I am feeling. I am going to see the doctor about this first thing Monday. I need something to calm me down badly.

Last night I felt perfectly normal, had a NORMAL night's sleep for the first time in weeks. Started to feel a bit 'not quite right' at work today, so took some Ibuprofen (which for 2 days had really helped considerably). Got home to find no-one was in and then started to feel worse.

If (as I suspect) this is viral thing in my case, how long should I expect it to last ? I have stopped going out and stopped drinking completely (although this has saved me money, I feel I have no life at the moment). Also I have been taking Echinacea, Vitamin B (good for the nervous system) and Acidophilus daily for over a week. I think this is helping me.

My girlfreind has totally had it with me - I have spent everyday this week with her to ease my anxiety, but last night and today she has really been nasty and unhelpfull (unfortunately I work with her as well). How would/do you all deal with this situation ? Whats best ?

On a plus side, this morning the inside of my left ear (which doc said was most blocked) completely felt clear. I mean - I could actually feel air flowing. I haven't felt that sensation for about 2 years! Is that a good sign ?

I also must say a big 'thank you' to all who've replied to my messages - it means so much to feel like I'm not alone. Even though most of us don't seem to know whats wrong exactly, it's a comfort knowing someone else has been there before and can offer advice. Funny how I get more ease from a web-page than from talking to my doctor/partner/parents.

Thanks - and good health to you all.

Dear Unduly-worried,

I totally understand your anxiety feelings. I am 25 and have had labyrinthitus for nearly five months now, but the serious anxiety didn't kick in until about month 3. I went through several weeks of not being able to be left on my own for any length of time without have a major panic attack accompanied by horrible chest pain which made me think at one point I was going to have a heart attack. It seems silly now, but I went up to the hospital and had an ENG.

Luckily I have a very sympathetic boyfriend who has been totally supportive throughout this, though not unaffected. He can get just as frustrated as me with it. I think it can be difficult for partners/friends/colleagues to understand because there is (generally) nothing visably wrong with you. It can be very frustrating when someone says "you are looking well today" and you feel awful.

Anyway, the good news is the anxiety has diminished greatly. I now longer have get chest pain from it I can be on my own, and I don't feel the anxiety building up for no readon as it used to. However, I still find it hard to go out on my own for any length of time which is as a result of the dizziness/anxiety and also the fact that I have got out of the habit of doing things on my own.

Really hope it gets better for you soon.
MadB

Hi Unduly,

It sounds to me like what you need to ease your anxiety and make you feel a whole lot better is a diagnosis. Of course you're anxious, you're walking around unclear what is wrong with you. As I said in another post - the first specialist to see is an ear doc, ideally a neuro otologist - see the post I put on here called 'Which specialist to see' it's very helpful and also worth printing out for your GP - mine didn't know what a neuro oto was. I don't know if there's one in Brighton - if not I was referred to Rosalin Davies department at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London. Many people on these boards have seen neuro oto's. They can run balance tests and work out whether it's your inner ear. If not they are often the best people to shed light on what else might be going on. Your dentist may have been on to something when he suggested your neck -some people on here have light headed/dizziness induced by neck problems. My physio at the dental hospital where I am treated for tmjd said her neck and jaw sufferers often experience awful light headedness and foggy headedness. Also, regular dentists are not always the best people to diagnose tmjd - they can often spot the obvious cases, but not the less obvious ones - so this could still be your problem - don't rule it out. I DO think your first port of call should be a neuro otology department.

Your girlfriend might be frustrated as she wants to help but doesn't know what to say - it's hard when someone doesn't know what's going on. A diagnosis would probably help you both immensely. I don't think you need to see the doc to get something to calm you down, if you have an inner ear disorder, tranquillisers are a bad idea as they sedate the inner ear and stop compensation - you do however need a referral to neuro otology.

By the way the clicking in your ears is probably palatal myoclonus - caused by muscular spasm in the eustachian tubes - do a search on palatal myoclonus.

I promise you will feel much, much better when you know what's going on. I was out of my mind with anxiety before I had my diagnosis.

[This message has been edited by hbep (edited 08-30-2003).]

Have been refd to an ENT at last!! The doctor actually mentioned that i may have a problem with my eustchian tubes also. Good news - as coincides with what I think.

No too bad at the moment - anxiety/nerves have calmed a bit. I think the Vitamin B I've been taking has helped - supposed to be good for the nervous system.

I do remember having the ears popping/feeling light headed before - but never as bad as this, and never for as long. I guess that means that I'm more succebtable to this kind of problem than the average man in the street. Hopefully the ENT will confirm this and offer a solution.

I will post any results I get in the future or any new symptoms. It may be of help/comfort to someone else as the many mesages on this board were for me.

Flying off for holiday tomorow - hope my ears aren't too affected by the flight!

Hope everyone is feeling better in some way.