Just Anxiety or something more serious? - Brain Tumors Message Board

Cytosol · 03-25-2009, 05:54 PM

I am a relatively healthy 27 yearold male. I was diagnosed with GAD when I was 18. It used to be really bad, but I have gotten it under control with cognitive therapy and now I rarely suffer from panic attacks. I do regularly suffer with that sort of contant on-edge feeling.. Like an Anxiety white-noise generator is following me around all day.

The reason I was concerned enough to post is that I have been having some seemingly more serious problems lately, namely dizziness. For the last few weeks, I have felt extremely dizzy several times throughout the day.. Especially when working out. I eat a nice big breakfast, jump on the elliptical and can't last 5 minutes without feeling like I will pass out. This dizziness comes and goes throughout the day, and it got REALLY bad today when I was walking home.

On my way home, I was overcome with a spinning sensation in my head and couldn't walk straight for about 5 seconds. It completely clouded my mind and I just about passed out after it happened. I barely made it home, and when I got home, I collapsed in my bed as the spinning and intense dizziness continued.

I was feeling quite hungry before this happened, but I have felt hungry before without such an extreme case of dizziness. I ate ravenously when I got home which seemed to help a bit, but I still feel very dizzy even now.

One other thing to possibly note is that I have been drinking alot more caffeine than I used to. I typically drink 5-6 cups of coffee a day.. Which doesn't exactly help with the anxiety, but it helps keep me awake and working. Could this possibly be causing these symptoms?

Also, I just got over a minor cold, but I don't know if that would have anything to do with it.

Thank you for any advice.. I don't know if it is just anxiety causing the symptoms or if there is something else going on. I have a habit of dismissing ALL strange symptoms as anxiety related, but this is getting so extreme that I am not so sure anymore..

calidreaming · 03-26-2009, 01:36 AM

extreme dizziness like that can be inner ear related. You may have a virus causing you Vertigo symptoms. It should pass, but you can get motion sickness meds from your doctor. But I am sure the anxiety is not helping the dizzy feeling. One kinda feeds on another!

shorebird · 03-26-2009, 11:49 AM

I'd get checked out because it could be a virus or ear related like cali dreaming suggested. It could also very easily be a result of your increased caffeine in take. Keep doing the stuff you learned in your cognitive therapy as that will help keep the extra anxiety this is causing you under control.

spungy · 03-28-2009, 12:44 PM

I suggest getting checked out too...but only so they can rule out health issues.
It Probably is anxiety though....and wow..I'd stop drinking coffee all together...thats what I did.....eventually you won't even need it.
Try putting half decaf half regular..then slowly increase the decaf till it's straight decaf. Worked for me...
coffee is so bad for anxiety sufferers!

Cytosol · 03-31-2009, 05:20 PM

Thanks for the suggestions.

I have gone 5 days without caffeine (also cut out sugarfree gum just to see) but I am still experiencing the same issues.. I am fairly sure this is anxiety related, since it comes and goes without warning.. Usually comes when I am worrying about it, and goes when I am distracted and not worrying about it.. I almost wish it was some ear infection, because this is getting pretty rough