Hi all - I've had issues with Vertigo occasionally over the past 10 -15 years or so. Once on a cruise and a few times after taking a flight. Was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, and adrenal fatigue a year ago and was VERY dizzy at that time. (Also this was just after a trip to Disney, on a plane.) Flew to Vancouver in Jan 2006 and did not have any issues. So, I wondered if my dizziness was my thyroid acting up on stressful occasions before I started my meds. Just got back from another flight to Florida and have the Vertigo AGAIN. Now there is no doubt in my mind it is from the flight. Not sure why I did not have this issue when I went to Vancouver. Have browsed this section and read that I should probably see a neurotologist or oto neurologist. Can anyway tell me the difference in these docs and which I am better off seeing? Also, I guess I will need the Eply procedure done on me or start my own MEPs??? Do I understand correctly that this will make it worse in order to get better? Right now I can function with the vertigo and I'm wondering if it is better to wait it out or try to make it better now. I appreciate any advise you can provide me.
I don't recall feeling this way except AFTER my plane trips...why is that? Will I ever be able to fly again without having this issue?
I don't know about the airplane trips and it triggering the vertigo ... personally, I've been avoiding flying since my dizziness started, but that's just me being overcautious - I don't know if there is any connection or not.
I would recommend seeing a neurotologist. The Epley and MEPs are only helpful if you have BPPV, which is caused by crystals moving within your inner ear. There are very simple tests to determine if it's BPPV, and there are other tests that the neurotologist can do to determine if it is an inner ear problem.
For BPPV, the dizziness is typically triggered by certain head positions such as looking up or laying on your side. The dizziness from BPPV feels like the room is spinning and this will typically stop as soon as you move your head to a different position. Does this describe what you've been experiencing?
Since your vertigo only happens when you fly this is what came to my mind......but you wont get a dx here, you should really go to a ear specialist.
A perilymph fistula is a tear or defect in the oval window and/or the round window, the small, thin membranes that separate the middle ear from the fluid-filled inner ear. When a fistula is present, changes in middle ear pressure will directly affect the inner ear, stimulating the balance and/or hearing structures and causing symptoms.
The symptoms of perilymph fistula may include dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, nausea, and vomiting. Some people experience ringing or fullness in the ears, and many notice a hearing loss. Most people with fistulas find that their symptoms get worse with changes in altitude (elevators, airplanes, travel over mountain passes) or air pressure (weather changes), as well as with exertion and activity.
Head trauma is the most common cause of fistulas. Fistulas may also develop after rapid or profound changes in intracranial or atmospheric pressure, such as may occur with SCUBA diving, aerobatic maneuvers in airplanes, weightlifting, or childbirth. Fistulas may be present from birth or may result from chronic, severe ear infections. Rarely, they appear to occur spontaneously.
History, physical examination, and vestibular and audiometric test results are used to assist in establishing the diagnosis of perilymph fistula. However, the only positive way the diagnosis can be confirmed is by performing a tympanotomy (operation) and directly viewing the area of the suspected fistula.
In many cases, a fistula will heal itself with strict bed rest, to give the fistula a chance to close. If symptoms are severe and have not responded to bed rest, or if progressive hearing loss has occurred, surgical repair of the fistulas may be required.
ss - I've also had dizziness brought on by issues with my thyroid but that seems to be under control now. I feel confident this vertigo was brought on by the plane ride. Also experienced dizziness last year after flying to Florida and 3 years ago after flying to New York. However, did not experience it after flying to Vancouver nearly two years ago (don't know if that is related to cooler weather or what.)
It does seem like once the Vertigo is set off that certain head positions seem to make it worse, (also a spinning fan, a high pitch noise or some sights can aggravate it). But definitely adjusting my head position can seem to make it better. I've never had the vomitting, just where it feels like the room is moving or that I'm sitting on a boat dock.
jax - i did have many ear infections as a child so I guess it could be a fistula. But would my symptoms pretty much disappear until a later time, such as a year or 2 later when taking a flight?
I will be turning 40 in 5 months and was hoping to go on a girls getaway to someplace tropical for a few days. Now I'm scared to take the chance. I'm to young to have to limit my travel!
