How does your head react to movies in the theater? - Inner Ear Disorders Message Board

jtiegs · 10-05-2003, 12:11 PM

A few weeks ago I saw Pirates of the Carribean in the theater. I ate a nice big bucket of salty popcorn (my downfall)and watched a lot of action and movement on the screen. I felt fairly well before we went to the movie. Oh, the usual minor complaints of buzzyhead, but actually, a good day. After a while, I started to feel lightheaded, almost faint, like my heart started racing, and I was going to pass out. I didn't, and was able to regain my composure, but still felt off and awful. We left the film, and I was sick for the rest of the day. Laying in bed, tired, fatigued, and really off and yucky. Anyone else have this experience? There was a period where I couldn't watch tv or movies because the movement made me sick, but I felt I was past that.

Call me insane, but my family wants to see a movie today. I am going to try it, but I am pretty anxious. I am going to shy away from the popcorn (based on the theory that Meniere's is triggered by high salt, which, however, I haven't really noticed in other incidents), but I am sure I will have a few small handfuls, I love it too much to completely leave it alone as my kids munch away next to me.

Just wanted to share that and see if anyone else has experienced this. Thanks!

scant5 · 10-05-2003, 01:14 PM

Just wanted to say that before you give into a meniers diagnosis, I would definitely get a second opinion. Was this an ENT person or a neurootologist who diagnosed you? If it is indeed meniers do a search on here for the Johns' of Ohio Meniers treatment. Lots of people on this board have had severe vertigo and do not have meniers.

all the best,
Kathy

Emsybobs · 10-05-2003, 01:25 PM

I agree and am a little doubtful about you having Menieres...all I'd say is get a 2nd opinion....I too get the cinema thing...yucky xxx

willsmom · 10-05-2003, 06:08 PM

Think i have said this before - I have been told that I have bppv and vestibular dysfunction - yet our symtoms seem so similar. Right down to the buzzy head feelings, imbalance and sudden faint feelings when the motion becomes suddenly strong....weird. i am wondering if mine has gone into mienieres or something - although I have asked and they said no. The fainty thing is waht spooks me like you it puts me off too - i find it can come on to if I go for a walk or keep on moving and doing when I feel really gross. I simply find the exagerated sensation of movement and imbalance verging on intolerable. How are you coping with this deal? Oh the faint thing is odd - its like a physical feeling that I may pass out but no other symptoms like the greying out, loss of vision or sound etc. If it happens when walking it very horrid but like you it just passes off. Let me know how u r. Thanks.

jtiegs · 10-05-2003, 07:51 PM

Thanks for replying everyone.

We never made it to the movie, it was sold out. Maybe a good thing, but I did go for a run, then spent several minutes lying in the grass with my head spinning (not shocking vertigo, I would call it mild). But it only lasted for that short bit of time, and then I moved on.

In answer to some of your comments and questions, I too, question my diagnosis. Meniere's disease has 4 standard symptoms, I have two of those, possibly a third (hearing loss), but it didn't show on the standard test. So what about those other 1 to 2 symptoms? I did see an ENT, but tomorrow I see a Neuro Oto, so this will be my second opinion.

Ilia, I wonder too about our similar symptoms. I am going to ask about BPPV and vestibular dysfunction tomorrow. I think my ENT ruled that out when I didn't respond to that Dix-Hallpike maneuver. Due to the fact that it took almost three months to be seen by the ENT, my worst symtoms had gone away, so I couldn't "demonstrate" very well for her. My family practitioner saw a great demonstration of my ailments, as I couldn't stand straight to save myself, however, that and a few minor finger-nose touching tests were about the extent of her testing before she referred me on.

Ilia, do you have times when you feel normal? Does the dizziness always trigger when you move your head in certain ways? I guess for me, I feel more obvious dizziness when I am lying down, and turning my head too fast can also trigger it. I haven't had severe vertigo but once, at the onset of all of this. I guess you could characterize my syptoms as a buzzy head, motionsickness, occasional mild vetigo, chronic tinitus, occasional lightheadedness, and frequently, things moves about a half second behind when they should. I agree, these don't sound like all the classic Meniere's symptoms expected from what I have read. But I guess the speculating isn't necessary, I will see someone tomorrow who specializes in the ears, so maybe he will have some better answers.

The toughest thing about Meniere's as a diagnosis is the idea that I would have to live in fear of more severe vertigo attacks at any time, and that I might lose my hearing. The idea that I would have to live with this garbage for the rest of my life is unnerving. I am a 34 year old healthy, active, homeschooling Mom for goodness sake! It doesn't fit into my day to have this nonsense going on! It's hard to find deep meaning as to why we are all afflicted with something so incredibly annoying and unpleasant. It could be worse, I tell myself that every day as I look around at others, stricken with far more debilitating diseases. However, when I am in the midst of my discomfort, that doesn't comfort me all that much. I know you all can relate.

Julianne