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08-18-2007, 01:23 PM
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#1 | | Newbie (male)
Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: NJ, USA
Posts: 3
| Get Lightheaded from Reading
Hi All,
I'm a 38 year old male and I've been having problems with lightheadedness for about 9 months. I have noticed that engaging/concentrating exacerbates the condition. I went on vacation a couple of weeks ago and did a lot of reading. It seems that every time a picked up a book, shortly thereafter I got lightheaded. I can continue reading when I feel like this, but it's more than annoying. I'm wondering if I have MAV. I'll be seeing my neurologist in 3 weeks.
I've had them for about 9 months. I've told my wife that, if/when I'm cured, I am going to be one unbelievably happy and thankful guy. I'm trying to stay upbeat and fun (I have 4 little kids), but it's not easy.
My symptoms are:
- Lightheaded nearly all of the time, but not dizzy
- Quick head movements make me more lightheaded
- Certain activities (putting around the kitchen!) increase lightheadedness
- Pressure in the temples fairly often
- Difficulty concentrating / holding a conversation
- Difficulty focusing my eyes (seems like they want to cross)
- Ears usually plug when exercising
- Neck is always stiff
I've tried:
- Lexapro: didn't like it and it didn't seem to help; I don't really feel anxious
- Flonase: exacerbated my lightheadedness
- Claritin: may slightly be helping my lightheadedness, or wishful thinking
- Epley manuever for 6 weeks: didn't seem to help
I've had:
- MRI of the brain w/ contrast: all clear
- C-Spine X-Ray: all clear
- ENG (because hands usually go numb at night): all clear
- VEMP test : all clear
- warm/cold air blown into the ears : slight nystagmus evoked
What's probably next:
- Migraine prevention meds (I have a history of tension headaches)
- Neck/spine MRI's? (I exercise, do squats; maybe I was injured)
- Lymes test
One thing's for sure, if I'm healed, I'm going to look for people on this board who are exhibiting my symptoms and let them know what helped me. I want to be free of this and I want the same for anybody else feeling this way.
Thanks for listening. I hope we can all help each other out.
Last edited by moderator2; 08-18-2007 at 02:50 PM.
Reason: you had your questions on someone else's thread so I moved it here
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08-18-2007, 02:50 PM
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#2 | | Senior Member (female)
Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sonoma, CA USA
Posts: 296
| Re: Get Lightheaded from Reading
I was a big reader. When I was on topamax, I couldn't read. I'd get sick to my stomach and have terrible headaches. It could be a medicine you're on.
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08-20-2007, 06:23 PM
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#3 | | Newbie (female)
Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Naples, Florida USA
Posts: 7
| Re: Get Lightheaded from Reading
Did you also experience a lot of hair loss? I lost about 1/3 of my hair in three months! I am off of it now.
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08-20-2007, 07:20 PM
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#4 | | Veteran (female)
Join Date: May 2007 Location: Torrance, CA, USA
Posts: 439
| Re: Get Lightheaded from Reading
You sound exactly like me seeker - same symptoms although I would say mine are more "dizzy" than just lightheaded (although not spinning vertigo). I have seen numerous docs and had the same tests as you (excluding MRI) and everything points to MAV.
I haven't started any meds yet - I am hesitant because of side effects. I got a booked called "Heal Your Headache" and its awesome. The doctor who wrote it suggests first stopping all quick fix meds (Excedrin, Imetrex, etc.), secondly going on a strict migraine diet for at least 4 months, and lastly if those two things don't work, preventive medication. I have had this darn thing for 5 months, so I understand your grief (I also have 4 little ones). If the migraine diet doesn't work I am going to go on what one of the specialists (Robert Baloh, UCLA) recommended for migraines that are particularly bothered by vestibular symptoms, called "Diamox". If that doesn't work I will perhaps try Nortriptyline or Verapamil.
Please keep us posted which route you take and what meds do/don't work for you!
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09-08-2007, 08:38 PM
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#5 | | Newbie (male)
Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: NJ, USA
Posts: 3
| Re: Get Lightheaded from Reading
Hi, Missy. Thanks for your response. I thought I subscribed to this thread, but I was wrong. I didn't think anybody responded, but I decided to check anyway. Glad I did!
I was scheduled to see my neurologist yesterday, but found out too late that my HMO referral had expired, so I had to cancel!! I'm going to reschedule asap. I think I'm going to end up on Topamax. I'm a little concerned about that now, considering the response from (and user name of!) TopamaxKillsMe. (Thanks for your response, too, TKM.) We'll see. I've seen some posts where people are saying that Cipramil has helped.
I'm seriously considering picking up a copy of "Heal Your Headache". I know I'll have to end my caffeine intake... wow, that will be difficult. But, of course, that would be a small price to pay to get rid of this feeling.
Have you been following the diet? Have your symptoms diminished?
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