Vestibular Neuritis

[stilton]

Anyone have any experience of this horrible condition ?

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Yep - 2-3 times. It's pretty frightening when it first happens but it (usually) soon clears up; well, it did in my case. My doc didn't prescribe anything and although I had a couple of days off work my AME wasn't concerned. I believe the symptoms can vary. Mine were the same each time - room spinning when laying in bed. Standing up I was OK. A colleague had it and his symptoms were worse when upright; he couldn't drive as each time he turned his head everything went bananas and he suffered bad "seasickness". Again, it cleared up fairly rapidly.

[RobHemsley]

My GF currently has it, she has some other long term conditions which make it even worse. It actually affected her eyesight at it's worst last week, pupils constantly moving making it near impossible to focus. Dr has told her 4 - 6 weeks to clear completely, improvement expected within 2 weeks.

Apparently the test which makes it obvious is have the patient follow the movement of a pen in front of the eye whilst observing and jerkiness of pupil motion.

If you have it you have my sympathy!

[Gonzo]

A friend of mine has it at the moment.....he's been given sea-sickness pills for medication!

I had it last year. I spent two weeks in bed, not a barrel of laughs. Cleared up in about a month.

[Lancelot37]

Sat reading a magazine at teatime. (about 8 years ago) Suddenly felt as if I was going to faint. Had to close my eyes to stop the room spinning fast, then started reaching, but not being sick and went almost to unconsciousness and rolled sideways onto settee.

Wife phoned emergency doctor who said "Bring him to surgery". 'Er indoors told him that it was impossible to move me. He arrived within ten minutes and immediately suggested Labyrinthitis.

Gave me an injection and tablets to take and within about 8 hours I was fine again. Took further tablets for a couple of days. I felt that I was dying and that it wasn't too bad as I'd had a good life.

[stilton]

Lancelot,

Any idea what was in the injection and tablets ?

[GANNET FAN]

Coincidence! I have just finished a bout of it for the third time. Not so bad this time but getting out of bed last Friday, I fell A over T and that was it. Back to bed with horrific roomspin.

just like being pissed without the alchohol!!

[RobHemsley]

It would almost certainly have been Cyclazine (not sure about spelling) in the injection and probably in the tabs. The injection would have stung like a b*stard if so!

[AMEandPPL]

Any idea what was in the injection and tablets ?

I'd be 95% certain they would be Stemetil (otherwise known generically as prochlorperazine). Nothing works better in acute labyrinthitis.
NOT safe, however, in anyone proposing to drive or fly, due to the likely sedative side effects (actually, a good effect if you are suffering the misery of labyrinthitis ! ).

[Loose rivets]

One day, when I'm too old to be prosecuted, I'll post the funny? e-mail I sent a pal about passing a Class I at LGW while suffering raging vertigo.


I was in the second day, and had observed a 27 second swirling period after sitting up -- or lying down -- before everything stabalized. I used this period to save the day. How I got through this medical was the suff of a Brian Rix farce, and at one point I almost hung on the head-honcho's lapels to stop falling over, but I wobbled out with that magic piece of paper with a week off and 3 weeks of refrshers before Tech school. I was better in three days, and would have lost the job because medicals were being booked weeks ahead in that CAA to JAA transition.

No, I didn't drive there, and had to be helped out of the car.

[omniplasm]

Chaps & Chapesses

Diagnosis of vertiginous disorders is an area poorly understood and poorly performed by most general practitioners. AMEs might be a bit better but I wouldn't bet on it.

The commonest misdiagnosis is confusion between labyrinthitis (which overlaps with a closely related condition called vestibular neuritis) and benign positioning vertigo (BPV). There's a lot of small print but basically BPV is vertigo only precipitated by change in head position, most commonly lying down, lasts for <60sec total vertigo even if you feel sick for longer, and after a while at rest you feel perfectly fine. Labyrinthitis is vertigo lasting for days, worse with any head movement but not completely resolving at rest, with a slow recovery over weeks to a month or three depending on severity and vestibular demands (ie you might be fine walking but in bumpy IMC with a partial panel you might as well get out and walk).

The two conditions require completely different treatments. BPV, which is really common, doesn't need drugs.

There are a number of other vestibular disorders that are less common, not detailed here. This obviously includes barotrauma which should be obvious (onset with change in pressure).

Coming back to my original point, skill in this area is really sparse and confined to a proportion only of ENTs and neurologists, few GPs and virtually no-one else. So if it matters to your professional career get a serious opinion. Often it doesn't matter - all gone long away - in which case fine. Sorry to sound discouraging and I don't usually bother interfering in this forum, but there seems to be some problems here.

For your reference I often suggest people go to emedicine for their well written reviews, and would include these:

http://www.emedicine.com/NEURO/topic411.htm

http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/TOPIC637.HTM

[stilton]

Thanks for that, Omniplasm.

After seeing my GP, two ENT'S and two Neurologists the most popular opinion is that I have Vestibular Neuritis, briefly, I have a feeling of falling, always to the right, sensation of fullness in my ears with clicking when swallowing, alternating from one ear to the other.

But, no Nausea, no hearing loss.



Have had a Sinus Cat scan, Mri of the brain, hearing tests etc.. all negative.

This all started after a very mild sinus infection and has been ongoing for 3 months.



Today I had a Mri taken of the inner ear, hoping that will show something as I have had some ear pain as well lately.

After reading your linked article, I am going to try to persuade my ENT tomorrow to try a 3 week course of Methylprednisolone starting at 100 mg, tapering down to 10mg.



They have ruled out BBPV, my next stop is a Neuro otologist.

As you said, the only constant is the lack of knowledge on this disorder.



Very frustrating and discouraging:ugh:

Any other suggestions would be welcome. Thanks again.

[OyYou]

Had a bad episode of Labyrinthitus about 7 years ago which sent me and the house into the worst spin imagineable. Wife, who used to be a nurse, called doc who injected Stematol ( I think ) to stop the sickness. When I did the eye test to follow his hand he called his colleague and said "Wow, Look at this " I think my eyeballs were going walkabout.
Couldn't see for a couple of days and had to be spoon fed for about a week.
The worst thing is that docs can do very little for the condition. My quack was worse than useless by not accepting that it can last more than the six weeks his textbbook said.
About nine months later, I got my licence back.

Installed MS Flight Sim ( sad, I know ) to get hand/eye co ordination back, and bought myself a mountain bike to explore the flight envelope, as it were.

Regards

http://avanimation.avsupport.com/gif/Rollsby.gif

[Lancelot37]

<<Lancelot, Any idea what was in the injection and tablets ? >>

The tablets were Stematil, but no idea about the injection as I was "out of it". The injection may have been the same in liquid form as an immediate treatment into the blood stream.

[stilton]

Thanks for that.

Now, my ENT is mentioning the possibility of MS despite negative results on my MRI of the brain.

Very discouraging !

[Agaricus bisporus]

Yep, other possibilities are MS or Meniere's disease.

Learn about all medical conditions on www.patient.co.uk (http://www.patient.co.uk)

Billed as the same resource used by your GP. It is very useful.

[Loose rivets]

Thanks Omni, very interesting. s'what this forum's all about.

Sounds like I was very lucky to only have BPV, but when I first sat up it was as though my bed had been trown round the room. As I mentioned, 27 seconds was almost perfectly timed every transition.

[no1mutt]

Stilton I've been suffering from vestibular neuronitis for nearly 5 months now. Conditions are slowly getting better but I now find I get really tired around 5pm.
I've been to see 2 ENT docs, a neurologist and an audiological scientist and it seems that the condition is not particularly well understood especially if symptoms persist for over 3 weeks.
Best advice I can give is try and relax as the symptoms are made worse with stress. Easier said than done I know.
I'm also trying to keep fairly active which helps retrain the brain (cycling etc).
Good luck

[OyYou]

I'm also trying to keep fairly active which helps retrain the brain (cycling etc).
Good luckWhen I eventually got back to work after my bout of Labyrinthitus, it turns out the company had an AME on the staff who had made a study of RAF pilots in centrifuges ( Spelling? ) etc.
He explained the 'healing process' is similar to a child learning how to stand up for the first time. If you watch a toddler falling over while he learns to walk upright, all he is doing is educating his balance mechanism. If you have had a bad bout of labyrinthitus you have to re educate your brain to get your balance back. Do not be afraid of falling over ( a child isn't ) Don't be afraid of 'exploring the envelope'. You might feel nauseous but you must stretch your brain and balance mechanism deliberately. Similar to having a broken leg, you have to exercise it to get the strength back.
As No1Mutt says, get the bike out. Use exercise to get the strength back.

I have heard of other sufferers who have gone down the Alternative Therapy route. I tried Acupuncture as conventional medicine usually cannot help. I found that, while it was OK experience, it did NOTHING for the condition. One other who tried homeopathy looked a physical wreck. I am convinced that exercise is the best way.

Regards

[driftdown]

I had a mild attack a few years ago. Ironically it started in a hotel in Chicago when I was returning to the UK after checking out flying schools for Ab Initio training and I had to postpone my appointment for the initial class 1 medical.

Fortunately it never really got beyond a slightly dizzy / nauseous phase. I also found that bright lights were just a bit "too bright" and this seemed to increase the feeling of nausea. My GP diagnosed a inner ear infection and prescribed Stemetil tablets. It cleared up in about 10 days so I guess it was BPV and not labrynthitus. Should have asked more questions.

When I finally made it to the AME he made me do a lot of balance stuff (on one leg / eyes closed / tip of finger to nose etc) got the medical ok.

[WG774]

As I found out much to my dismay last week when seeing a supposedly ‘Top ENT Surgeon’, very little is actually known about inner-ear disorders.

I will state the obvious, in the hope that it might help some here:

Put the term “vestibular rehabilitation exercises” into Google – that could be a start.

Secondly, bear in mind that hard wax and skin-based deposits can get stuck deep in the ear and actually cause balance problems – these may not be immediately apparent to the Doc when they use the Otoscope. Also bear in mind that there are numerous reports worldwide to suggest a fair proportion of GPs are less-than-adept at interpreting the visual signs illustrated by the otoscope.

edit - Please note the point made below by Jimi re: rehabilitation exercises. Check them out for the sake of reference, but I suspect it's best to get a good diagnosis before starting them - as suggested.

[jimi236]

I have also been suffering with this horrible condition for three months.

For what it's worth - do not see ENT they only know the basics. You need to see a neurotologist who will specialise in the balance problems caused by inner ear disorders. You should not do any rehabilition exercises until you have a correct diagnosis, as some conditions can be made worst. When you have had a full set of balance tests carried out then they will give you some exercises based on your particular problem. ie. which ear etc.

Hope this helps.

[stilton]

Thanks very much for the replys.

Latest medical opinion is not MS but still vestibular neuritis.

Any other information most welcome.

As has many of you have said the one thing consistent about this condition is the lack of knowledge on it.

[WG774]

Take this with a pinch of salt, but I wonder if there have ever been any studies comparing incidence of labrynthitis-type disorders in pilots against non-pilots? Or indeed, "shift workers" against 9-5 workers?

[EMA747]

I don't think I have vestibular neuritis but some other inner ear problem. I often get sensations like I am rocking, like being in a boat. Had this for about 3 and a half years. Been putting up with it but should probably go see the doc. Reason I've not been is that I have heard that any slight mention of ear/balance problems on med records and the CAA won't ever let you fly. Is this correct? I so badly want to be a pilot that that is why I've not got it checked.

(Sorry for the sligh off-topic)

Andy S

[WG774]

Considering balance issues can have a multitude of causes, I post these links out of interest. As always, all caveats apply - make sure you see a decent practitioner.

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?p=1794508#post1794508

http://audiology.advanceweb.com/editorial/content/editorial.aspx?cc=93837

Great quote from the 1st link:"if there is no biological cause,
it could be a stress symptom.

It can disappear for while and
then be back suddenly when you
do not expect.

It belongs to the whole psychosomatics
symptoms of stress.

It's a warning sent by the body to tell you
that it is enduring something it can't stand
anymore.

Very often, it's not the "something" that is
responsible, but the way you handle it"


Try Google for "jaw clenching, stress, imbalance" - a search string along those lines.

This info is no substitute for that of a Professional!

[stilton]

Don't like to beat a thread to death but trying to get as much information / experience of this problem by others as I can as my doc thinks this is what has me 'unbalanced'

Anyone had / have this and found a real remedy, and how long did you have it?

[WG774]

Stilton - have you had an appointment with a Neuro-otologist yet?

If you see one with the right kit, they'll be able to diagnose you in an afternoon.

If you can get to London, the place you want to go is the Royal Ear Nose + Throat Hospital in King's Cross. Having been checked out there myself, it made me realise that there's absolutely no place for anyone other than the very top-flight pro in getting a diagnosis of an inner ear issue.

If you're based in England, get your GP to refer you to the Royal ENT pronto - it'll put your mind at rest, I promise.

[stilton]

Yes, seen one of those, had every balance test /mri scan there is done (all negative) he says it is VN due to a virus and all I can do is wait it out, must be other things to try methinks..

[OyYou]

Stilton
due to a virus and all I can do is wait it out,

In my experience, ( acute viral Labyrinthitus ), that wait could be up to a year. Even after a year you will have doubts about the integrity of your balance mechanism which will largely be a confidence thing. By now you are probably losing any faith that you had in the medical profession. I know I did, when after about 2 months, my GP pushed his chair back and said 'you probably know more about it than I do'

Probably not what you want to hear.

It will get better.

[stilton]

You are correct about losing confidence in Doctors, but I still think there must be something I have not tried.

Thanks for the encouragement.

[Box the Tug]

Hi Stilton

I came down with this awful condition in August last year. Likewise it was cause by a virus which came on the back of a severe bout of gastro enteritis.
I had the feeling like I was permantly drunk with the room spinninng etc along with screaming tinnitus which appeared after about a month of being ill.

I also had a aimilar experience with GP's, I saw most of the ones at my local practice before I was referred. Two of the doctors thought I had Meniere's disease (which I am sure you have heard about) which basically scared the S**t out of me and added to the stress and misery that I was suffering.

Eventually I got to see a consultant Otolaryngologist (one of the best in the country and an authority on Menieres ).

He was quickly able to dismiss Menieres. He ordered an MRI, the usual blood tests, hearing tests and all those balance tests which I am sure you have done, and had my eyes looked at using infra red whilst having hot and cold air pumped into my ears. The outcome of these tests was that the virus had partially damaged my right hand inner ear, which is why my balance hadn't recovered.

The damage could be compensated for and my sense of balance retrained with vestibular rehabilitation therapy, so I was directed to the practice physiotherapist.

This consisted of various exercises which involved moving the head from side to side and up and down, sometimes with eyes closed, and an exercise which involved focussing on a fixed point whilst moving the head from side to side, the idea being to re educate the link between your inner ear and your eyes. The physio also recommended playing video games as an additional means means of re educating the visual/balance mechanism.

These exercises took about 10 days to sort my balance out and the symptoms gradually faded out apart from the tinnitus.

Did your consultant mention vestibular rehabilitation therapy?

In total I was ill for three months, then had to go a month symptom free before the CAA would entertain reinstating my medical, subject to satisfactory medical reports. Which they did the same day they recieved said reports!:D

The specialist said the condition was particulary sensitive to stress and was one of the reasons I was ill for so long.

He anticipated that in 6-8months it would all be a unpleasant memory. He also added that my ears should be protected wherever possible.

From what I have read it varies how long it takes to recover from viral labrinthitis/vestibular neuronitis, ranging from a couple of months to a couple of years.

My advice to you is the advice the Physio gave me once my recovery was underway which was "get on with life" by which he meant get back to doing the things you used to do as soon as possible.

As for me six months on I'm still ok, I still have the tinnitus in my right ear but it has calmed down somewhat and no longer keeps me awake at night. Will it ever dissapear? I hope so as silence truly is golden, and it is a constant reminder of what was the most unpleasant experience in my life.

Hope that is of some interest. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

I sincerely wish you a speedy recovery.

Regards

BTT

[stilton]

Thank you for your detailed and comprehensive answer BTT.

It sounds like you have had more than your fair share of misery with Labyrinthitis, glad to hear you are much better, I think the Tinnitus will go away soon.

My symptoms have been a little different than your experience, no nausea, and not real dizziness per se, just a feeling like I am going to fall over (always to the right) and a general unsteadiness, rather like being on a ship rolling in a heavy swell.This is nearly always most pronounced while walking, less while standing and almost unoticeable whilst seated.

Acommpanying this has been an intermittent sensation of 'fullness' in my ears and nose, rather like being unable to clear out your ears on descent with the usual clicking sounds.

I have seen the top Neurotologist in my area and have had every test that there is, all negative, and in fact they say both ears are fine.

They put me on a long course of anti-viral medication which did nothing and am now on a week long course of steroids, we will see..

I have been doing the 'vestibular' exercises at home and the gym (with some strange looks) nothing has made any difference yet.

I wonder how much good the VRT therapy wil do while I still may have the virus that caused this 'vestibular neuritis'

Unable to work of course :uhoh:

Thanks again for your reply

[no1mutt]

Hey Stilton,
Have been suffering from the same condition for over 5 months now. Looks like I won't be returnibg to work for another month at least.
Whilst I am still not 100%, my days of feeling better are becoming more frequent than the days of feeling crook.
I have had quite a lot of symptoms including tiinnitus, eye twitching, a spaced out feeling, and bouts of vertigo. My only recommendation would be to relax and accept the crazy symptoms. Unfortunately you won't find many answers to a lot of what's going on.
It truly is a very frustrating condition in both it's symptoms and the way it lingers for so long. I tried to find answers from doctor friends and via the internet and it just increased my anxiety making conditions worse.
There's one thing for sure and that is stress makes any condition worse.
Good luck mate.

[WG774]

Mutt makes an important point regarding stress / anxiety. For any kind of inner ear problem, the absolute worst thing you can do to exacerbate it is let stress get to you. From what I understand (I'm not a health pro), any kind of tension around the TMJ joint and its associated muscles will potentially exacerbate your symptoms.

[stilton]

I totally agree with you on the stress issue, it certainly seems to be in lock step with my state of mind.

I am trying accupuncture and balance exercises as well as seeing a Chiropractor now, sometimes it helps, this is an incredibly frustrating problem with no clear remedy however.

If I find anything that works I will pass it on in this forum and would you mind doing the same ?

Thanks for the encouragement and kind words Mutt and Wg7

I wish you all the very best,

[WG774]

Have you undergone electrocochleaography yet? Forgive me if I'm stating the obvious. My GP says it's a very useful test to have for diagnosing inner ear issues. It's something I underwent in investigating my suspected inner ear issue.

It might be useful if you were to list all the test procedures you've been through, Stilton - that way we won't have to tread over old ground.

Edit - have you thought of trying a course of Betahistine tablets? Although the drug is associated as a treatment for Meniere's, it's designed to improve blood flow in the inner ear. I have heard it suggested that it *could* have uses treating people exposed to loud trauma, if given immediately afterwards. The side effects of Betahistine are supposed to be very mild, and Meniere's sufferers take it long term. Could be worth investigating?...

[stilton]

I am not familiar with the Electrocochleaography test although it may well go by another name on this side of the Atlantic

Tests performed so far:

Cat scan of the sinuses.

Mri of the Brain

Mri of the inner ear

Mri of the spine and upper neck

Nystagmus testing for eye tracking, numerous balance tests, including wearing what looks like a snorkelers mask with individual eye covers that are alternately closed and opened and also with both covers closed, moving ones head with left and right, up and down with eyes stationary then moving from side to side.

Blowing hot and cold air into each ear separately to induce dizziness while connected to electrodes, measuring recovery time ?

Standing on one foot/ both feet eyes open/ closed looking at balance.

Standing on a wobbly pillow, eyes / open closed, measuring balance.

Numerous hearing tests in soundproof booth with beeps / words to repeat as they get softer.

Listening through deliberately induced static to hear sounds.

Blood test to investigate possibility of infection from Herpes 1 virus.

I do not have the names for all of these tests and may have forgotten some that were done.

Incidentally, all were negative and balance / hearing was 'normal'

[stilton]

Forgot to mention I tried a course of betahistine as well (without result ) although my Doc says my ears are 'perfectly normal'

[no1mutt]

Hey Stilton,

Don't know if it helps but I did sveral MRI scans and tests and the last test I did showed unilateral dysfunction which was called the Unterberger. It was the only test that shed any light on the situation.
Good luck

[WG774]

I hope you can forgive my ignorance, but how can an MRI of the spine and upper neck be relevant to a vestibular issue?

BTW - Electrocochleography is performed by having you lie on a table, with electrodes connected to your forehead (I believe they can also connect them to other places). It measures electrical impulses while your ears are stimulated by a series of clicks. It took about half an hour in my case. The electrodes were mounted just above nose bridge and at top of forehead. They used an abrasive sponge to get them to take to the skin, and it left marks for a week or so later - I was a bit concerned people might recognise the marks and think I'd flown over the cuckoo's nest!

[stilton]

The reason they performed an Mri of the upper spine and neck relates to (coincidentally but they are not sure) a neck 'injury' I suffered around the same time as the, initial sinus infection that precipitated my balance issues.

I use the inverted commas because this injury, strangely enough came about as a result of using a different pillow and waking up one morning with my head and neck in such an uncomfortable position I could hardly move my Noggin for 10 minutes or so, I have had neck pain ever since.

The Doctor thought this could be a factor in my balance issues.

I did have the other test you described, I remember it well because of the abrasive matter on my forehead.

[stilton]

Not sure about the Unterberger test no 1Mutt I shall look into it.

Thank you.

[OyYou]

use the inverted commas because this injury, strangely enough came about as a result of using a different pillow and waking up one morning with my head and neck in such an uncomfortable position I could hardly move my Noggin for 10 minutes or so, I have had neck pain ever since.
Curiously, I had a similar problem during my layoff with Labyrinthitus. I'm not convinced though that it had any direct bearing on the condition. I believe my imbalance was caused by a virus getting into the inner ear.
However, while I was kicking my heals for nine months, I attended the McTimmoney Chiropractic School in the UK. By donating my body to the benefit of the students and instructors, I sorted out a lot of my back problems. I found that for me, at least, this method of treatment was very beneficial and some of the very gentle tweaks and twists had a direct influence on the balance mechanism. I had trouble walking to the car afterwards! I would suggest that it could be worth looking for a McTimmoney practitioner in your area.

By the way, has your Blood Pressure started to rise? I was naturally prone to raised BP and the stress of this condition meant that it started going off the scale.

It will get better.

Best wishes

[WG774]

I use the inverted commas because this injury, strangely enough came about as a result of using a different pillow and waking up one morning with my head and neck in such an uncomfortable position I could hardly move my Noggin for 10 minutes or so, I have had neck pain ever since.

The Doctor thought this could be a factor in my balance issues.

Am I right to assume that your Doc felt that your neck injury could cause bad posture, thus affecting the way you balance your head and hence influence overall balance?

If the above is the case, you could always buy a book on Alexander Technique. It's controversial as the results are tricky to quantify, but other members here have benefited from it - try a search.

Something I came across that's interesting is the work from Dr Galiffa in Italy (try a Google). Galiffa has pretty good credentials, and his book (in Italian - no English version yet, annoyingly) is all about sleeping posture. He believes that bad sleeping posture can put pressure on the jaw, potentially unleashing a Pandora's box of vestibular / audiological issues, such as tinnitus and balance problems - to name two. Galiffa has a book to sell, so be warned, but his ideas are interesting IMHO.

Stilton - do you sleep on your front?

[stilton]

Oyyou,

Yes, I have been seeing a Chiropractor and it has been somewhat helpful,
my blood pressure has generally been ok but I have found this condition certainly worsens with stress.

[stilton]

Wg7

The Neuro-otologist I saw thinks the Neck Problem could be related to my balance issue, but he is not really sure and neither am I.

I still think it is virus related, as I nearly always feel like I have a head cold, congested with clicking in my ears when I swallow, (like being unable to clear out your ears when descending)

I shall look into the sleeping posture issue, I always sleep on my side (right usually)

[slip and turn]

I have a bit of a history of inner ear problems too.

I am not sure if what I have put up with on and off for years is related to your problems stilton, but I do think that some habitual sleep positions can be unhelpful. When things are good, I try to vary my sleep position, or fall asleep flat on my back (which isn't good for other reasons but does introduce some randomness as to which side I end up on!). I also have a long term minor neck problem but hadn't linked it, but who knows - we're all different, and neck problems clearly are often central to stress and tension affecting the head.

I do have some permanent tinnitus but I am lucky that it is high pitched and mild so it is always very easy to tune out and most days I go all day without noticing it at all.

Years ago I saw a specialist after a wobbliness with nausea episode and they toyed with the Menieres tag. I tried SERC (betahistine) with no conclusive result. Some people report on the internet that they had to trial different dosages before they got it to work. Not sure where you are based, (Stilton is in Leicestershire, UK I think) but I think betahistine hydrochloride is banned in US. Not sure why. You can get it in Canada I believe. I am not sure if any reliance on it is approved anywhere for pilots? But apparently it helps some people.

I have very occasionally experienced that clicking in the ears you mentioned I think, associated with more frequent other symptoms like 'fullness' in one ear in particular. Because of what I am about to post next, I wonder if the clicking is anything to do with excess calcium deposits.

I too firmly believe that avoidance of stress is essential to keep symptoms / episodes at bay.

I haven't needed to revisit any specialist for years but the last time I had an episode of 'fullness' which resulted in a little annoying vertigo (which can come on quite suddenly and is therefore a important self-diagnosis self-grounding issue if you recognise onset) I spoke to a European friend of a friend who said "Oh I had that recently and my doc gave me a simple exercise and it went straightaway!"

So I had to investigate!

What he had, and what I have had once or twice since learning about it, is basically calcium deposits that have become loose in part of the inner ear.

The condition is known by its acronym BPPV (Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo). The exercise/manoeuvre also has a name and I will go hunt for it.

Anyway, I tried his trick straightaway and there was some immediate improvement. Prior to the next episode I had, I also caught a programme on BBC Radio 4 which advocated the same thing for self help. It's the single most useful thing I have learned about my own inner ear problems and sometimes in the past, I have struggled for as long as a month or more with various symptoms.

You say you don't suffer vertigo, but many inner ear problem sufferers often do eventually. So whatever else may be occurring in your ear (the suspected viral damage), if you ever do start getting balance problems do consider that a crystal or two of calcium may have come loose, especially if you are no longer a youngster! The 'exercise' or manoeuvre is simply a systematic three positions one minute each for your head which basically tips any loose calcium crystals into a dark corner where they are not interfering with balance or anything else. Its a bit like one of those ball bearing toys where you have to sit all the balls in the holes simultaneously!

I am guessing that some people have a genetic or dietary pre-disposition to some of these problems. My mother has suffered from tinnitus since middle age. But moe practically, I assume that excess calcium is often associated with too many dairy products in a diet? Is your username a clue to your own dietary preferences? :p ... pass the port with that, old chap? :}

(Obviously?) alcohol consumption even at low levels may be unhelpful as I remember from ATPL theory that there is a mini-sac in there somewhere, essential for controlling balance, but which is detrimentally prone to soak up alcohol and not disperse it again for maybe as long as a day or two.

As has been suggested generally, I have no doubt that my own vestibular equilibrium has been re-trained to some possibly considerable extent over the years. I can remember times past when I could not stand on one leg in the shower with soap in my eyes :O

I am sure you will come to understand your own symptoms and beat it, so the very best of luck with that, and I hope, like others, that relating my experiences might be at least partially helpful. As I say, the most important thing I believe is to avoid unrelenting stress, and in your line of work to learn to self-diagnose early onset if you find you improve but start to slide back. Unfortunately if that happens, you might this time get completely clear (I hope you do), but suddenly get this back again in a few years. At that point, you obviously don't wouldn't want it to take you by surprise in the wrong place :\

[WG774]

That's some very interesting information there, Slip-n-turn - thanks for posting.

If you can find a link detailing this manoevre that helps shift calcium deposits, I'd be very interested to see it.

Also, it's been said before, but for anyone who's been grappling with a suspected inner ear problem over time, I believe it's essential to visit a Maxillofacial Surgeon and rule out a TMJ issue. Bear in mind that ENT / Oto-neurologists aren't 100% equipped to diagnose TMJ - it can be subtle and non-obvious, and the only person who will be able to diagnose a slight misalignement will be a Max-Fac specialist.

One link I found referred to TMJ as the "great imposter" because its symptoms mimic that of so many conditions. General stress and jaw-clenching can also cause tinnitus and vestibular issues.

I also have identical symptoms to you, S+Turn. The Oto-specialists have said my hearing's good, and they are blaming stress... I'm open-minded about it being stress, but the clicking is not my imagination, nor the occasional sharp pains I get in the jaw joint when yawning. I'm off to see a Max-Fac guy - if he can rule it out, I can really focus on not being a stress-monger!

[slip and turn]

Hi WG!

I have Googled for manoeuvre BPPV head tilt and so far have discovered three named manoeuvres - including one for dogs :ooh: - I am not sure if they are all the same thing - Epley, Hallpike and Semont all figure on the first page of hits.

The one I (*Edit: thought I'd) learned was simply
1) identify the ear that appears to contain the affliction (the "full" ear?)
2) sit upright on the middle of the edge of the bed. Turn head slowly in horizontal plane by 45 degrees away from bad ear.
3) very slowly fall sideways keeping head and trunk in same relative positions until you are resting your bad side on the bed and your nose is half pointed at the ceiling and stay there for 1 minute
4) * (wrong I think - see below) very slowly return to sitting upright still keeping head at same relative angle.
5) * (wrong I think - see below) very slowly descend sideways the other way, still keeping head at same angle so when your good side is on the bed, your nose is half buried in the bed this time. Stay there for 1 minute
6) very slowly return to upright position and then try it out but try not to make any sudden movements or acute angles for an hour or two.

It doesn't always work, but the guy who told me about it was coached through it by his G.P. and it was solved completely and immediately when he got up from the couch. He also had a very stressful job (CEO of a largish company).

As I said earlier, the first time I tried it myself, it helped. It wasn't complete but it helped me. I think I've used it three times in anger. Second time helped instantly and more or less completely. Third time was a bit like the first. Depends what the exact problem is of course, and if loose calcium isn't part of it then just imagine an improvement ;) ... anything is better than the room going round :yuk:

But I'd better look up the timings so you aren't wasting too much time on this ! - yes 1 minute each side per the article I've now linked to below.

Now I shall take a look at those TMJ aspects - something I hadn't come across previously.

Thanks WG :ok:

* Edit: It seems there are indeed three different named manoeuvres :p, each with their purpose ... HallPike for diagnos, and Epley or Semont for treatment.I think mine was Semont except I have remembered part of it completely wrong above - the bit in steps 4 and 5 where my use of the words very slowly looks completely wrong now according to this paper where I think the 180 should also be completed in one single step: http://www.acnr.co.uk/pdfs/volume5issue3/v5i3revbbpv.pdf

which states: In this position (my position 1) vertigo is triggered and torsional nystagmus beats toward the affected (undermost) ear.
After being kept in this position for approximately a minute (so all debris falls to the bottom), the patient is swung rapidly onto the opposite side of
the couch (and stays there for another minute) (Figure 3 - 2,3). The manoeuvre should be executed quickly in one single movement step.

Maybe that's why I've only been partially successful with it twice out of thrice ... :ugh: oops ... :yuk: must stop doing that:O

[stilton]

Thanks WG and Slip and turn,

I have tried the BPPV manoeuvre with, perhaps a little success.

Still going to Vestibular Therapy, Accupuncture and a Chiropractor, seems to sloooowly be improving.

All the best.

[bigsis]

WG - Very interested in your Max Fac visit. Had balance, focus and ear issues earlier this year with some residue and have had jaw issues (jaw locking open whilst yawning, excessive teeth grinding also causing issues) in the past. This is one avenue I haven't explored and very interested in your views.

Thanks

[Stop Stop Stop]

I also had this disabling condition about two years ago.

During a series of flights I gradually felt more and more unwell- like I had the flu or something. On my last flight, I started to feel dizzy and was sick. If I moved my head it was worse.

When I finally managed to get home I couldn't get out of bed the next day. When standing, I fell. My GP diagnosed Labyrinthitis and was told to rest and it would probably go away in a week or two.

After two weeks off work I felt a lot better and my balance was normal again but I still had a fullness in my ear- like it was full of water. The GP referred me to a consultant ENT surgeon who examined me, checked my eye response to stimulus (turning my head) then did a full audiology examination and a pressure test of my ears (which showed that there was no fluid behind my eardrum). On these tests he said my labyrinthitis was better and cleared me for a return to work. For my first flight I was concerned about the pressure changes in my ear but I was fine. After a few days, the fullness in my ear cleared totally and I felt 100% again- luckily!

Some people are not so lucky though- some never get over the symptoms and have to live with a constant feeling of vertigo and this must be very debilitating. Obviously, this would be a bar to flying. Menieres disease has similar symptoms and this would obviously have to be investigated.

I found a lot of information on this website:

Labyrinthitis.org.uk - support for Labyrinthitis sufferers. (http://www.labyrinthitis.org.uk/)

[WG774]

Bigsis - regardless of what my diagnosis proves to be, people are different, so if you suspect a TMJ issue, you need to see a Max-Fac consultant.

edit - Bruxism alone can cause the symptoms you mention, so you may not have a "full-on TMJ issue". Are you in a stressful job?

Also see this link: http://www.pprune.org/forums/4145111-post26.html

One thing I've learnt is that ear-related issues of this nature can be profoundly difficult to diagnose accurately. I've also learnt that the NHS has some of the most academically-acclaimed consultants. The only issue with the NHS is that wait... I've been treated by a few private consultants now, and conditions at the clinic were no better than NHS - it's just that I got in there pronto.

Let me put another cat amongst the pigeons: have any of you got back / spine pain issues? Despite my GP telling me it's impossible for there to be a connection, there is compelling evidence to suggest that Vertebral Subluxation Complex can cause balance / vertigo problems.

Getting a diagnosis never ends! :ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh:

[stilton]

I have mentioned my problems with this a couple of times on this forum but thought I would broach the subject again to see if I can elicit any new ideas.

Have been suffering from the symptoms of this on and off since the end of April this year, since then I have been unable to fly and am now on my Airlines disabled list.

I went through extensive and exhaustive testing by GP'S, ENT'S, Neurologists and Neurotologists, all negative, so VN is their diagnosis by elimination.

My symptoms are most pronounced when standing, a feeling of swaying and unsteadiness similar to being on a rolling ship in a heavy sea with a bias towards 'falling off to the right'

I also have occasional pain only in my left ear which does not seem to follow with my sensation of 'falling to the right' as I have read you will normally 'fall'
towards your 'bad' ear


ANY ideas suggestions, very welcome.

[jimi236]

Stilton, I can only say that I too am still having the symptoms of this condition. Mine started in March and has been diagnosed as Vestibular Neuronitis in the right ear.

I have been able to return to work because I am in Ops and not flying, but everyday life is a big struggle. It must be pretty rough having to give up flying for so long.

Not sure if I can offer any insights into this though! I have been doing the vestibular rehab exercises for over 5 months and my balance has not improved much. I have been told to try and force the vestibular system to retune itself by not using other senses for balance. This means balancing on foam with eyes closed and this sort of thing. Not sure how long compensation will take.

[Hobo]

With regard to 'fullness' in the ear, mentioned in some posts above, I experienced this quite badly around 1988 in my left ear after a particularly nasty bout of flu (real flu not a cold). As I described it to my GP it was as if some cotton wool was stuck to the inside of my eardrum. I could clear them ok flying and hearing test OK. Had them syringed and some wax scraped out with a long thin spatula instrument to no avail. Told nothing wrong. The sensation persisted and was variable in intensity. Return to GP about a month later, syringe and scrape and again told nothing wrong.

Explained all this at next licence medical. AME put me in dark cubicle with very bright light in my closed mouth. Looked in my ear and announced I had a clearly visible lump of catarrh stuck to the inside of my eardrum, which would have probably travelled up the Eustacian tube during the flu.

She explained this was not unusual and that it may come off within a week or stay there for the rest of my life. Well, it feels like it's still there sometimes, but doesn't bother me any more.

[no1mutt]

Hey Stilton,
I was diagnosed with this condtion several months ago. However I went to see a neurotologist a few weeks ago who diagnosed me with having inner ear damage. Since then I have been given exercises to do which I must say have helped a fair bit. Although I don't think I'll be returning to flying for a few months yet I can see light at the end of the tunnel. I've been suffering for about 10 months so I can understand your frustrations.
I thought I sent you a private message with the Docs details but in case it's not there I'll try again.
Cheers
No1mutt

[stilton]

Thank you for your replys Gentlemen, and your Link, No 1 Mutt, although I am on the other side of the Atlantic these days.Plz ck your pm;s

The latest my Doctors come up with I that it is 'all in my mind' very useful..

I have been trying the v rehab exercises Jimi with not much change so far.

I found the test involving the very bright light in your mouth most interesting
Hobo, have not heard of that, but you say that she could not do anything with what he found anyway ? puzzling.

The next thing to try will be wearing a Holter monitor for 24 hours just in case of a cardiovascular link.

I wish all of you a speedy recovery.

[Hobo]

stilton,
She did say that if it really bothered me than I could have a grommet fitted which would allow the catarrh to 'evaporate'. This was not recommended as infection could get into the inner ear through the grommet. She told me that there were a surprising number of pilots flying around with grommets fitted, (for other condidtions).

[stilton]

Grommet being the same as having tubes put in Hobo ?

[Rule3]

Had a bad case of head spinning, :confused:dissorientation and :yuk:nausea whilst laying face down, eyes closed having physio on my back. My GP also my AME gave me the close eyes, knees and ankles together test and I was :confused:wobbling all over the place. Diagnosed VN and gave me a course of Betaserc. Worked well.:D Haven't had a relapse in more than a year, though can't balance on one leg, either left or right without falling to the right. Maybe you should try
Betaserc 16mg [ betahistine dihydrochloride] for a few weeks.
Hope things improve.:ok:

[devinityblue]

Was diagnosed on Monday with it. The steroids have not helped so I have an appointment tomarrow am with the ENT doctor. I have been out of work all week. I can;t even walk around the house without almost blacking out. Definately not a good thing.

[stilton]

Dblue,

I wouldn't bother with the ENT, I would try to get an appointment with a Neurotologist asap.

From personal experience with this problem over 7 months now, I regret not going to the highest level of care possible immediately.

My next stop is the Mayo clinic :ugh:

[stilton]

I did try the Betaserc R3 but with no results, thanks for mentioning it.

[devinityblue]

Had a neurologist last year for a concussion. MRI scheduled for tuesday night.

[WG774]

2 weeks relaxing in the tropics got rid of my 'pressure' feeling. It wouldn't surprise me if some of those in Stilton's boat have middle ear tendon issues due to stress. Google for 'Tensor Tympani Syndrome'. Bear in mind that it's not as easy to confirm with tympanometry as most links imply. Stress / PTS-type problems also can cause the Stapedius to tighten. These conditions can also affect balance and create a feeling of pressure.

A 2-week course of Diazepam could be worth trying - if it helps, you could have a tendon issue. ONLY try this when you don't have machinery to operate!!! A 2mg dose for a fortnight shouldn't get you addicted; bear in mind this is purely for diagnostic reasons - DON'T start a tranq habit, BAD MOVE!

[jimi236]

Most people with damaged vestibular systems will have problems with vision as well as balance, because the inner ear is responsible for the automatic control of eye movements during head turns. This is why doctors normally check for Nystagmus as indication of vestibular problems. Blurred vision and stationary objects "jumping" are typical.

I think this makes it different from middle ear issues.

[KandiFloss]

I have just read this thread with great interest. It's a great relief to have read that people have gone through something similar to myself, and that i'm not going mad :ugh: .

Approx 5 weeks ago I went with my husband for lunch at his parents. I remember having what tasted like a really strong coffee (which I have since found out was 15 years old :mad:), but as I drink strong coffee I wasn't too concerned. On the drive home I commented to my husband that the coffee was really strong as I was feeling a bit 'buzzy' (when you have too much caffeine). When I got home I felt really spaced out, and felt as though the vision (in my left eye) was poor. I remember picking up a magazine to read but I couldn’t read ... I could see that there were words on the page but I couldn't simply read the information. I was able to read one word at a time, think about the word and then read the next word, and repeat the process. It was really alarming as I can normally skim read information and pick out information really quickly.

The next morning I thought that I would be fine having had a sleep, but I wasn’t so I went to see my GP. She checked for retinal damage but couldn’t see any, and suggested that I went to get an eye test done. I got my eyes tested, which were fine. On the way out of the shop I felt really odd, it was as though I was in a dream, I knew that there were people around me, but it was as though they weren’t really there. I was lucky that my husband was with me because I feel that if he hadn’t have been I may have walked into things as I was unsteady.

I was still having difficulties the next day so I went to see my neighbour (a GP) who thought that I may have labyrinthitis (feeling hot + cold, and a little dizzy, and I also had the sensation that the floor was dropping away from underneath me a couple of times ... really odd) I went to back to see my own GP the next day who referred me to see a neurologist. The neurologist checked me for signs of stroke, and said that he felt that I might have a vestibular condition. He didn't think that I ahd labyrinthitis as he said that this doesn't affect your vision (although I have read that it can). To cut a long story short I had to have an MRI. When I went to get the results of the MRI I was upset because the scan came back showing signs of inflammation which really freaked me out. He said that the next thing to do would be to do a visual evoke potential test (not sure why he wanted me to have this done), and then possibly a spinal tap.

I’ve most recently had the Visual Evoke Potential test done, which i'm waiting for the results of.

Although i'm generally feeling better (can now read) and think that i'm getting over it there are still small signs that i'm still not 100% (I feel as though my brain is slow at the minute) and if I get stressed the symptoms are worse. If I do have a viral infection I just can’t believe that it’s taking so long to go.

[jimi236]

Hi Pilot Chick

Once the virus is gone it leaves damage that the vestibular nerve cannot repair. Your brain learns that it is getting different messages from each of your ears and will compensate. Problem seems to be that people all compensate on different time scales! If your problem is vestibular keep as active as possible to help recovery.

[KandiFloss]

Thanks Jimi.
I am trying to keep active at the moment, even if it's taking the neighbours dog for a walk.

[AMEandPPL]

If I do have a viral infection I just can’t believe that it’s taking so long to go

The lay person's understanding of "viral infection" is that that is what they are told when they go to the GP with something really trivial, such as colds or gastric bugs, which they already know will settle down in hours, or days at the most.

It's nowhere near as well appreciated that there are many other conditions, in which though they are still "viral infections" the time-scale to be expected runs into weeks or even months.

Good luck ! Hang in there

[KandiFloss]

Thank you for replying, and i'll take your advice, it's just so frustrating :ugh:, I just wish it would go away.

[stilton]

I have been enjoying the delights of vestibular neuritis for 8 months now Pilot Chick and completely empathise with your condition, it will get better, unfortunately it will not be on your timetable.

You should feel good about the fact they have found a definitive cause in your case, all of my tests came back negative so VN is really just a guess.

As I said, you WILL get better although that is hard to believe sometimes, I am slowly, slowly improving, stay as healthy as you can and as positive as you can.
:ok:

[Hobo]

Grommet being the same as having tubes put in Hobo ?

Stilton, If you mean 'inner' tubes put in the Eustacian tubes like a catheter, then no. As I understand it they are like the rubber grommets in metal socket boxes to stop the wire insulation chaffing through - small discs with a hole in the middle, which are placed within the surface of the eardrum itself. Apparently, they come out by themselves in time as the hole the surgeon cuts in the eardrum slowly grows back and expels them automatically, like an earpiercing growing back solid.

[WG774]

A grommet performs the same task as the Eustachian Tube, i.e. allows pressure to equalise between the outer ear and middle ear.

Not trying to be facetious, but the fact that grommets are even mentioned in a discussion relating to a completely different part of the ear is indicative of how tricky such issues are to diagnose effectively. I have been told by ENT pro's that they believe many people are fitted with grommets totally unnecessarily... In my own case, numerous GPs said I needed them, yet I have no problems flying and now know my issues are something totally different.

Vestibular Neuritis also has similar symptoms to a Vestibular Migraine - try a Google on that. Confused? Join the club...

Regardless of exact diagnosis, anyone with the symptoms discussed here will be guaranteed to benefit from 3 protocols:

Total cessation of alcohol (alcohol affects the comparative balance of fluid in the inner ear - hence balance issues when you get drunk )

No caffeine

Regular, vigorous aerobic exercise.

Do all 3 of the above and I doubt you'll be cured, but I'll eat my hat if you don't see an obvious improvement.

[stilton]

Well, strangely enough a few drinks seems to help my condition.

Perhaps it's just that the symptoms are less apparent when I am more relaxed, also, as mentioned earlier dehydration seems to help.

I do believe that exercise helps, bizzarely, when I run I do not feel off balance, only when I walk.

Not sure I believe in Vestibular rehab any more, there may be surgical cures but I think the biggest cure is time.

[WG774]

Alcohol is a diuretic, so I’m not too sure about its ability to improve your state of hydration.

If you genuinely think that alcohol seems to improve things, it could suggest you may not even have an inner ear condition. Your dizziness could be caused by breathing patterns - a typical sign of stress. If you haven’t already, you should ask your ENT specialist for a Nijmegen questionnaire – and make sure you answer it honestly.

[C172 Hawk XP]

If,

as mentioned earlier dehydration seems to help

then that would support Stilton's statement, since

alcohol is a diuretic

[stilton]

Thanks for all of your inputs Ladies and Gents, WG774 you make some interesting points. As mentioned, all of my test's have come up negative so stress could certainly be a factor.

However the only way I know to completely stop stress has the unfortunate side effect of a complete cessation of breathing !

Along those lines however, my neurotologist has recommended I try 'Klonopin'
in an attempt to 'relax the mind' somewhat and perhaps alleviate my symptoms.

Interested in your thoughts on that ?

[C172 Hawk XP]

my neurotologist has recommended I try 'Klonopin'
in an attempt to 'relax the mind'

KLONOPIN is otherwise known as clonazepam, one of the members of the group of drugs known as benzodiazepines (Valium is in this group).

In the UK and the western world these are totally forbidden for pilots to use. In certain other countries the use of psycho-active substances by pilots is tolerated, so I guess it depends on where you live and work.

[stilton]

That's right, it is Clonazepam that I have been prescribed C172 H.


In case you missed it, I grounded myself in April of this year.


This is just one of many attempts to help with my symptoms, the theory being that if it works then my Doctor will slowly 'wean' me off the CZ whilst maintaining improved equilibrium.


Thank you for your input, any other ideas on the effectiveness of this drug or the protocol just described are most welcome.

[FOTINI]

i have constant dizzziness ,imbalance,blurry eye sight.Ive been prescribed betaserc 8 .I take 3 a day but the dizziness is there,i spoke with the doctor again and he said to double the dose which i'll start from tonight.Im afraid i have a tumor or something .With the dizziness i had heart palpitations sweating ,i couldnt feel my legs,really bad i thought i was going to die,now with betaloc and micardis my heart is ok but not the dizziness.The past 3 years i gained almost 20kilos i really dont know what is wrong with me....i am not a big eater and it seems i dont lose calories easy .I pray to god im alive its day
any comments or advice would be much appreciated

[stilton]

Fotini,

Sorry to hear about your dizziness and other issues, I would not worry too much about the weight you have put on, I don't think that is that important, I would try not to put on any more if you can help it, exercise will help in every aspect of this problem.

I have been suffering with this problem for nearly a year now, and have made a very gradual and slow improvement, from your post it sounds like you have had problems for longer than that.

What have your doctors said and what kind of doctors have you seen ? you list some other issues separate ? from the dizziness, have you been given any explanation for these.

Do not despair mon ami, much of this recovery depends on your state of mind and physical fitness, try to stay positive, look forward to hearing from you.

:ok:

[Barnside]

Ages since I have been on to these forums but have found this thread interesting (and comforting). A UK PPL/IR of many years, now under training in the US for a full FAA CPL/IR in order to take up a corporate flying job in Mexico (well it's different!).

Obviously grounded myself immediately this all became clear.

Basically I have been experiencing vestibular neuronitis and diplopia for about 7 months. The latter is vertical double vision.

After months of going around in circles (allergic response, anxiety, BPPV) after a recent very thorough MRI scan (brain, neck, ears and arteries) the GP has ruled out everything else other than Vestibular Neuronitis.

The attacks were always short (< 2 mins) and are now even shorter and tend to be double vision 4 or 5 times as often as vertigo (I 'fall' to the left!). Vertigo now isn't accompanied by nystagmus (eye flicking to the right, in my case). Double vision is stopped as soon as I lean my head to the right!

Have seen a neuro-opthomologist, the neuro specialist at the hospital where my MRI scan was taken and some great informal advice from Flying Dutch.
What comforted (if you see what I mean!) me on this thread was the time that some of you guys have had this problem because much of the literature suggests it clears in a few weeks.

Taking large doses of Vitamin B which does seem to be improving things.

The big questions that I am hoping to answer here is whether there is a realistic hope that this will go away and I can return to flying, and, indeed, if the diagnosis is correct?

[jimi236]

Hi Barnside

I can only say that if yu are worried about getting a correct diagnosis you should see a neuro-tologist. That is to say a neurologist who has specialist training in balance disorders. You may find that some vestibular rehab exercises help speed your recovery. I think that the US has many more specialist balance centres than the UK.

It does go away - It can just take quite a while to subside. I met somebody last week who got this just after completing his IR. He is flying for a living now back to normal, but it did take him nearly a year to recover.

[Barnside]

jimi,

Thanks for your reply.

Since my posting I have been in touch with Dr Timothy Hain in Chicago (http://www.dizziness-and-balance.com/cv/hain-t.htm) plus gone very carefully through his website, which is an excellent resource in my opinion.

I'm 99% sure that I have vestibular neuronitis which Dr Hain describes in great detail. (http://www.dizziness-and-balance.com/disorders/unilat/vneurit.html) Have started some of the exercises recommended. (http://www.dizziness-and-balance.com/treatment/rehab/VRT%20UL.html)

As Dr Hain's clinic in Chicago is too far for me to visit easily, he recommended me contacting Dr Fife at the Arizona Balance Clinic (http://www.fifemd.com/) and I am considering doing that. Almost certainly I will need a professional report to support my FAA Medical renewal.

Appreciate your posting and I am staying very hopeful that this will eventually go away. Encouraging to hear that others have been through this and returned to flying.

Best wishes.

[EGLD]

Mega Bump!! :eek:

Would be interested to hear from any VN sufferers here, particularly Stilton, as to what your status is now.

I've suffered hayfever since, forever, and appear to have had an ear infection a couple of years ago (diagnosed very, very vaguely by my GP as Labrynthitis) which resulted in various bouts of dizzyness on and off, of about an hour at a time. Really more headaches and mild dizzyness than the sort of falling over dizzyness.

Anyway, it was certainly something I was able to live with, just an irritant. This christmas gone I had a bad sinus/eustachian tube infection, developed raging tinnitus for 3 weeks, and have been left with far more frequent and far more severe headaches and dizzyness.

Was referred to an ENT who performed various tests, ruled out Menieres after a good hearing test, and hasn't suggested any form of scan. Unterberger's suggested damage to left ear which is where most tinnitus, clicking and fullness appears.

It comes and goes, one week I feel almost completely back to normal, others like this week I have dizzyness on and off every day, fatigue and headaches.

Really unpleasant :sad:

How did everyone else's experiences of this problem develop over time?

[Morav]

Another one bites the dust...


I first noticed a problem with my balance after taking my first airline job. At the time I had been using ear plugs quiet often to help get myself to sleep while living below a noisy neighbor. One day I went for a quick flight in some doggy weather and nearly went green! I booked off that day mid pairing and went home for a quick snooze. I woke up with some ear pain. I took a visit to a GP and had my ears flushed because of heavy compacted ear wax. Problem eliminated, and lesson learned!

4 months later, I again start noticing very slight nausea. I visit a GP and he notices that my outer ear canal is swollen and offers some ear drops. Problem again goes away.

In the mean time I have been involved with some skydiving during my days off. Which I'm sure hasn't helped. :(

Now, approximately 2 month since my last issue, it has hit me hard. Last week I had bad vertigo, was extremely sensitive to light, completely lost my hunger(due to the constant nausea), and I've been very tired and fatigued. Horrible week. I have been off work for 2 weeks now. Although I have been noticing slight improvement, as someone else has mentioned, it's definitely not on my time scale!!

I wasted plenty of my time in and out of medical clinics. I eventually decided to see my aviation medical examiner to spill the beans. He has grounded me for a week to see how I improve and prescribed me Clonazepan to help with the anxiety and stress. He has also suggested anxiety therapy. I have seen an EMT specialist and she didn't say much. I have an appointment with my doc shortly and I will be inquiring about an MRI and seeing a neurologist. I do also have a balance test in September.

I have decide to completely quit drinking alcohol and coffee. I've been regularly going to the gym and taking bike rides around the city, sort of challenging my vestibular system. I was even thinking of doing a low altitude skydive today with plenty of flips to see how I would feel after. :) I think the key here is stay positive. Even though it is difficult, I'm really trying to turn this negative into positive.

Still no diagnosis for me.

This is my story.

Heal fast everyone!

[Morav]

Is there anyone I could PM that has made a full recovery from this condition. I'm going on now 7 weeks and although my symptoms have improved significantly, I'm still not feeling 100% my old self. It's really beginning to affect my mood. I need to hear some positive feed back! :ugh:

My doctor did diagnose me with having Vestibular Neuritis.

[jimi236]

Hi Morav

I am fully recovered, but it took me quite a while.

The "normal" recovery time for this is 12 weeks, so you still have a while to go. If you want to find out exactly what the problem is you should see a neurotologist (a neurologist who specialises in balance disorders). Try not to be fobbed off with the anxiety thing, this is all connected to your vestibular system and is a common symptom.

Keep active and try not stress - it helps.

[Morav]

Hey jimi236


Thanks for the info, I'm at a point now where if I had an office job of some sort I would gladly go to work.

Still I'm feeling "off", and last week I got a horrible head cold. It felt as if I had a relapse with my balance problem, and it put me in a really bad mood.

I have an appointment on Tuesday at a Vesitbular Lab to do some sort of balance test and later a follow up with my ENT specialist. I will ask to see a neurotologist .

It's a very frustrating conditions. Some days I feel pretty good, others I feel like death. The lack of support is also a pain. I "look" fine, so people assume I must be fine.

Thanks again

[Morav]

Fully recovered.

[Rule3]

I guess you are completely EELED.:ouch:

[jimi236]

Wow. I really hope it did'nt take 2 years .

[Morav]

After 4 months I was cleared by my medical examiner to return to work. During the first few months on the line I had issues with feeling nauseous during prolonged periods of turbulence. Like a car sick feeling. I honestly just sucked it up, and eventually things began to feel normal again.

If you are battling any sort of inner ear damage, just remember to stay calm, positive, and don't expect a quick recovery. Challenge your vestibular system on a daily bases, and try to live a normal life. The brain is very powerful. It will figure things out.

I managed a Captain Upgrade after this ordeal.

[OFSO]

benign positioning vertigo

Gents., I've had this twice. Go to YouTube and look at the recommended exercise, which is called the Epley Manoeuvre.

Epley Maneuver: How to Overcome the Dizziness of Vertigo - YouTube

(Basically sit on edge of bed - turn head to 'bad' side - allow yourself to fall back in that position and hold for 30 seconds. Keep body still, turn head to other side, hold for 30 seconds. Then rotate whole body-and-head so head is positioned 45º face down to the floor, hold for 30 seconds).

I can testify that the exercise, which repositions tiny crystals within the semi-circular canals, is very effective. Although it is most unpleasant as your head whirls while the crystals take up the new position. But it works and is an almost instant cure.