Vestibular Neuritis
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my neurotologist has recommended I try 'Klonopin'
in an attempt to 'relax the mind'
in an attempt to 'relax the mind'
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.
Thread Starter
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.
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.
Join Date: Jan 2009
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dizziness
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
any comments or advice would be much appreciated
Thread Starter
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.
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.
Join Date: Oct 2002
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vestibular neuronitis and diplopia
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?
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?
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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.
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.
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jimi,
Thanks for your reply.
Since my posting I have been in touch with Dr Timothy Hain in Chicago 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. Have started some of the exercises recommended.
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 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.
Thanks for your reply.
Since my posting I have been in touch with Dr Timothy Hain in Chicago 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. Have started some of the exercises recommended.
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 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.
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Mega Bump!! 
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
How did everyone else's experiences of this problem develop over time?
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
How did everyone else's experiences of this problem develop over time?
Join Date: Jun 2007
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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!
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!
Join Date: Jun 2007
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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! 
My doctor did diagnose me with having Vestibular Neuritis.
My doctor did diagnose me with having Vestibular Neuritis.
Join Date: Feb 2006
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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.
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.
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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
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
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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.
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.
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benign positioning vertigo
Gents., I've had this twice. Go to YouTube and look at the recommended exercise, which is called the Epley Manoeuvre.
(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.
Gents., I've had this twice. Go to YouTube and look at the recommended exercise, which is called the Epley Manoeuvre.
(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.
