I wanted to share my experience with vestibular issues in case it will help someone. This was so scary.
I work in healthcare. I did have Covid Jan 2020. I got vaccinated 2/27/21 and 3/20/21 (workplace mandate). I got a booster 10/24/21.
In March of 2022 I had the "flu". I took two at home covid tests that were negative. I was sick enough to sleep in recliner for a few days and not watch TV but not enough to go to doctor. I felt as it I had recovered come beginning of April. This is where it gets scary. (Background- healthy as an ox 46 year old) no medical issues.
I got up in early April and could not walk. My BF said it looked like I was drunk. I got a prednisone pack and it did nothing. Stumbling...cannot drive, cannot go down stairs or inclines. I have to hold on to things to move. I remember lying in bed crying and screaming why me. Was I dying? I finally went to ER (first time in 46 yrs) They immediately did a cat scan for stroke-negative. They drew blood, had a neurologist come in and test reflexes etc. Finally I was discharged (patient not in imminent danger).
They did want me to follow up with a neurologist. This is a large hospital in a metropolitan area BTW.
I proceeded to have a brain scan? (electrodes put on scalp), another cat scan, MRI's of head, neck, back. Went to ENT, chiropractor, and had tick illnesses checked.
Nothing wrong!
Ok- well why can't I walk?
Finally, I saw neurologist in June- she said I had post viral vestibular disorder aka vestibular neuritis. I said what caused this. She said some virus. I said will I ever be "normal"?- "well we don't know."
She said the vestibular nerve was damaged. She sent me to Vestibular Therapy. Thank god for this! I had never heard of this. I had to relearn everything. I was pulling to the right. My eyes were pulling to right. I just finished therapy in November. This took up March to November. I am almost normal but not exactly.
I hope this helps people to give hope.
This year the hospital did not mandate the covid vaccine. I am glad. What scares me is I'm not sure what went down. Is it the vaccine? Covid? I don't know and no one else does either.
I am now working on walking to gain cardiovascular health back that I lost sitting down for 8 months.
I wanted to share my experience with vestibular issues in case it will help someone. This was so scary.
I work in healthcare. I did have Covid Jan 2020. I got vaccinated 2/27/21 and 3/20/21 (workplace mandate). I got a booster 10/24/21.
In March of 2022 I had the "flu". I took two at home covid tests that were negative. I was sick enough to sleep in recliner for a few days and not watch TV but not enough to go to doctor. I felt as it I had recovered come beginning of April. This is where it gets scary. (Background- healthy as an ox 46 year old) no medical issues.
I got up in early April and could not walk. My BF said it looked like I was drunk. I got a prednisone pack and it did nothing. Stumbling...cannot drive, cannot go down stairs or inclines. I have to hold on to things to move. I remember lying in bed crying and screaming why me. Was I dying? I finally went to ER (first time in 46 yrs) They immediately did a cat scan for stroke-negative. They drew blood, had a neurologist come in and test reflexes etc. Finally I was discharged (patient not in imminent danger).
They did want me to follow up with a neurologist. This is a large hospital in a metropolitan area BTW.
I proceeded to have a brain scan? (electrodes put on scalp), another cat scan, MRI's of head, neck, back. Went to ENT, chiropractor, and had tick illnesses checked.
Nothing wrong!
Ok- well why can't I walk?
Finally, I saw neurologist in June- she said I had post viral vestibular disorder aka vestibular neuritis. I said what caused this. She said some virus. I said will I ever be "normal"?- "well we don't know."
She said the vestibular nerve was damaged. She sent me to Vestibular Therapy. Thank god for this! I had never heard of this. I had to relearn everything. I was pulling to the right. My eyes were pulling to right. I just finished therapy in November. This took up March to November. I am almost normal but not exactly.
I hope this helps people to give hope.
This year the hospital did not mandate the covid vaccine. I am glad. What scares me is I'm not sure what went down. Is it the vaccine? Covid? I don't know and no one else does either.
I am now working on walking to gain cardiovascular health back that I lost sitting down for 8 months.
how’d the neurologist diagnose you? What test did they perform to diagnose this? Also did you have any eye or hearing issues with this? Curious
Vestibular therapy is a form of rehabilitation that aims to help individuals who have problems with balance and coordination, which can be caused by damage to the vestibular nerve. The therapy typically involves a combination of exercises, such as eye and head movements, to help retrain the brain to process visual and vestibular information correctly. It sounds like you went through a long course of therapy and were able to make significant improvements.
Regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, it is not currently known if the vaccine is linked to long-term balance or coordination problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that some people may experience side effects after getting the vaccine, such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue, and headache, but these side effects are usually mild and go away on their own.
Vestibular neuritis is a condition that can occur suddenly, seemingly out of the blue. It is an inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which controls balance and spatial orientation. This inflammation can cause dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and difficulty with balance.
The exact cause of vestibular neuritis is not always clear, but it is thought to be related to a viral infection that affects the inner ear. Other factors, such as stress or changes in pressure, may also contribute to the development of vestibular neuritis.
Treatment for vestibular neuritis may include medications to manage symptoms, such as anti-nausea medication or medication to relieve dizziness. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help improve balance and reduce symptoms over time. In some cases, the condition may resolve on its own over a period of weeks or months.
It is important to see a healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms of vestibular neuritis, as they can help diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment options. They can also help rule out other underlying causes of dizziness and vertigo.