4 years ago I was hospitalised with early stage sepsis and I have been suffering with extreme dizziness ever since. I have seen multiple specialists and had scans of my inner ear and head which have both shown nothing unusual. The current diagnosis I have is that I am suffering from vestibular migraine. I do believe I have vestibular migraines from time to time but as I am dizzy 24/7 I find it hard to believe that I am in a constant state of migraine? I have tried multiple prescribed medication which has not helped my symptoms. I have also attended vestibular rehab and CBT therapy which again did not help. The main trigger of my dizziness over the last 18 months is hunger. Literally every single time I get hungry, my dizziness will escalate to the point it is unbearable. I eat regularly and well but I seem to be hungry all the time which only makes the dizziness worse. I have had my bloods tested multiple times and the only issue was high vitamin B12 which I’m told won’t be contributing to my symptoms. When my dizziness is bad, I feel very disorientated and feel like my brain is rattling about inside my head. I also get extreme brain fog and my vision almost seems to be delayed which is very hard to describe. I have had my eyes tested which were all okay. I am quite a stressed person and I do believe stress will be impacting my dizziness. I was wondering if this sounds like anyone else’s situation? Does anyone have hunger as a main trigger and how do you combat this? Sorry if there is 2 posts from me, I tried to post this already but can’t see the post. Thanks.
Your experience sounds very difficult and I am sorry that you have faced such serious health issues. Dizziness and hunger seem to greatly affect your daily functioning. Your symptoms, such as confusion, brain fog and delayed vision, can be very distressing. Regarding hunger as a primary trigger, it may be worth paying attention to diet and considering consulting with a dietitian or primary care physician to develop a personalized eating plan that may help reduce your symptoms.
This sounds very much like chronic/intractable vestibular migraine. I describe it to others as feeling like I’m in various stages of being drunk… from a little woozy to down-and-out bed spins. Does that sound similar to your experience?
I had heard of vestibular migraine, but didn’t know symptoms could be constant until last year. Treatment is different than an acute migraine, but still focuses on reducing triggers such as high-Tyramine foods, disrupted sleep and stress. Good luck and feel free to reach out for support!
Hi Jack.
I have similar triggers of tiredness, stress, and hunger. Although I too am in a state of dizziness 24/7 - I have been on a detox diet from my osteopath doctor who discovered not only do I have high levels of heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium) but also was found to have mold which lead to Leaky Gut Syndrome. The source of the heavy metals is unknown (tested my water and work and at home) so I've had to rid my cupboards of any and all items that may have metals (chipped ceramic plates, cups, bowls and old cookware that had non-stick coatings) - I only use good quality stainless steel and cast iron now).
it's been about 15+ months for me now with varying degrees of vertigo. I do find that tiredness and hunger are triggers. I used to get about 6 hours of sleep, getting up early for work no matter how much sleep I had, but now I try to get to bed on time, with no cell phone usage (just a book) and no alarm (I still seem to wake up on time). My sleep has been better and while it has not reduced my vertigo, I do feel much better overall.
The detox diet is a bit rigid but it's imperative to #1 - not bring in any more heavy metals to my system, and #2 - rid my body of these toxins that may have caused the issue. Not certain if it will reduce the issue, so far it has not but there is a thought that this is what may have caused the vertigo in the first place. I would urge you to visit a Osteopathic doctor - my issue is inner ear - however migraines can be triggered by food sensitivities (I'm told) and so you may not have outright allergies, but food sensitivities can present in migraines for sure.
I hope you find some relief. If you know you have stress (which I know I do as a "fixer") - it's imperative you put yourself and your health first. I had to put my family/friends on notice that I am having to care for myself and may have to adjust how much I can do. It was really hard to admit that I cannot be the fixer of things anymore but my family and friends were more than understanding and even helpful.
Sending you healing and positive energy.
PS - if you know these are migraines - do you get light or noise sensitive? I do.
Vestibular migraine can manifest as dizziness, vertigo, balance issues, or sensitivity directv plans to motion, often without a headache. If you're experiencing these symptoms alongside visual disturbances or nausea, it could indicate vestibular migraine. It's essential to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis, as these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, requiring tailored treatment and management.