Dizziness

[Indianagal]

I have been having a problem with dizzy spells from time to time. They don't last very long..a moment or two but come on very suddenly when I least likely expect it. Does anyone else have a problem with dizziness?
I also have a constant ringing in my right ear so recently went to an ENT specialist. He had me go for an MRI of the brain and I also had a balance test. The MRI results were very good but the balance test results showed that there may be a problem with the central nervous system. The results were sent to my neurologist who treats me for fibromyalgia. I saw my neurologist yesterday only to be told he can't figure out a reason for my dizziness and based on the results of the balance test...believe they call it a VNG test that he wants me to see another neurologist who specializes in treating dizziness.
I was hoping to take a trip the end of May which would involve flying and my neurologist doesn't recommend it until the dizziness issue is resolved. From what I have read and heard from others dizziness can be a symptom of fibro. I asked my doctor and he said it isn't. He said the only symptoms of fibro is pain and fibro-fog.
If anyone knows if this is true or not I would love to hear from you. As the dizziness doesn't happen on a frequent basis I believe it is fibro-related. And wondering now if it is just Vertigo as I sometimes get dizzy when I am getting into bed and lie down.

 

[Siderea]

See a chiropractor. They're nervous system doctors, not bone doctors. They adjust bones in order to free up the nerves. My chiropractor has done more good for me than any medical doctor has.

I do get dizzy spells from low blood pressure and low blood sugar. Blood pressure is like a hose. As long as the hose is on it's side, water will always flow. If you lift the hose up, if the water pressure isn't high enough, it will take a second or two before enough water builds up and it starts flowing out the top again. If that is your blood going to your brain, imagine how damaging the lack of blood to the brain can be. My blood pressure was very low, and I had to raise it through a high protein diet and lots of cardio. I was about 90/55, but now I'm around 100/65 on average and fight less dizziness and feel stronger. As for low blood sugar, I fight hypoglycemia. My blood sugar has very often been blow 80, which is very rough on the body. It causes many problems, dizziness is the least of them. Eating sugar makes your blood sugar levels worse over time, so the best way to raise it is by avoiding all sugar in order to calm your insulin levels.

 

[Trellum]

My mom had spells of dizziness quite often as well as balance issues, it turned out to be an ear infection. She didn't have any other symptom that pointed in that direction, so I'm mentioning this just in case! We had no idea she had an ear infection, but voila... the the new doctor detected that. I'm not saying it could be that, maybe it's fibro related, but you never know. Better get checked.

 

[Indianagal]

Thank you Siderea and Trellum for your replies. I am waiting for a phone call from the office of Dr. Timothy Hain in Chicago to schedule an appointment. He is a specialist when it comes to dizziness issues. I would of thought the ENT would of told me if it were an ear infection. When I saw the ENT he told me there are no audatory issues but that it is a neurological issue. According to my neurologist Dr. Hain is one of the top neurologists in the country and if anyone can figure out my dizziness issue it is this doctor.
The reason I posted asking if anyone else had a dizziness issue is because I am also reading a book right now called "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibromyalgia" by R. Paul St. Amand MD. This doctor claims dizziness is a symptom of fibromyalgia and so that is why I have asked if anyone in this group also had this problem. Hopefully when I see Dr. Hain, he can figure out what the problem is. Thank you again for your replies.

 

[alexisfinch24]

It is a part of this thing that we have I am afraid. Now with that being said get to a doctor preferably a specialist who knows how to treat this disease as a whole. Also they will know how to rule your dizziness as a normal symptom of fibro or if it is due to something else. Hang in there.

 

[Indianagal]

Thank you Alexis for your reply. I want to believe it just goes along with fibro and was a little surprised when my neurologist said it isn't. This book I am reading also says gives a long list of symptoms associated with fibro. Most of the symptoms I have. One is undue sweating and body rashes. So many times I have gone out for a walk and have broken out in a sweat on my head which I never had before being diagnosed with fibro. This book also says that hypoglycemia goes hand in hand with fibro. It is a very interesting book. This Dr. Hain I am going to see is a top neurologist and a professor of neurology. Hopefully I can get some answers from him...if not just may see if I can book an appointment with the Mayo Clinic as my neurologist has said he has done all he can for me. And the rheumatologist I have seen prescribed Prednisone for the pain which I do not want to take.

 

[katydid]

I have low blood pressure and neurocardiogenic syncope, which causes dizziness and fainting. My cardiologist diagnosed me after doing a series of tests including ekgs and a tilt table test.. It could be fibro related but it's better to see a specialist /Dr about whatever symptoms you're having because simply assuming everything is fibro related could be dangerous.. Also, what you're experiencing may or may not be neurologic, it could be something else like in my situation.. Just keep that in mind... There is also a condition called 'pots' or Postural Tachycardia Syndrome, which is kind of similar to what I have, which causes dizziness and fainting as well as other symptoms like weakness, blurred vision, ibs like symptoms, aches and pains, and fatigue among other symptoms. If I'mnot mist aken, what I have is more of a heart issue, and pots is thought to be linked with the autonomic nervous system and can be linked to fibro and other ailments.... I recommend doing a little research on both neurocardiogenic syncope and pots and see if anything sounds familiar or interesting, information can't hurt! Have you seen a cardiologist? Let us know how it goes with the new Dr! And good luck!

 

[painismylife]

Indiangal, I have dizzy spells a lot, but especially when I am in the midst of a flare up, which recently, is a lot. Most of my dizzy spells come from leaning down to do things like pick up something that I dropped, etc., and I am guessing that I change positions too quickly. As you said, the dizziness only lasts for a moment. But I have read in multiple places that dizziness is indeed a symptom of fibro. Hang in there, and I hope you get some real help from this new specialist.

 

[alexisfinch24]

Hopefully you will be able to get some answers. You are very welcome. That is what we are all here for. To help each other out with this thing we all share. Keep your head up.

 

[Indianagal]

I recently was approved for SSD but before I was approved I was without health insurance. So am now catching up on getting all my issues sorted out. I have a skin rash which appears on my feet and hands so also need to see a dermatologist. Someone I know suggested that perhaps my dizziness could be associated with the heart and the carotoid artery (know I didn't spell that right). Now wondering if I should just go to the Mayo Clinic and get checked out as I do have so many issues.

 

[Lana]

Hi yes I get dizzy alot, I was shopping and I got so dizzy I had to grab the wall. I have to hold on to a shopping cart now because I never know when its going to happen. I am unsteady on my feet and scared of falling, I am going to see my Doc on Thursday about this, because it can be pretty scary. I also have heaviness in my head with mild headaches.

 

[Indianagal]

I saw my rheumatologist yesterday and he said it is quite possible to have dizzy spells with fibromyalgia. In addition to fibromyalgia he also thinks I may have psoriatic arthritis which would account for me having pain all the time all over my body. I do have a rash on the bottom of my right foot and sometimes get the same rash on my hands. Last time I saw him he prescribed a small dose of prednisone which I took for about a week and then stopped as another person on this site pointed out the dangers of taking it on a long term basis. I spoke to him about this yesterday and he agreed that prednisone is not to be taken on a long term basis. He only wanted to see how I did on it on a trial basis as he then will treat me for psoriatic arthritis. As I may be traveling in the near future out of the country he wants to wait until I return before starting me on something new. I really like my rheumy. Can't believe I now have another condition on top of the fibromyalgia.

 

[Indianagal]

I am also still waiting to hear about the appointment with the specialist in Chicago. He is not in network with my insurance plan and so I am trying to get that straightened out. When I saw my rheumatologist yesterday I told him what had been going on as far as seeing the ENT and then the neurologist. He said it is probably a good idea to see the neurologist in Chicago who specializes in dizziness issues. He also said he thought I should be okay to travel abroad. He said I could use a motion sickness patch if I had a concern but thought I shouldn't have any issues flying.

 

[Trellum]

Thank you Siderea and Trellum for your replies. I am waiting for a phone call from the office of Dr. Timothy Hain in Chicago to schedule an appointment. He is a specialist when it comes to dizziness issues. I would of thought the ENT would of told me if it were an ear infection. When I saw the ENT he told me there are no audatory issues but that it is a neurological issue. According to my neurologist Dr. Hain is one of the top neurologists in the country and if anyone can figure out my dizziness issue it is this doctor.
The reason I posted asking if anyone else had a dizziness issue is because I am also reading a book right now called "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibromyalgia" by R. Paul St. Amand MD. This doctor claims dizziness is a symptom of fibromyalgia and so that is why I have asked if anyone in this group also had this problem. Hopefully when I see Dr. Hain, he can figure out what the problem is. Thank you again for your replies.

You are very welcome! Glad to hear you are seeing a neurologist, I will be seeing one as well soon. I'm also feeling dizzy lately, but hopefully it's nothing. I hope it's just fibro acting up for you as well! It's good you go to see the doctor when a new symptom shows up, most people like to assume everything is being caused by fibro.