Vertigo
 

Had a bad bout of it back early in April of '24, first ever I can recall. Went to ER thinking it was something it turned out not to be, got a solid explanation and an Rx for Meclizine.

The leftover (a lot) came in handy this AM when I woke feeling a little nauseous, then tried to stand to dress.

Nope, not gonna do that just yet. After a time I managed to make a cuppa, downed a pill with it.

Good thing today's my one weekday off work, bad 'cause I'd been planning a new route to ride one of my bikes after a weekend of 'honey-do' list items. Weather's been perfect for outdoor painting (list item) and biking these last ten days but my biking's taken a back seat to other responsibilities.

Ten hours later I'm dog-sitting whilst eating (and sharing) a light lunch, wondering if there's things others do to reduce incidence of this particular bike-unfriendly affliction?

I too had vertigo once, so bad I could not open my eyes without the room spinning so much I had immediate vomiting.. Wife too me to ER, also got meclizine as well as diazepam. Didn't help much. Got in to my primary care a few days later....in short, google the "Epley Maneuver". My primary did it to me and INSTANT relief. I had spent those few das gorked out on meclizine and valium for nothing. What happens when you get seen by a resident who doesn't have years of experience, or maybe isn't well read. I did a few visits of physical therapy to get my balance back but the vertigo was gone and never came back. This works for vertigo caused by the little bones in the semi-circular canals of the inner ear getting out of place. The maneuver sort of "swings" them back in place. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy (well maybe) but especially not to a fellow cyclist.
Hope this helps and you are better soon.

I had a bout of it in late-2022. Went to the emergency room and they couldn't find anything wrong with me that was an 'emergency' (no stroke or cardiac issue, blood work OK, CT scan of head OK), did the Epsley maneuver (sp?) on me twice with no relief (I threw up both times as it makes the dizziness even worse). Admitted to the hospital for a few days and cardiologist and an ear-nose-throat doctor could only come up with a possible inner ear infection and I got sent home with meclizine (useless). It took about a month to get comfortable driving a car on a limited basis, and about three months before I felt comfortable on a two-wheeled bicycle on a street (balance issues). So far no recurrence of the problem and the balance issues are non-existent anymore. The doctors said it could come back in the future.

My wife has had it, not too often luckily. Had one bout that lasted a few days, then lately had it one morning but was fine by the afternoon. Hers has always cleared up without the need for medication. No idea why or when it may happen. Just glad it's a rare occurrence. Going to keep that Epley Maneuver handy, will try when/if her next bout.

I had an episode in October of 2023. It was so bad my eyes were twitching. I went to bed, that only made it worse. I had awful nausea. I didn’t go to the ER, but to my ENT who ordered an MRI (only thing that proved was that I have a brain). I also went through vestibular function testing and a hearing test with an audiologist. That was not fun. I have what’s called vestibular hypo function in my right ear. I have exercises that I must do several times a week, or I will have a dizzy spell. Riding my bike helps. Vertigo is a sign for many things. Fortunately, we found an answer, unfortunately there is no cure. Maybe a visit with your ENT will help.

This video shows what's going on.

Over a number of decades I had a number of supposed diagnoses and treatments. Mine never responded to Meclazine. Ultimately a neurologist said it was a form of migrane. He put me on a daily dose of topiramate and I haved had a recurrence in a few years.

Indeed it can be, yes!

Mine's fine today, I worked yesterday but it took me awhile to get up to speed.

Haven't been seen by an ENT in decades, have an audiologist but since what I've experienced (twice now, ~ 18 months apart) responds to Rx with one tab I'm not concerned that I should involve her. Does tend to throw a wrench into my plans for a day when it starts upon waking up.

Be aware that the Epley Maneuver can do some serious harm if not done properly and with care. I've yet to have to resort to that, thankfully.

Thanks all for your contributions to this thread BTW.

Indeed it does! Crystals are often of Calcium Carbonate, otherwise known as limestone.

(Background music (one of Eric Satie's Gymnopedies) a curious choice for accompaniment, been a favorite of mine for half a century.)