My husband acquired an outer ear infection two years ago. At the hospital, he was treated for a bacterial infection. Three days later, he suffered facial paralysis and severe pain in his ear and right side of his head. After being admitted to the hospital, it was discovered he had shingles and the virus had spread to his brain. He underwent six months of therapy for his accompanying dizziness and vestibular problems. Now two years later, he is still dizzy and has numerous balance problems. He cannot drive or perform normal activities. He only gets relief when he lies down; so much of his life is spent in bed. If he had been given Valtrex the first day he went to the hospital, he may not be as bad as he is. The doctor says that the nerve from the inner ear to the brain is damaged, as well as two facial nerves. He looks like he had a stroke. He must walk with a cane to support himself so he does not fall down. He is taking gabapentin for the pain and meclizine for the dizziness along with an antidepressant. He is soon to start another round of therapy for the dizziness.

For the past 2 months I have experienced a wavy, unsteady, floating disorientation. I was diagnosed with strep throat and prescribed meds for strep and that is when I recall it 1st started happening. I thought the feeling was a result of the meds. I am afraid to drive and cry continuously because I feel unsteady and blurry. I am afraid to move my head. The feeling comes in waves continuously when I am up and moving, it even occurs when I am laying down if I move my eyes or head. It is quite frightening to me. The meclizine prescribed does not seem to work for me. I have had no relief, but have only been taking it 3 days so far. I do have a history of bi polar disorder (manic depression) diagnosed 10 years ago and take Seroquel, Xanax, Cymbalta and Ambien. I feel increased anxiety daily as the meds continue to disappoint me.

I have no definite diagnosis at this time. For over 5 years I have battled vertigo, dizziness, migraines, and actually falling down. First diagnosis was MS. Then that changed to a stroke. Now, an inner ear disorder. My hearing is intact so the ENT doctor could not help me. My neuorologist now believes it is something with the labyrinth. I have tried numerous medications. Now surgery may be in the future with the risk losing my hearing attached to it. Is there anyone with the same frustration over being unable to accurately diagnose the problems?

Seven years ago I was diagnosed with BPPV-Benign Paroximal Positional Vertigo. For over a year I was dizzy. Then in July of this year, I began to have the symptoms again, dizziness, falling, nausea. I was put through epply maneuvers, it didn't make a difference. I am seeing a really good neuro-otolaryngologist now and I have also been diagnosed with vestibular migraines as well as an inner-ear dysfunction. It is quite debilitating, but with a low grade level anti depressant to help with the vestibular migraines, I have seen some relief with the actual dizziness. He may recommend surgery for the BPPV, if the medications are not successful. My suggestion, don't get up too fast, when you are walking pretend there is a heavy magnet on your feet to ground you. My neurological therapy has really helped. I use a cane only outside of the house, so that I won't become dependent. But it does assist me in my balance. I wish you all well.

I was diagnosed with vertigo spells about 11 years ago. I bent down to pick up my infant daughter and that was all she wrote! I could barely stand back up - everything felt like it was moving. My head was spinning and I felt nauseous. I was scared to death. After I sat for a while the sensations slowed down. When I had another episode a while later (maybe within a year), I went to the doc and was diagnosed with vertigo. The Epley exercises were recommended. Similar to one of the writers here, mine has to do with head positioning. I cannot sleep on my left side - has to be the right side. I can usually tell when I get out of bed in the morning if I will have an episode. I will sometimes get little warning signs - slightly dizziness or a little wave of imbalance. Anyway, I have pretty much learned my limitations - NO amusement park rides, not a lot of physical activity at once, i.e, squatting and lifting, painting walls or ceilings, swimming underwater. My nurse at work suggested I take a decongestant when I feel any symptoms. My biggest struggle right now is not knowing when I might wake up feeling like crap. I usually miss a day of work then another day is spent being very careful with how I bend over, walk, etc. I also have a dull headache the next day. But if this is all I have to deal with from a physical standpoint, I can handle it!