Dizziness and Vertigo symptoms

I shared this when I first started this blog and think it's worth sharing again. A list of symptoms published by the Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA) and it describes my experience perfectly. These symptoms can be overwhelming at times and are always present. I have taken this list with me to many hospital consultations.

Vertigo and dizziness 
▪ True spinning vertigo attacks, Constant visual vertigo or whirling sensation; an illusion of movement of self and the world
▪ Lightheaded, floating, or rocking sensation 
▪ Sensation of being heavily weighted or pulled in one direction.Detached, spaced out feeling all of the time.

Balance Problems and spatial orientation issues
▪ Imbalance, stumbling, difficulty walking straight or turning a corner. 
▪ Clumsiness or difficulty with coordination 
▪ Tendency to look downward to confirm the location of the 
  ground 
▪ Tendency to touch or hold onto something when standing, Activity increases Imbalance
▪ Sensitivity to changes in walking surfaces or footwear 

Vision 
▪ Trouble focusing or tracking objects with the eyes; objects or words on a page seem to jump, bounce, float, or blur or may appear doubled. Eyes feel stiff and slow
▪ Discomfort from busy visual environments such as traffic, crowds, stores, and patterns. Walls and floors appear to arc and bend
▪ Sensitivity to light, glare, and moving or flickering lights
▪ Tendency to focus on nearby objects; increased discomfort when focusing at a distance
▪ Increased night blindness; difficulty walking in the dark
▪ Poor depth perception, Bouncing vision whilst walking, Fuzzy, static like vision

Hearing 
▪ Fluctuating hearing 
▪ Tinnitus (ringing ears, roaring)
▪ Hyperacusis, Sudden loud sounds may increase symptoms of vertigo, dizziness, or imbalance 

Cognitive and psychological
▪ Difficulty concentrating and paying attention
▪ Forgetfulness and short-term memory lapses 
▪ Confusion, disorientation, difficulty comprehending directions or instructions 
▪ Difficulty following speakers in conversations especially when there is background 
noise or movement 
▪ Mental and/or physical fatigue out of proportion to activity
▪ Loss of self-reliance, self-confidence, self-esteem 
▪ Anxiety, panic 
▪ Depression 

Other
▪ Nausea or vomiting 
▪ "Hangover" or "seasick" feeling in the head 
▪ Motion sickness 
▪ Ear pain 
▪ Sensation of fullness in the ears 
▪ Headache with dizziness
▪ Sensitivity to pressure or temperature changes and wind currents

Swimmyhead

A girl with an Invisible Disorder

I just finished reading a blog post by VEDA ambassador Sammy Lynn who one year ago started experiencing a strange sense of motion. After seeing doctor after doctor she was finally diagnosed with Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS). I had to share this because it was as if I was reading my very own experience. I am sure many of you will relate. It's well worth the read.

Sammy Lynn blog: http://www.lovenutritionco.com/finding-balance-a-girl-with-an-invisible-disorder/

I initially saw this post on the Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA) facebook Profile:VEDA Facebook Profile

Swimmyhead

Dizzy Me goes English - Crowdfunding movie

Undizzy You - With Dizzy Me

Dizzy Me is a complete guide to dizziness and vertigo and is written by an ex patient and vestibular expert. They are looking to have the book printed in English and are looking for help in doing so.

Here is a link to a video and more information about the book Dizzy Me - http://www.ulule.com/dizzy-me/

Dizzy me - Twitter Profile - @stadsbader

Dizzy Me Community - Facebook Profile

A book raising awareness about vestibular disorders can only be a good thing. Check it out guys

Swimmyhead

Update

Hi guys

Thought I would check in as it's been a few weeks since I last posted. As usual I have felt pretty rough the majority of that time. Some days have been very intense symptom wise and headaches have been much more frequent especially in the evenings. However today has been a beautiful sunny day and my symptoms are milder. I have said it before but the more sunny and bright the day is the better my vision and balance. I have no idea why this is but it happens to be the case. Of course there are hundreds of sunny days in the past that have felt like hell but usually I feel more steady in a bright sunny environment. It also lifts the mood doesn't it.

Swimmyhead