# My equilibrium has gotten out of whack **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [January 30, 2025, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-equilibrium-has-gotten-out-of-whack/1013648 "2025-01-30T23:44:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2025, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-equilibrium-has-gotten-out-of-whack/1013648/1 "2025-01-30T23:44:03Z")
It started yesterday. When I woke up I had a very slight feeling of dizziness that immediately went away. But about 10 minutes later, after leaning my head back as I swallowed my pill and then leaning forward again, I got extremely dizzy and fell against the counter. No harm done but it was really weird. No numbness or tingling or weakness. The rest of the day I was fine with no symptoms at all. Last night when I laid down, I felt some vertigo but it went away and I fell asleep. Today, as soon as I sat up in bed, the dizziness hit and it hasn’t gone away. I can walk if I don’t make any sudden movements and hold my head still. It seems to be brought on by up and down movement rather than side to side. My head feels a little stuffy but my nose is clear. I feel pretty much ok as long as I’m sitting down. I’m a night owl and have only been up for a few hours now and it seems to be a little better. Has anyone else experienced this? ---
**Author:** ![F.U.Shakespeare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/aca169/32.png) [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2025, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-equilibrium-has-gotten-out-of-whack/1013648/2 "2025-01-30T23:55:18Z")
I’ve had what you’re describing for months now. But less severe. I’m able to lift weights and do the treadmill, and carry my gear to gigs. I think it started around the same time I got a “stuffy ear”–that feeling you get when you go to high altitudes. Except it doesn’t go away. Do you have that? I’ve been thinking about seeing a doctor, but your post has convinced me. ---
**Author:** ![Jeff\_Lichtman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jeff_lichtman/32/1531_2.png) [@Jeff\_Lichtman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jeff_Lichtman)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2025, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-equilibrium-has-gotten-out-of-whack/1013648/3 "2025-01-31T00:10:07Z")
Have you taken your blood pressure? It could be low. ---
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2025, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-equilibrium-has-gotten-out-of-whack/1013648/4 "2025-01-31T00:10:29Z")
> [@F.U.Shakespeare](#): > > I think it started around the same time I got a “stuffy ear”–that feeling you get when you go to high altitudes. Except it doesn’t go away. Do you have that? Yes, today my ears feel a little stuffy. I’m imagining that this has something to do with inner ear issues. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2025, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-equilibrium-has-gotten-out-of-whack/1013648/5 "2025-01-31T00:12:59Z")
Me? Happily ensconced. It’s says so by my name. ---
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2025, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-equilibrium-has-gotten-out-of-whack/1013648/6 "2025-01-31T00:13:50Z")
> [@Jeff\_Lichtman](#): > > Have you taken your blood pressure? It could be low. I did and it was actually higher than normal. I’m keeping an eye on it. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2025, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-equilibrium-has-gotten-out-of-whack/1013648/7 "2025-01-31T00:14:43Z")
It could just be a matter of an ear wax plug, or it could be crystals in your ear that are out of place. You should see an ENT as soon as you can, as you don’t want to take a fall. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2025, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-equilibrium-has-gotten-out-of-whack/1013648/8 "2025-01-31T00:15:23Z")
I have not experienced those symptoms but my older brother has. Be very careful as falls can create life-threatening concussions. You need to get medical attention for this ASAP and consider the use of supportive devices to help keep you stable, even it it comes down to using a walker. It might be a life saver! ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2025, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-equilibrium-has-gotten-out-of-whack/1013648/9 "2025-01-31T00:17:33Z")
It’s a fairly common condition, if it’s vertigo. As @Chefguy mentions, there are “crystals” in your inner ear. If they become disturbed, it causes the vertigo sensation you’re experiencing by tipping your head in different directions. When it happened to my late husband (nothing to do with his death!), he thought he was having a stroke. You should definitely get checked out by a medical practitioner to rule out anything more serious, but what you describe is pretty common. I hope it resolves for you soon. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2025, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-equilibrium-has-gotten-out-of-whack/1013648/10 "2025-01-31T00:19:37Z")
I’ve had a bit of that myself in the past couple of weeks, but I am also recovering from RSV so I’m attributing it to that. ---
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2025, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-equilibrium-has-gotten-out-of-whack/1013648/11 "2025-01-31T03:40:58Z")
Thanks everyone for the information. It’s still happening but it seems to not be so bad right now. Or I’m just getting used to it. I’m being very careful about walking around. If it is still a problem tomorrow, a friend is going to take me to Urgent Care. If not, I’ll try to see a doctor next week. ---
**Author:** ![Sylvanz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Sylvanz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sylvanz)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2025, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-equilibrium-has-gotten-out-of-whack/1013648/12 "2025-01-31T03:51:23Z")
I had it so bad a year ago I couldn’t get off the bed. I told Hubster it was like bedspins without the alcohol. Anyway, I ended up having physical therapy which resolved most of it. The therapst taught me some maneuvers to correct it on my own. I’ve had it recur occasionally but it usually resolves on its own. It hasn’t been as bad as that one time so no maneuvers. Good luck it’s pretty annoying. > Blockquote ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2025, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-equilibrium-has-gotten-out-of-whack/1013648/13 "2025-01-31T04:33:26Z")
Maybe some blood tests, just to check on your sugar levels and some other things? ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2025, 7:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-equilibrium-has-gotten-out-of-whack/1013648/14 "2025-01-31T07:40:05Z")
It could also be labyrinthitis, an infection of the inner ear. ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2025, 9:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-equilibrium-has-gotten-out-of-whack/1013648/15 "2025-01-31T09:39:34Z")
I had that and am now deaf in one ear. It was a horrible experience. ---
**Author:** ![Cardigan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cardigan/32/187_2.png) [@Cardigan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardigan)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2025, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-equilibrium-has-gotten-out-of-whack/1013648/16 "2025-01-31T15:17:43Z")
If it’s vertigo as others have already suggested there are simple treatments available that can address the problem. I think it’s called the Epley Maneuver: [Epley Maneuver](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTnV3m4bWDg) ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2025, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-equilibrium-has-gotten-out-of-whack/1013648/17 "2025-01-31T15:24:17Z")
I was diagnosed with Ménière’s Disease several years ago after a particularly bad episode. (I literally lay on the floor in my bathroom, unable to do anything more than vomit, for more than seven hours.) The Epley Maneuver was not helpful, even after two treatments. Fortunately, my episodes occur only once or twice a year. In my case, reducing my BP when I feel an episode coming on has been helpful, but it usually takes about six hours for my medication to kick in. I also keep Meclizine handy, though it does not always help reduce the vertigo-induced nausea. My ENT specialist manages my condition. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2025, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-equilibrium-has-gotten-out-of-whack/1013648/18 "2025-01-31T15:26:36Z")
Here’s the Epley Maneuver [video](https://youtu.be/VtJB5Vx7Xqo) we use when Mrs. FtG needs to get those otoliths back in position. ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2025, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-equilibrium-has-gotten-out-of-whack/1013648/19 "2025-01-31T15:30:58Z")
Now in my 50s I noticed if I lie down on my back on the floor and without a pillow tilt my head back to rest on the floor I get instantly dizzy and nauseous. ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2025, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-equilibrium-has-gotten-out-of-whack/1013648/20 "2025-01-31T17:57:43Z")
My wife had labyrinthitis once. Luckily it was a bacterial infection and was easily treated with antibiotics. But untreated labyrinthitis can indeed cause permanent damage. If it were me, I’d get it looked at by a doctor asap. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-equilibrium-has-gotten-out-of-whack/1013648.md?page=2)