Quick head movements make me dizzy!

[Manders]

Okay so I'm now two week post-translab and am a little anxious to start feeling myself again. I know everyone recovers differently but at what point were you able to move your head quickly without getting dizzy? I can walk pretty well but only as long as I keep my head still and turn slowly. Is this something that will resolve on its own or do I need to really work at it to get it back to "normal"?

[LakeErie]

It is normal to experience problems with head movements, after all you have lost balance input to one side of your brain. Your vestibular system does compensate over time. I'd think your rehab therapist could offer some exercises to help.
While I never had vestibular therapy, I did compensate by making the head movements while standing. Side to side and both up and down, all by about 45 degrees each movement. I'd do them slowly at first and then a bit faster until I felt light headed and a little unstable and then stop. I'd repeat the process and then quit. I'd perform the two sets of movements three times a day. Gradually I developed some conditioning effect and I was able to perform more movements and faster ones before having any problems. Soon I was able to start walking with the same 45 degree head movements indoors and then outside. It took me weeks, but I am 65 years old and compensation can take up to 4 months in people over age 60 according to Johns Hopkins.
Two weeks is not a long time to recover from your surgery, but I believe you can compensate for your balance loss by challenging your vestibular system. Ask your surgeon or balance therapist. Good luck.

[LizAN]

Okay so I'm now two week post-translab and am a little anxious to start feeling myself again. I know everyone recovers differently but at what point were you able to move your head quickly without getting dizzy? I can walk pretty well but only as long as I keep my head still and turn slowly. Is this something that will resolve on its own or do I need to really work at it to get it back to "normal"?

Hope it gets better soon, Manders.  Are you able to drive yet?  Let us know what your therapist says, and keep us posted on your progress.

Liz

[Jim Scott]

Manders ~

For what its worth, immediately post-op, I experienced similar dizziness when turning my head quickly, especially noticeable when changing lanes while driving (which I was doing within a fortnight of my surgery).  I simply pushed through it (not that bad) and in time, probably six months or so, the dizziness abated.  Within a year, it was a distant memory.  With your youth and fitness, I trust you'll have a similar experience, probably even better.

Jim 

[Brewers7]

Sounds like you are well on your way to a remarkable recovery.  (I would guess weeks rather than months away.)

[Manders]

No driving yet (as I'm sure it wouldn't end well for anyone involved lol) but I'm hoping to by week 4. Maybe sooner if I make lots of progress this week.  Sounds like I'm just going to have to be patient and let my body do its thing. I've been doing vestibular exercises to challenge myself and I think that'll probably help speed up the process.

[lrobie]

Manders,

I cannot comment about post surgery dizziness, but I have already experienced the "quick head movements making me dizzy" on occasion.  I know mine probably isn't nearly as often as yours, but I know what it feels like and what you're going through.  I have to stop and hold on.

Lisa

[pjb]

Please do not get discouraged it takes time but I know the Vestibular Therapy as the weeks progress does help with the dizziness. I was told to move my head from side to side do not go fast it will get better, but now I find myself almost 3 years later certain ways I use to drive on highways or local streets I drive differently I just have to adjust to the new me and that is okay. If I go where I do have to turn to quickly from side to side I avoid those areas and on the highways not a speeder anymore (good thing I guess)...lol....so I drive stay now in the right lane but at least I am attempting to venture out but of course will never endanger anyone just have a different path too follow and night driving that is a whole different story but then again I am much older...

It will get better you have gone through a lot and your body needs time to adjust.

Best Wishes,

[james e]

Don't expect too much too soon! Slow and steady. It is like watching children grow or paint dry. Your brain is pretty busy trying to keep you vertical, and it will have an impact on your vision, your muscles, your memory, and lots of other "brain things".

[kixit]

Manders,

I was sent home with a walker my balance was terrible. After 3 days or so at home I was walking on my own, not so so straight but it has improved. Like you, if I turn my head quickly I will feel very unbalanced even sitting. I have driven twice since post op. I will admit, today, I shouldn't have driven to the bank (just down the street) because of my light headedness. I will not drive if I feel th eway I felt today (yesterday was a great day balance wise).

You will improve, we promise! 

[Manders]

You're so brave, Kixit! I'm 3 1/2 weeks out and just went for my first drive yesterday. I wanted to wait until I could move my head without any dizziness but I realized that that is going to take some time. As long as I keep my head movements slow and controlled I tend to be okay. I can tell the vestibular therapy is definitely helping in this area. Slow but steady progress.  Are you planning to do therapy as well?

[kixit]

I'm doing my own therapy (I can't afford co-pays for specialists). Clarice sent me exercises to do. Even when sitting I'll turn my head different ways and focus on an object, I do standing exercises too.

Each day is different. Monday was a breeze, like nothing had ever happened. Tues and today, wonky woo. So one day, one step at a time. No one (but us) knows what we have been/going through, to experience the many symptoms of AN and many accomplishments to recovery. I think that makes us a very special group!   

[jaylogs]

Hey Manders, I am glad things are starting to return to normal for you!  I am sure it will continue!!  As to your question, even after 2 1/2 years I sometimes find my self a bit "off" whenever I do something quick.  Not all the time, but just a little bit.  So maybe for some people (like myself) it may never quite get back to normal.  I never did vestibular therapy because I wasn't too awful bad.  I waited about a month before I drove, just to be safe!  Take care and be patient!
Jay