“Neronitis”
Over the last two months, I have been struggling immensely with dizziness and balance issues. Doctors believe it is inflammation of the inner ear... the sensation is not spinning, but more like things are swaying on and off.
This has significantly impacted my life. Typically, I am very active- frequent traveler, hiker, extreme sports junkie. My boyfriend and I planned on skydiving for our one year anniversary months before this began. My symptoms, although constant and still present also don’t appear to be getting worse. I realize skydiving with inner ear issues may not be ideal, but this is our dream to do together for our one year. Would this make my systems worse?
This has significantly impacted my life. Typically, I am very active- frequent traveler, hiker, extreme sports junkie. My boyfriend and I planned on skydiving for our one year anniversary months before this began. My symptoms, although constant and still present also don’t appear to be getting worse. I realize skydiving with inner ear issues may not be ideal, but this is our dream to do together for our one year. Would this make my systems worse?
Female | 31 years old
Complaint duration: 2 months
4 Answers
Dizziness (unsteadiness) is not vertigo (spinning). Vestibular issues can be objectively diagnosed with a VNG (videonystagmography) to tell you whether you actually have a balance/vestibular problem, or you need to look elsewhere. Most commonly young healthy active people experience orthostatic hypotension from being dehydrated, and moving too quickly from a sitting/static to a standing or mobile position.
If you are worried about your inner ear, get a VNG before you go on your trip.
If you are worried about your inner ear, get a VNG before you go on your trip.
Skydiving can most certainly worsen your symptoms. My recommendation would be to get a handle on your symptoms and determine if you have a vestibular (balance) disorder. You can do so by visiting an Audiologist who specializes in vestibular disorders.
Vestibular neuritis is an acute viral inflammatory disease of the vestibular nerve. Usually treated with moderately high doses of prednisone or intratympanic dexamethasone. Symptoms include spinning sensation, nystagmus, N/V, etc. Usually takes about three months for 90% recovery, two years for "complete" recovery. Individual cases may have residual permanent damage. Your symptoms are more consistently with propceptive, sensory, or cerebellar/brainstem disorder. Also could be persistent postural perceptual dizziness. Best to have an audiogram, videonystagmogram, and possible MRI. Go to nearest university medical center and see staff ENT who specializes in neurovestibular disorders.
I don't see why it should, though you may want to ask the doctors who have examined you and seen your test results.
