Continuous vertigo following Stapedectomy operation

Symptoms 🌡
1

Hi,

I had a stapedectomy operation in October 2024 it’s been successful in terms of my hearing, however I am still suffering from different degrees of vertigo.

I can walk down the street ok at times, but sometimes will stumble. If I’m on a narrow pavement as there are many in the town I live I often stumble whilst walking past a door opening or if the wall is set back further from the window frame.

I’ve had a couple of times when sat talking to someone stood up in front of me and the people walking behind the person I’m talking to make me feel very sick and dizzy.

If I do any DIY around the house or a few hours of sitting at the computer my balance is bad, the DIY work can affect me for two weeks.

Looking downwards and preparing food and then moving I also lose my balance.

I’m at a total loss as is my surgeon🤦🏻‍♂️

The MRI scan shows all is fine. I do my vestibular exercises and can suffer for hours or days afterwards.

I’d be grateful for any guidance on what/if anything you can suggest.

Another issue during the surgery was the operation lasted 5.5 hours instead of just over an hour as they didn’t continue with platelet transfusions and my bleeding issue meant they couldn’t complete the operation in a normal time.

Thanks in advance

Ian

1 Like
2

Very unsettling Ian.

I wonder if there’s been a change in the vestibular response in one ear. Maybe it’s just some temporary inflammation? Has the bleeding clogged up your eustachian tube?

The key would be to persevere and keep moving and your brain will adjust for it in time.

You might want to discuss this with an oto-neurologist if you can be referred. You might be able to find some medication to make it a little more bearable for the time being until it ultimately settles down.

All the best!

3

Yes it’s extremely frustrating not knowing when it will end.

Yes now I’ve had the MRI scan I’m now looking at 2nd opinion options. I’ll put forward your suggestions in my next appointment in 2 weeks.

Thanks

1 Like
4

Whatever you do remain as conservative as possible and give your body time to calm things down.

I had no surgery yet was dizzy for three years!