When i have VM attacks, they take me down for two weeks or so - I’m in bed, cannot walk or move around without help or extreme caution because the vertigo is so big.
My VM attacks usually trigger migraine headaches too, along with GI upset, nausea, and poor sleep. I get extremely anxious, sometimes with panic attack.
My triggers seem to be stress, hormones (I am menopausal), and surgery.
During attacks, all I can do is lay in bed, rest, and distra t with TV. I cannot tolerate reading, being on electronics (blue light?), or being “up”, in general.
During my major vestibular migraine attack last year I spent four days in hospital. The first three days I was not allowed to leave my bed without help. On the forth day I requested a forearm walker and used it to walk up and down the corridor every two hours. These forearm walkers are great because they give you stability. When I was discharged from hospital I spent the first four or five days at home, mostly in the garden. I weeded the garden, planted new plants, propagated plants and watered them. When the weather was ok, I worked barefoot. I felt that this grounded me. After those few days I went back to my strength-training gym. They only have machines, no free weights and no cardio. I felt safe sitting in the machines and doing the training. After a few more days, I started to walk again.
I had a medium attack since and I spent the first few days at home, again mostly in the garden. Then I went to the strength gym and after a few more days continued with my walks.
If I have a minor attack, i.e. only dizzy when moving my head, I continue my life as normal, but I am careful with thing such as driving.
It is interesting that you can watch TV, @Rita. I would not be able to do this during a major attack, the flickering of the screen would be too much for my brain.
I am curious, what did they do for treatment for you at the hospital?
I should clarify my TV watching I do not watch TV. The TV is on for “comfort” so I can still hear my shows that bring me comfort, but I have a sleeping mask on to cover my eyes so that the light does not bother me. I cannot watch TV during attacks because the flickering of the light, and the movement of the actors, presenters, & etc. or just any movement on the program can set me off. I cannot tolerate computer screens, or my mobile phone. As I start to improve, what I have to do is turn on my “migraine light” - a green light bulb made especially for migraines and use blue blocker glasses until the attack is completely gone along with the sensitivity to light.
They gave me 4 tablets of Pizotifen (0.5 mg each), 3 tablets of Prochlorperazine (5 mg each), and 2 ibuprofen tablets for the first two days. I also got intravenous fluids, two bottles on the first day, one bottle on the second. The third and fourth day I only got the Pizotifen and Prochlorperazine.
They also did blood tests, an MRI and a neck x-ray. All of them were fine.
When I got home I took the Prochlorperazine for another six or seven days and continued with 4 tablets of Pizotifen. I have reduced the Pizotifen since and I am now only on one tablet at night.
Hi Rita. I have a flare up once or twice a year. In between this I operate at my baseline that is 95%. The flare up is usually owing to a build up of triggers. Stress is the big one along with over doing things such as work. I used to be in bed for 7-14 days, reduced appetite, very sleepy and high anxiety. I mean really high; constantly looking for reassurance and searching for answers. This has improved significantly by working hard at accepting what’s going on with limited analysis and comparison to previous flare ups. I work hard at self soothing and also take some Valium to slow my mind down. I stick with the same dose of venlafaxine. For that time in put myself first, remind myself it’s okay to be ill and only deal with the necessities. Distraction is key, reading, painting etc. Things can wait. Within 7-14 days I’m back to my baseline. Hope this helps. Hope this my give you any idea or two. Best Joff
I completely agree with everything you said here. Stress, or, the lack of appropriately and adequately processing stressors, seems to be my biggest problem. My second problem is comparing everything, everyone…which foments anxiety.
I do feel though, that after an attack, my body has hit a “reset button” and the challenge is to keep the slate clean going forward.
Though I have to admit that after examining my history, I think I have mini-attacks in between the massive ones, and these mini-attacks can last 6-8 weeks.
I do not