I'm a 48 year old woman. I've had a rocking sensation for just over a year now. I don't feel this when I'm moving; only when I'm still. When it started, I felt it only when I laid down and it was only a sensation of moving to the left or falling down to the foot of the bed. later it became more pronounced and I could feel the rocking when sitting but not standing. Later, I could also feel it standing. I've had Eng testing, ABR and MRI, saw a ENT Doctor and a neurologist. None of them could discern the problem except that the ENG testing showed that there is activity in the left ear. They don't know, but they think it's an inflamation of a nerve caused by a virus although I don't recall having a virus before this happened because it came on so gradually. I take meclizine because the doctor said it would help soothe the nerve so it could heal but it does nothing for the rocking sensation. Have you come across this problem before?
Reply: -----------------------
Any sensation of movement would be considered a form of vertigo, although classically vertigo is experienced as a sensation of whirling. In view of an abnormal electronystagmogram indicating hypoactivity in the left ear, and considering you have experienced these symptoms for a year, suggests the possibility of a chronic inner ear disorder. There are a number of inner ear disorders associated with vertigo described in the medical literature that have characteristic symptom patterns and findings. Usually these various inner ear diagnoses are made on the basis of an overall picture or in other words on the entire constellation of symptoms and findings rather than on any one specific test. It is not uncommon however to encounter chronic inner ear conditions associated with vertigo that do not fit nicely into any of the known described inner ear conditions. You may indeed fall into this category. Furthermore, in some cases the regular use of vestibular sedatives like meclizine may be the best that medicine has to offer besides suggesting the use of ambulatory aids such as canes or walkers if ambulation is affected by the vertigo. Some patients may benefit from a form of physical therapy known as vestibular habituation therapy where neck exercises are used to "re-train" the inner ear.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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