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Suggest Remedy For Persistent Cold Post Traumatic Vertigo

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Posted on Mon, 21 Dec 2015
Question: Hi. Ive been dealing with post traumatic vertigo for about a year and a half now. It occurred post car accident due to whiplash, however the idea of vestibular neurotis was never entirely ruled out since i had a bad cold a week before the vertigo. Its more of a feeling that i am spinning and positional vertigo. Ive had a total of 3 colds ans viruses since then and it didnt make my symptoms worse while i had them, however before the start of the virus- i felt worse vertigo wise and weak. I am just getting over a bad cold/flu and wanted to know if the worst of my symptoms would be while i had the virus and not after? Also, usually if someone has a sensation that they are spinning as a form of vertigo, can that change into room spinning vertigo? Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Read below

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Looking at your description I do not think that the viral infections included the vestibular nerve. It is not impossible, but it is very rare. Vestibular neuritis generally is a one time event in over 95% of the cases.
Viral infections often manifest with some nonspecific issues such as malaise and dizziness. Such symptoms can manifest before the classical flu symptoms, during the prodromal phase when the virus is replicating. So in a person with a background of vertigo, such malaise and dizziness can enhance the perception of the instability and vertigo sensation. I think that is the more likely cause of your worsening prior to these infections.

As for when should the worse be, if there are no complications the worst should be during and not after having the virus. After the body may feel some lack of energy but not as severe as during the active infection and subsides gradually over the following few weeks.

Regarding the last question on whether vertigo can change in character from self spinning to room spinning, no, that is not a common occurrence, if that happened would be more in favor of a new event causing the symptoms.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (25 minutes later)
Thank you so much. Your answer was extremely thorough. I went to my GP and she said its ok for me to fly as i have a trip planned for a week to the carribean. I leave in 2 days. Do you think this can create an issue for me?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes it's ok

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for your appreciative words.

I agree with your GP, it is fine for you to fly have no worry about that.

I hope you will have a great time.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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Suggest Remedy For Persistent Cold Post Traumatic Vertigo

Brief Answer: Read below Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Looking at your description I do not think that the viral infections included the vestibular nerve. It is not impossible, but it is very rare. Vestibular neuritis generally is a one time event in over 95% of the cases. Viral infections often manifest with some nonspecific issues such as malaise and dizziness. Such symptoms can manifest before the classical flu symptoms, during the prodromal phase when the virus is replicating. So in a person with a background of vertigo, such malaise and dizziness can enhance the perception of the instability and vertigo sensation. I think that is the more likely cause of your worsening prior to these infections. As for when should the worse be, if there are no complications the worst should be during and not after having the virus. After the body may feel some lack of energy but not as severe as during the active infection and subsides gradually over the following few weeks. Regarding the last question on whether vertigo can change in character from self spinning to room spinning, no, that is not a common occurrence, if that happened would be more in favor of a new event causing the symptoms. I remain at your disposal for other questions.