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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why Did I Experience Dizziness After Reaching A Certain Height?

Firstly thanks for the taking time to answer or is this set?(smile). TODAY I visited a beautiful hill/fort in St. Lucia upon arriving at the top of the port I began feeling very dizzy and had to sit to feel better/. Each time I got up the dizziness returned could you tell what caused this symptom. I am currently on holiday here and now have some concerns about altitude. Thanks much for your reply
p.s.The same thing happened to one of my sisters who visited. Can the info be e-mailed?
Fri, 23 May 2014
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Psychologist 's  Response
Dear
Welcome to HCM
We understand your concerns

I went through your details. I suggest you not to worry much. Acrophobia is an extreme or irrational fear of heights, especially when one is not particularly high up. It belongs to a category of specific phobias, called space and motion discomfort that share both similar etiology and options for treatment. Most people experience a degree of natural fear when exposed to heights, especially if there is little or no protection.

Acrophobia sufferers can experience a panic attack in a high place and become too agitated to get themselves down safely. "Vertigo" is often used (incorrectly) to describe a fear of heights, but it is more accurately a spinning sensation that occurs when one is not actually spinning. It can be triggered by looking down from a high place, or by looking straight up at a high place or tall object.

Drugs can seem very effective in the short term, but they are not a cure. Anxiety medication can provide temporary relief, but it doesn’t treat the underlying cause of the disorder. Once you stop taking the drug, usually all the symptoms of fear of heights return in full force. There have been a number of promising studies into using "virtual reality" (a form of psychotherapy) as a treatment for acrophobia. Virtual reality (VR), sometimes referred to as immersive multimedia, is a computer-simulated environment that can simulate physical presence in places in the real world or imagined worlds.

For the time being, you can ignore your condition because you are not going to be in such places often. Don't worry and enjoy.

If you require more of my help in this aspect, Please post a direct question to me in this website. Make sure that you include every minute details possible. I shall prescribe some psychotherapy techniques which should help you cure your condition further.

Hope this answers your query. Available for further clarifications.
Good luck.
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Why Did I Experience Dizziness After Reaching A Certain Height?

Dear Welcome to HCM We understand your concerns I went through your details. I suggest you not to worry much. Acrophobia is an extreme or irrational fear of heights, especially when one is not particularly high up. It belongs to a category of specific phobias, called space and motion discomfort that share both similar etiology and options for treatment. Most people experience a degree of natural fear when exposed to heights, especially if there is little or no protection. Acrophobia sufferers can experience a panic attack in a high place and become too agitated to get themselves down safely. Vertigo is often used (incorrectly) to describe a fear of heights, but it is more accurately a spinning sensation that occurs when one is not actually spinning. It can be triggered by looking down from a high place, or by looking straight up at a high place or tall object. Drugs can seem very effective in the short term, but they are not a cure. Anxiety medication can provide temporary relief, but it doesn’t treat the underlying cause of the disorder. Once you stop taking the drug, usually all the symptoms of fear of heights return in full force. There have been a number of promising studies into using virtual reality (a form of psychotherapy) as a treatment for acrophobia. Virtual reality (VR), sometimes referred to as immersive multimedia, is a computer-simulated environment that can simulate physical presence in places in the real world or imagined worlds. For the time being, you can ignore your condition because you are not going to be in such places often. Don t worry and enjoy. If you require more of my help in this aspect, Please post a direct question to me in this website. Make sure that you include every minute details possible. I shall prescribe some psychotherapy techniques which should help you cure your condition further. Hope this answers your query. Available for further clarifications. Good luck.