Hey guys, I could use your input. I get mini spins, usually less than 10 seconds of the world not feeling right. Things seems distorted and I can't really move in those moments. They pass quickly, I don't fall, the room doesn't really have time to get spinning before it stops. After these my neck feels weak and my balance feels off. I get them a couple times a week. It really shakes my confidence bc they are quite random. I am thankful that they are not the all out vertigo but I am also curious as to what they are.... Does any one else get these? Is this mm sounding or something different? Thanks!
Yep, get the same thing a couple times a week. I call them "Ferris Wheel" spins. Just as a carriage on a ferris wheel rolls over the top, there's a moment when you're looking out into space, and it feels like the bottom has dropped out and you're in freefall. Hate 'em...with a passion. What causes it? My guess is the ear is sending strong, confusing signals to the brain and the brain is just not sure what to do with it. Not a strong enough hit to cause vertigo, but enough to scramble the brain for a second or two.
These types of spins are common if you have a fistula or SCD. Does it occur more frequently when you bend your head to look down at your chest? Or another direction? That motion can squeeze some perilymph fluid out, causing these types of spins.
It happened 2x yesterday, once in the car (looking straight ahead) and another time at the house when my head was upright. It doesn't seem positional. I have had a bit of a cold and cannot pop my left ear. I will research those 2 things you mentioned Scott tom.
I guess I should add that I don't think I could provoke one of these mini spins by moving a certain way, etc
Hmmm.....I seem to be able to make myself dizzier by bending my head a certain way. How does one get checked for fistula and SCD? And what is SCD? It's acronym overload when I look for it. Also, would either of those cause other Meniere's symptoms?
SCD is superior canal dehiscence. It is rare, but can be checked with high res MRI. Perilymph fistula can be tested in office with the bulb test. Both can cause spins when the head is turned such that it puts physical pressure on the inner ear.
I get these too. Often when I am doing something simple such as yawning, sneezing or swallowing. Sometimes its strange because I will be in conversation with someone when it happens......and I lose my trail of thought. Bending over like Scott says always causes them too.
Wow, this almost fits me to a tee. I always wondered why I had such oddball Meniere's symptoms but this is almost spot on. From http://vestibular.org/superior-canal-dehiscence-scd Patients may note that loud noises cause them to see things moving or that they experience a similar sensation when they cough, sneeze, or strain to lift something heavy. -- Check They may perceive that objects are moving in time with their pulse (pulsatile oscillopsia). -- Check Some individuals can bring on the sensation of motion—and cause their eyes to move—by pressing on their tragus (the area of skin and cartilage located just outside the ear canal). -- Check ... I think. Can't see my own eyes. Patients may experience a feeling of constant disequilibrium and imbalance. -- Double check. I just booked an appointment with my doctor to look into this. Thanks ScottTom!