Supermarket syndrome visual vertigo

Discussion in 'Your Living Room' started by PraiseHisName, Jun 24, 2017.

  1. PraiseHisName

    PraiseHisName New Member

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    Hi, it's a real problem anybody have it? I can't go into any building without feeling the vertigo.
    Thanks in advance :)
     
  2. BayMama

    BayMama Member

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    I've had that! If it's especially bad in supermarkets where there are tall aisles, that is probably BPPV, which is a good kind of vertigo to have because it has a solution--the Epley Maneuver. A physical therapist familiar with the Epley Maneuver can help you with that. If you know what side it is on--probably your MM side--you can do the at-home Epley Maneuver. I have stopped a vertigo episode with that. If only all vertigo was like that!
     
  3. redwing1951

    redwing1951 Well-Known Member

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    My problem was with bigger stores, could not do Sam's Club, Home Depot etc. It helped if I used a shopping cart to steady myself but the feeling inside the buildings was awful.
     
  4. BayMama

    BayMama Member

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    The bright lights in a big store could be a migraine trigger.
     
  5. PraiseHisName

    PraiseHisName New Member

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    I've tried different at home eply maneuvers. Does this go away? Is this part of the md. I've also got nonstop dizziness. I can't believe people actually leave their houses with this.
     
  6. Steve

    Steve New Member

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    I have had this. Worse in grocery and hardware stores. Less of a problem at Costco. I think because I know where things are and I require less visual searching to locate what I want.
     
  7. Jimmy Alvin

    Jimmy Alvin Member

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    The noise in Supermarkets is what kills me. If things are going bad the sound distortion is so bad, I can't stand it.
     
  8. yellow

    yellow Member

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    I think that it is due to sensory overload. Our compromised vestibular system means that we are more reliant on eyesight for balance. A narrow tall corridor full of items on both sides competing for your attention (if the marketing men have got it right! ;)) as you walk down the aisle is asking for trouble.

    Your peripheral vision is being bombarded.

    I have had similar issues in narrow alleyways enclosed by brick walls.

    If this theory is correct then walking slower or knowing the supermarket layout would help.
     
  9. yanksgirl

    yanksgirl Member

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    Sounds like most of us have 'visual' problems with alot of things surrounding us at once. I used to love to 'just shop' in store or malls. No more.

    If I 'have to go'--I go and get out asap. However, in balance therapy I did learn to 'focus' on something in my line of vision (preferably straight in front) or slightly to one side or other), and as I'm walking keep focusing on that. I do that and have been able to get in and out of stores ok. Some days are better than others. If alot of noise is also going on, it's a problem. I also use a cart so if I do suddenly look to quickly sideways or turn my head or try to turn around, I have something to hold on to.

    You can learn to tolerate getting out and doing things you have to do--and at times enjoying them (not to the degree you once did), but it takes alot of 'going and trying' different situations to get to that point. And, some days just 'won't let you'. So, head home and try another day. Agree--'visual stimulus' can really make it hard sometimes--along with noise.
     
  10. BayMama

    BayMama Member

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    I've had vertigo from BPPV, MAV, and MM, and dizziness from MM. It's a lot to unpack and solve, but over the years I've gotten better at knowing which is which. And found things that take care of all of them. (Thank goodness and thanks to this site!!)

    For dizziness, as opposed to vertigo, when that comes up for me, acupressure wrist bands (I get the sea bands brand) really help take the edge off. But what has helped the most is an antiviral that works (for me brand name Valtrex) supported by the JOH routine.
     
  11. June-

    June- Well-Known Member

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    My hearing went south whenever i was in a big box store.
     
  12. Mike B

    Mike B Member

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    I never liked shopping before MM ('05), and I like it even less now, and do almost anything in
    my power to avoid being the one who goes to the large stores (Fred Meyer, Costco, etc.).

    The noise is tremendous, and it's all coming into my one working ear at the same time. Kinda
    like when someone wakes up from a coma and they hear every voice at the same time..misery
    in the making.

    Once had a bad vertigo attack in a large grocery store, and laid on the floor puking
    until one of the staff was nice enough to help me to the bathroom. Haven't been
    back in that store since.

    If I have to go, I will, but I waste no time. Go in, get the stuff ya need, and
    get the hell back outside.
     
  13. PraiseHisName

    PraiseHisName New Member

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    Jun 12, 2017
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    i can't even look at people faces talking I get woozy and lightheaded. So I can run in for 1 item and then it's like ok now I'm barely holding myself together. I went in for gum at gas station and the lady was looking at me like what's wrong. I can't tackle this it's like I've got motion visual sickness. Ugh
     
  14. Pupper

    Pupper Well-Known Member

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    Yes, big box stores are tough. But so are little sandwich shops if they are echo-y and loud. Also, (as someone else said), when you ask a store clerk for help, the bad feeling gets immediately worse as they talk to you. My advice is only go to a big store when you feel good, and don't stay long. This sounds obvious, but my meaning is...when you feel good, actually get in the car and take care of your shopping right THEN.
     

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