Wanting Some Relief

W.,

Did he by any chance hit his head? This can start vertigo. I had it about 5 years ago for 3 months and it was a pain. The meds did not help me, either. They called it benine positional vertigo (sp?) and it slowly went away. I went to an EMT and they wrote me a prescription for therapy that would teach you some exercises to stop the spinning when it would start. I never needed to do the therapy, tho, as it had already started to lessen at that time. Hope this helps.

D.

W.-
I have had success treating these type symptoms with chiropractic. To find a family chiropractor near you go to www.ipca4kids.com or call the office ###-###-####.
In Health,
J.

Hi W.. This might be of no help at all but I do remember growing up, having plenty of dizzy spells and would actually have nightmares, too. I don't know if they really were linked together or not but the doctors said that it could be that I was having too much sugar that my body couldnt handle or my body just wasnt breaking down my sugars properly. Maybe that can be brought up to the doctor. I hope that helps.....

wow, that's definitely concerning. both for him and you.

we see a homeopathic dr. and these symptoms are totally treatable w/ homeopathy. i'd bet you'd see a quick response. homeopathy is not herbal but is real medicine, that's been praciticed for over 200 yrs and is considered "alternative" but is clinically proven. It's a holistic type of medicine. our homeopathic dr. is in naperville. (not sure where you are) her name is Dr. Josephine Polich and her website is www.dupagehomeopathic.com. She can see you in person for the first appt, and while prefers you are there for all appts in person afterward, you can opt to do phone appts afterward. (There are other practioners around in the area, email me offlist to a link if you want to find a diff homeopathic Dr. elsewhere.)

You can email her (____@____.com) to tell her your son's symptoms (what is happening and when, what triggers it to happen, what makes it better or worse (if anything), etc.) and she will tell you if homeopathy can help. My best friend's husband experienced vertigo before and we looked it up in our homeopathy books we use for at-home-care, and it can totally help, if not cure it from coming back again. the best thing about homeopathy is that it has no side effects and does not interact w/ other prescription meds, if he's on any. i'd be happy to discuss further w/ you if you want, you can email me offlist.
best wishes!

Did his doctor refer you to either a pediatric neurologist or an ear, nose, throat doc? My husband is in health care had an adult patient with this problem. We have "crystals" in the ear that tell us what direction we are (up, down, sideways). Sometimes they get stuck together and send conflicting messages to the brain, which causes vertigo.

If they have not done a cat scan, ask for one. I don't want to scare you, but a friend's 5 year-old was having headaches and throwing up. The kept diagnosing her with the flu, but finally did a cat scan and found she had a brain tumor. She's fine because it was caught early. Certainly can't hurt to have some more tests done.

Hi,

You can try meditation with medication so your son doesn't go under depression and gets well soon. You can visit www.sahajayoga.org and give it a try.

Regards,
S.

my aunt has meneers (? spelling) it is an inner ear problem. Take him to an eye ears and note specialist, hope it help, sound like same symptoms

Did they check for epilepsy? We had a very similar situation for years. Try Dr. Sethi at NW Sleep Center on Airlite. He is a neurologist. He is a wonderful, highly recommended physician. ###-###-####.

Lisa

W. S.

At times like this and in situations like this, my suggestion, which is what I would do, is to go to the two best teaching hospitals in Chicago. Children's Memorial Hospital, and Children's Hospital at the University of Chicago.

R. Katz

Hmm… Could there be something going on at school, etc. that is making him worry.
Is anyone being mean or bullying him? Does he use the dizziness and nausia to get out of school? If he does, check if there is something going on that is bothering him emotionally.

Or, have you checked for diabetes or even had his eyes checked lately.
Maybe he needs glasses?

Just some thoughts. Good Luck!

S

I have similar symptoms, and the doctors could not find a reason, but paying attention to my diet has helped. for me, caffeine and sugar defintely make it worse. Also, the symptoms can be mild dehydration....does he drink plenty of water? I switched to gatorade(2 a day) and the symptoms are almost gone. I do take a dramamine on bad days to get me through.
Good l;uck!

You don't say how old your son is. My son was 10 when this happened. He already had ear problems and started having stabbing pain in his ear. This lasted a short time and then the dizziness set in. He would leave the classroom several times a day with the nausea. His teachers accused him of faking to get out of work. However, we saw doctors at Northwest Community, Highland Park, U OF I, Northwestern, Children's Memorial.. and each time we were told we were seeing the best in their field. The dizziness went into vertigo and he would just turn gray and slump to the floor. We were at wit's end. Finally, the doctor who has treated his ear problems since age 6 tried one more thing, based on the results of tests from all the doctors. He diagnosed a fistula in the ear drum which could not even be seen in a cat scan or an mri, because it was so small. However, he felt it was causing the fluids in his inner ear to mix, causing the dizziness and vertigo. He did outpatient surgery where he packed the area with a blood by-product from his own body. He has not had the symptoms since he awoke from that surgery. I don't know your son's history but this may be a consideration for you. Hope this helps.

I would love to offer some good advice but I am at a loss. Maybe you can ask that he be referred to a specialist. Good luck and I hope things improve.
Kathy

Hi W., Just a thought maybe he needs glasses. Hope all gets better for him. Take care A.

My friends daughter also had this problem, in 8th grade and into high school, they never came up with a definite answer, but she was treated for depression. How old is your son.

I used to have this problem. For me it was inner ear. Nothing the doc said worked. But when I went on a vitamin program ~ especially increased dosages of Vitamin C, it went away. Haven't had it for years. If your doctor can't help, you might consider visiting a person schooled in alternative treatments such as a chiropractor, holistic doctor, etc.

I would first take him to an ears,eyes, and throat doctor. a friend of mine has a son that has ringing of the ears and he falls down and gets dizzy from this. make sure the doctor you choose is one that will listen to your concerns, I know they are hard to find. I went through this when I was trying to find out what was wrong with my daughter went to a lot of doctors and have found one that would listen,she has sleep apena found it when she was 6 she is now over 20 and still has it.
great hopes of finding out please let me know what it was .

have they done an EEG or MRI, CT???

My father has Meniere's disease. It started that same way with nausea and dizzy spells. At first they said it was vertigo as well, but after a few pills he hasn't had a spell in years.

Inter ear problems can cause dizziness or cause a person to be come disoriented. But this sounds like something I would be see a specialist about.

Reassurance from you and your husband are the best way to help him from becoming to stressed out. You could also work with his teacher and do parts of his work at home or even homeschooling him the remainder of this school year. We home schooled our son for 7th and 8th grade, He is now a senior at the local public high school and doing great. Having him home with you may help you feel better too because he is close by you at all times. Then once he is ready to return to school do so.

Just an idea.

Vertigo is more difficult for children than adults. I have it and I have to get up slowly, turn slowly etc. Kids are active and just get up and fly. Dr. gave me eye exercises (starring at one point when standing up, keeping eyes closed when rolling over in bed and all kinds of silly stuff. I've learned to live with it but I'm up in years. I feel bad for your son. Patience is hard when all the other children can get up and run. I'de be flat on my face and puking to boot.

Dear W.,

My heart goes out to you and your son. Such a smart boy having to suffer with this nausea and dizziness and not being able to find the source must certainally be playing havoc with his mind and in return I am sure yours. It would be difficult for me to suggest anything other than continuing on with the doctors to find out what is happening. That being said I am more dizzier the past few weeks due to my sinus and the change in season. I do suspect though that your sons difficulties have been going on for more than a few weeks.
This depression that you are concerned about probably is a true concern. Continue to talk to your son daily about his feelings. Continue to encourage him. Remind him that although what he is living through is difficult that there is a reason for it. Perhaps this struggle will encourage him to be a doctor when he is older so that he can help other children with difficulties similiar to what he is having to deal with. Remind him of others who are suffering worse than he is for the time being. I know that it is grasping at straws but I do know that when a person's mind is directed off of self during painful times it encourages us to be more positive until we can find an outcome.

Take care and please update.
Sincerely,
K.

lets go the easy route first has he had an eye exam? doe she wear glasses? this hapeened to my daughter and I will tell you more about the allergy thing but first just wanted to check the common thing
thanks
J.

Because you say the doctors havent found a reason for his problem these symptoms may be the effects of stress. What is going on emotionally for him now or when the symptoms began? If you allow him to express his feelings & address the cause of his stress you may find the symptoms resolve themselves. There is also a technique that is helpful for resolving emotional & physical issues called EFT. It is likened to accupuncture without needles.It is being taught in hospitals like Resurrection & Swedish Covenant. Many hypnotherapists or therapists that use hypnosis can teach him this technique in a single session. You can find more info & amazing testimonials on emofree.com.

What about his pediatrician? Does he have any suggestions. Try an ENT doctor. If it is his ears or his sinuses they will find out. Also, they have a Netti-pot sold at the drugstore (Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy or etc.) that is used to wash out your sinuses that I understand it is a big help. You've tried other things why not try this. My son-in-law says it works.Good Luck.

My sister in law has a thing called minears(spelling?) disease. She get dizzy spells and nausau too. They tried diaretics (again spelling?)they did not work. She is scheduled to have a bone in her ear removed, a minor procedure, they told her she could go back to work the next day, in April. Check it out on line...if you can find the correct spelling :)

Good Luck I know this must be very had for him. I have had to take my kids to a neighbor and go help her b/c she can't take care of her little girl. It is miserable and life altering.

Ask your pediatrician for a referral to a vestibular specialist. Many, many people have dizziness or vertigo that is called by a disruption on in their vestibular system but it can often be easily resolved with some simple exercises. Good luck!

W.:
I so understand your stress and concern. My son went through something different - eating disorder. It was due to stress and not understanding how his body was reacting to it. Because he had stomachaches, he thought by eating food would make it worse. We went through all kinds of medical tests, etc. and couldn't find anything either. Finally went to a child psychologist who did wonders. His many fears and stresses almost put him in the hospital. Please don't let your child go through this alone. The psychologist eventually found out what was the cause - a death in the family, our schedules had changed dramatically, among other things. I suspect your son is not only smart, but is a good kid and emotional, like my son. At 8 he was looking up his symptoms on the internet and was self diagnosing himself! We did go through behavior and thought process modification, plus did go on medication to ease anxieties and possible depression. My son was not the same happy go lucky kid that he used to be and acted out in ways that I knew he was crying out for help because he too didn't understand what was going on.

If you feel in your gut that he may be on the brink of depression or acting differently, crying more, disruption in sleep habits or eating habits, then yes, definitely get him to a psychologist. We feel that we now have our son back but it took time and patience and counseling on our part as well. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to talk about it. Children who are above average in IQ aren't qualified yet to think like adults, reason like adults, etc. They just haven't had the experience. We too couldn't link anything. The school social worker helped too, as well as his teacher. It does take a village to help a child sometimes. Let others help you and he as well. I wish you strength and the love that he needs to get through this. I promise it will pass, but you need to get the right help.

Dr wanted to take out my brother's tonsils and adenoids and put tubes in his ears when he was having ENT problems. Mom thought that was really drastic and took him off all dairy and gave him fiber and other natural stuff to make his BMs more regular. All ENT problems cleared up very soon after. Hope this helps.

Try to get a referral or see a neurologist. I just met someone with symptoms that sound exactly like this and she said that after seeing many doctors, she was diagnosed with a severe sinus infection (she didn't show any symptoms of having one) and some sort of chronic migraine issue which didn't present itself as the typical "migraine headache." I think it was called ocular migraine which was affecting her balance. Good luck and I hope your son feels better soon.

I've had what you describe for most of my life and I believe it is allergy-related even though it may not show up on tests. Allergy tests aren't perfect and can't show every substance known to man. I went to lots of doctors and they referred to fluid in the middle ear, which is my main symptom, as "resistant to treatment." This means you might have to get creative if you can't get your son some relief from doctors. I ended up treating it with aspirin for the pain (better than acetaminophen or ibuprofen for this type of condition) and over-the-counter antihistamines. Seriously, try these - generic forms of sudafed or allergy medicines - first. You might be surprised at the results - I was. I found these work as well or better than expensive circulation enhancers I was taking, and better than a prescription antihistamine that was also much more expensive. I did find it somewhat depressing from time to time because the dizziness produces an isolated feeling, so you're right to be concerned. Some caffeine in the morning also helps but of course with a very young child you might not want to do that. Try green tea - it has a little caffeine but not enough to hurt a child. You can buy it by the gallon and dilute it a bit with water, instead of juice in the morning. You might also try allergy treatments related to diet. If doctors only prescribe medication and say "he's not allergic to anything," go to someone else - it's too bad, but there are some allergy doctors out there who are just taking patients for a ride. Try a rotation diet to see if any particular foods trigger the dizziness and nausea. I ended up eliminating several key items from my diet and it helped a lot.