Nearly Blacked Out -

[WilliamIV]

During last night - I turned over in Bed - and nearly Passed Out each time.

When I got up - there were a couple of times that I felt slightly dizzy

But eventually I went out to the Shopping Mall - and walked extensively

without any problem.

I had a similar experience a few years ago

Has anybody any thoughts?

Thanks

Bill (Age 69)

[mikethevigoman]

During last night - I turned over in Bed - and nearly Passed Out each time.

When I got up - there were a couple of times that I felt slightly dizzy

But eventually I went out to the Shopping Mall - and walked extensively

without any problem.

I had a similar experience a few years ago

Has anybody any thoughts?

Thanks

Bill (Age 69)

have you had your blood pressure checked bill ? if not start there, that is what happened to me,

[moldy]

During last night - I turned over in Bed - and nearly Passed Out each time.

When I got up - there were a couple of times that I felt slightly dizzy

But eventually I went out to the Shopping Mall - and walked extensively

without any problem.

I had a similar experience a few years ago

Has anybody any thoughts?

Thanks

Bill (Age 69)

have you had your blood pressure checked bill ? if not start there, that is what happened to me,

No I don't know, but for sure get it checked out. Sounds like low blood pressure. Are you taking any medicines at the mo. Also any stress?

[kennkate]

Sounds like LOW blood presure, had same sort of problem 8 years ago.

Got a 24 Hr ECG which showed LOW heart rate during the night, Went down to 40

was told at that it was normal for heart rate to fall while sleeping.

if it drops under that sort of figure only thing is to have a pacemaker,

and if you do feel faint when out and about lay down and get somone to raise your legs, that gets the blood to your brain.

(You could allways Trade the little woman in for a younger model that might help to get blood presure up in bed)

Take care Get it checked out

[moldy]

Sounds like LOW blood presure, had same sort of problem 8 years ago.

Got a 24 Hr ECG which showed LOW heart rate during the night, Went down to 40

was told at that it was normal for heart rate to fall while sleeping.

if it drops under that sort of figure only thing is to have a pacemaker,

and if you do feel faint when out and about lay down and get somone to raise your legs, that gets the blood to your brain.

(You could allways Trade the little woman in for a younger model that might help to get blood presure up in bed)

Take care Get it checked out

From what I've been reading dehydration could be an issue, even more so if you like the giggle juice and live in Bangkok say.

[rak sa_ngop]

Possibly an inner-ear inbalance problem which may cure itself with time. I had something similar a few years ago which caused me dizziness on turning my head especially when in a lying position. But not to the extent of nearly passing out though. A doctor should be able to diagnose this if it is the case.

[percy2]

Possibly an inner-ear inbalance problem which may cure itself with time. I had something similar a few years ago which caused me dizziness on turning my head especially when in a lying position. But not to the extent of nearly passing out though. A doctor should be able to diagnose this if it is the case.

About 1 year ago I was suffering from "Top-Shelf Vertigo" also known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

The symptoms (Vertigo) are dizziness , disorientation and nausea. Generally it happens when the head makes a upwards rotation as if you were looking up or down hence the term "Top-Shelf Vertigo"

It was most noticeable to be me when sitting up in bed.

It cured itself after about 4 months ( apparently its caused by small deposits of calcium floating around in your inner ear)

Unfortunately for the OP it doesn't sound like his problem.

Cheers

[lawling]

Possibly an inner-ear inbalance problem which may cure itself with time. I had something similar a few years ago which caused me dizziness on turning my head especially when in a lying position. But not to the extent of nearly passing out though. A doctor should be able to diagnose this if it is the case.

About 1 year ago I was suffering from "Top-Shelf Vertigo" also known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

The symptoms (Vertigo) are dizziness , disorientation and nausea. Generally it happens when the head makes a upwards rotation as if you were looking up or down hence the term "Top-Shelf Vertigo"

It was most noticeable to be me when sitting up in bed.

It cured itself after about 4 months ( apparently its caused by small deposits of calcium floating around in your inner ear)

Unfortunately for the OP it doesn't sound like his problem.

Cheers

I had bouts of BPPV which occurred off and on for about 5 years. It is quite common and can be extremely unpleasant and debilitating - many doctors will advise against driving as a quick turn of the head, say at a road junction, can cause loss of balance, nausea, etc.

One of the treatments is called Epley's Manoeuvres and this involves turning the head and body of the patient through various positions. It is practised by at least one doctor at Bangkok Pattaya Hospital and probably by many others throughout Thailand.

[Sheryl]

Sounds like a cardiovascular problem either as a result of either an underlying condition or of medication taken, for example, beta blockers or other antihypertensives. In either case you need to be evaluated. If you are already being treated for hypertension or other cardiowascular problem, see your doctor at once. If not, and if you have not had a complete physical (inclusive of EKG and stress test), start with that. Be sure to mention your symptoms and get a package that includes EKG & stress gtest as well as basic lab work. While you can usually do this without prior appointment, if you are on any medications call first becauzse for some drugs it is necessary to not take them for a day or two before a stress test can safely be done.

Depending on test results, 24-48 cardiac monitoring may be recommended (can be done as out-patient or in-patient) in order to pick up any abnormal heart rhythms which may be precipitating the black outs.

Inner ear cause is not impossible but given your age and the way you describe your symptoms need to rule out cardiovascular problem first.

Good luck.

[WilliamIV]

Many Many Thanks to everyone who took time to Respond so promptly

hope you will be interested in the following Feed Back ...

I saw the ENT specialist at Ramkhamhaeng Hospital yesterday afternoon

I have consulted him several times before - for dizzyness and Tinnitus

He said blood vessels in my neck were restricting Blood Flow

and gave me 3 different drugs to increase blood flow

A previous dizzyness spell (not so dramatic as near blackout when turning in bed)

had been caused by the PhysioTherapy department giving me Neck stretching exercises

to stretch the neck bones apart that had trapped nerves - resulting in shoulder pains.

That exercise had resulted in the narrowing of the blood vessels in the neck.

He advised avoiding quick sideways movement of my neck.

My Blood Pressure is normal.

Your very helpful concern is much appreciated

Bill

Edited January 24, 2008 by WilliamIV

[moldy]

Many Many Thanks to everyone who took time to Respond so promptly

hope you will be interested in the following Feed Back ...

I saw the ENT specialist at Ramkhamhaeng Hospital yesterday afternoon

I have consulted him several times before - for dizzyness and Tinnitus

He said blood vessels in my neck were restricting Blood Flow

and gave me 3 different drugs to increase blood flow

A previous dizzyness spell (not so dramatic as near blackout when turning in bed)

had been caused by the PhysioTherapy department giving me Neck stretching exercises

to stretch the neck bones apart that had trapped nerves - resulting in shoulder pains.

That exercise had resulted in the narrowing of the blood vessels in the neck.

He advised avoiding quick sideways movement of my neck.

My Blood Pressure is normal.

Your very helpful concern is much appreciated

Bill

Good news really! . Just shows what these minor conditions can do- sometimes they have a big effect. Sometimes weightlifters have the same temp. problem. Sounds like a good doctor, somebody less competent could have really put the cat amongst the pigeons.

Doesn't a few glasses of red wine dilate vessels? dam_n convenient excuse anyway. But seriously check out what you should or shouldn't do while on the pills.

I think the lesson for all of us is to get these things checked out sooner rather than later.

[chiang mai]

The diagnosis sounds very likely. Had similar symptoms though not as drastic after visiting a Chiro and manipulation of the second and third vertabrea. Bangkok/Phuket hospital was convinced it was a stroke but a subsequent brain scan left the doctor convinced it was Syphilis! Figure that one out!!!

A return visit to the Chiro two weeks later explained all and he tells that it is a common symptom when the top most vertabrea are manipulated. Symptoms gone in around two weeks.

[Lance_A_Lot]

Personally I would not solely trust an evaluation by an ENT for the symptoms you described. Although your blood pressure may have been normal upon his examination, what you described sounds like classic vasovagal syncope most likely as a result of very low blood pressure which may accompany your low heart rate. The diagnostic standard for this is the tilt table test. Consult with a cardiologist about this ASAP. Serious injury can result from falls due to vasovagal syncope. This happened to me about three and a half years ago. I got up to urinate about 3 am and after doing so had a severe blood pressure drop in which I nearly lost consciousness. I fell and could not break the fall. I fractured my skull and sustained a severe neck injury which later led to surgery by a neurosurgeon at 4 cervical levels to alleviate direct impingement on the spinal cord from osteophytes which later formed after the injury. My evaluation included the tilt table test and was positive for (neurocardiogenic) vasovagal syncope. For your own safety, do not drop the issue with the clearance (and mere assumption) from your ENT. Your symptoms warrant a more careful work-up by a qualified cardiologist. In BKK I recommend the Heart Center at Bangkok Hospital just off New Petchburi Road.

[chiang mai]

Many Many Thanks to everyone who took time to Respond so promptly

hope you will be interested in the following Feed Back ...

I saw the ENT specialist at Ramkhamhaeng Hospital yesterday afternoon

I have consulted him several times before - for dizzyness and Tinnitus

He said blood vessels in my neck were restricting Blood Flow

and gave me 3 different drugs to increase blood flow

A previous dizzyness spell (not so dramatic as near blackout when turning in bed)

had been caused by the PhysioTherapy department giving me Neck stretching exercises

to stretch the neck bones apart that had trapped nerves - resulting in shoulder pains.

That exercise had resulted in the narrowing of the blood vessels in the neck.

He advised avoiding quick sideways movement of my neck.

My Blood Pressure is normal.

Your very helpful concern is much appreciated

Bill

On reading the post a question arises - was the pain in the shoulder as a result of frozen shoulder?

[moldy]

Personally I would not solely trust an evaluation by an ENT for the symptoms you described. Although your blood pressure may have been normal upon his examination, what you described sounds like classic vasovagal syncope most likely as a result of very low blood pressure which may accompany your low heart rate. The diagnostic standard for this is the tilt table test. Consult with a cardiologist about this ASAP. Serious injury can result from falls due to vasovagal syncope. This happened to me about three and a half years ago. I got up to urinate about 3 am and after doing so had a severe blood pressure drop in which I nearly lost consciousness. I fell and could not break the fall. I fractured my skull and sustained a severe neck injury which later led to surgery by a neurosurgeon at 4 cervical levels to alleviate direct impingement on the spinal cord from osteophytes which later formed after the injury. My evaluation included the tilt table test and was positive for (neurocardiogenic) vasovagal syncope. For your own safety, do not drop the issue with the clearance (and mere assumption) from your ENT. Your symptoms warrant a more careful work-up by a qualified cardiologist. In BKK I recommend the Heart Center at Bangkok Hospital just off New Petchburi Road.

Yes, I'd say this was an excellent posting, the dangers of a fall should not be underestimated. OP really needs to check things out, and I'd suggest his sleeping arrangments are a top priority too.

[WilliamIV]

Hi Lance

Many thanks for your Comprehensive Post

Hi CM

What is Frozen shoulder please?

Hi Moldy

Sleeping arrangements?

Can you expand on that please?

Thanks

Bill

[chiang mai]

Frozen shoulder is often diagnosed as bursitis (inflammation of the bursa) or tendonitis in the shoulder and sometimes as capsultis (inflammation of the capsul). Which ever it is it results in extreme pain at the shoulder joint, especially when trying to sleep and within a short timescale the range of movement in the shoulder joint becomes restricted. You will know if you have this because of the extreme pain and your inability to put on your shirt! The condition clears up by itself although this can take up to two years and extensive physio is required for prolonged periods. Do you have one of the above? If so, you should have a neck xray because there is a tendency for all of them to distort the topmost vertabrea. The muscles in the shoulder and the back tend to tighten up to protect the painful joint and this in turns moves the vertabrea until there is an out of balance condition that results in vertigo and sometimes impingement of the blood vessels in extreme cases. Thankfully it's all easily fixed by a good Chiro and the application of heat to the muscles.

Edited January 31, 2008 by chiang mai

[WilliamIV]

Hi CM

Thanks for that explanation

But as I said - the Physiotherapist told me the Sholder Pains

resulted from a Nerve being trapped between twp spine bones in my neck.

Similar to sciatica being caused by a trapped nerve between two bones at the base of the spine

Bill