Dizziness after stroke
Elishiva suffered a stroke eight weeks ago and has asked about dizziness after stroke. She says “The stroke hit my balance and coordination area and the feeling of passing out is something that I dread. I feel like I’m losing control. Probably because I blacked out while having the stroke. I’m finding it very hard with the dizziness I have. I can only lay on one side because the whole room spins. I have two adult children who support and care for me and I’m truly blessed. It’s amazing what we have to go through and I’m determined I will make progress.” Some great responses came in from the Facebook community - they might be handy here too.
StrokeLine: This can be common after specific types of stroke. We would suggest a review with your GP/neurologist and an assessment with a physiotherapist who is experienced in vestibular management. In many cases you can be given specific exercises to reduce the dizzy sensation that is often due to issues in the coordination of balance and positioning systems.
You also mentioned the shock you experienced at the time of the stroke – many other stroke survivors report this, particularly when like you, they had previously been fit and healthy. Continuing to eat well, exercise (with your physiotherapist’s help given your dizziness) and taking medications prescribed by your doctors will reduce your risk of having another stroke.
The determination to keep improving is so crucial to recovery – keep at it. Know that we’re here for you and if you’d like to chat further, please give us a call on StrokeLine - 1800 787 653.
Best Wishes,
Lisa (StrokeLine).
Mary: I also had a stroke in the cerebellum region that affects mobility, coordination and balance nearly 17 months ago. This is very common according to my neurologist but having said that I had extensive rehab both as an inpatient and outpatient. I still get the occasional dizziness but now working with a personal training who specialises in neuro rehab and a neuro physio. Initially, I could not lie flat so had to sleep on pillows and only on one side.
It does gradually get better over time but the mobility exercises to get your balance and coordination back is critical in your recovery as your neuro pathways reconnect again. It does take time but it does get better.
Rest is also very important to let your brain heal as well. It is hard and patience I had to learn but stay determined and time is the healer of many things. I hope this helps.
Ingrid: I have had severe dizziness since my brain haemorrhage 3 1/2 years ago, it takes a toll on my life every day, but I am learning to live with it. I am currently seeing a Neurologist whom I am hoping will be able to help me find the answer. Since my bleed was in my occipital lobe where the sensory system stems from I am guessing it may either be scar tissue or just trauma to the system.
Richard: Hi Elishiva balance after my stroke was a major struggle apart from, patience, determination and a sense of humour I would recommend finding a good physiotherapist who can show you many balance techniques to work on, I did Tai-Chi, Chi Ball and Yoga (simple) but started off at Heart Moves to get going, that was 8 years ago and I still get dressed leaning against a wall but most important keep smiling and believe you can improve... you will... :-} ps my party trick is now standing on one leg.
Catherine: I am 4 years post stroke and still suffer dizziness from time to time. For me it stems from my eyes and balance, a behavioural optometrist has helped.
Caitlin: I was really lucky with my recovery time frame but due to interstate stroke... I had no immediate physio or occupational therapy for a long time after. I started by walking my dog every day for as long as my body could let me on really soft ground 20mins or so, so if I did fall I wouldn't hurt myself.
This helped my balance immensely although I would always have to have a 'nap' 3hrs immediately post stroke daily. I also got pt sessions at a local gym to rebuild my muscle loss with no exercises that could favour one side. I couldn't lift any weight at the start and also found I had to move very slowly onto each machine, I found that this was really hard on my balance but with a lot of time and patience from me (sometimes) and my personal trainer it improved immensely and I am now back at work full time 12mths later... there is no time frame but you need to learn to listen to your body and not avoid things that will make you dizzy just take your time through them as it will help your brain retrain itself into (normal) I also found that whenever I was and am still tired it's worse.
Paul: We are using virtual reality. And it seems to be working with the two clients we have who have this affect after stroke. And lots and lots of balance exercises. All different types.
Darlene: I recommend visiting with an audiologist to have your 8th cranial nerve tested. You may need some physical therapy or vestibular rehab. All my best! I'm three years post hemorrhagic stroke on Aug 16. One of my patients had a stroke that hit her 8th nerve during a routine surgery and ended up with chronic vertigo afterwards. The only thing that helped her was vestibular rehab.
Cathy: My mother had a stroke and suffered dizziness after- it was related to her inner ear and a simple maneuver the Dr showed her fixed it, also found a Physio who knew about it and they taught my father how to perform it whenever an episode occurred. May not be the same as yours but a simple fix worth asking about. Best wishes to you.
Karen: Hi Elishiva. I'm sorry to hear about your recent stroke. A few thoughts...
Talk to your neurologist. You should have a follow up with a consultant neurologist 6 weeks after your discharge from hospital. If not your GP can refer you to a neurologist at your nearest public hospital with a stroke ward.
Dizziness can be a side effect of some medications. Yes it could be a direct result of your stroke but it could be a side effect of new meds. Don't stop taking any new medication without talking to the doctor who prescribed them.
Your physiotherapist and OT may be able to give you ideas that will help with dizziness and ways to get comfortable when you lay down. If you're not seeing a physio at a public rehab hospital, again your GP can refer you.
Some physiotherapists specialise in things like dizziness. More commonly they treat whip lash patients but sometimes they also have good ideas for neurology patients. I'm not sure where you live but Katie Davies of Neurological Rehabilitation Group is an excellent specialist physio in this field. She's a private physio based in Melbourne. If you're located elsewhere Katie may be able to recommend someone near you. I found her to be very caring and generous with her knowledge and experience.
And finally a left field suggestion... Yoga and mindfulness meditation will help with balance, help you to cope with the dizziness and help you work through your dread and grieving.
Wishing you all the very best.