My wife is dealing with a 24/7 'bobbing' sensation that messes with her balance

Hi DC

Thank you for your question. Your wife’s condition sounds quite debilitating and must be very challenging. I am sorry to hear that she experiences this 24/7. I’m sure these sensations would affect all aspects of her quality of life.

It is good to hear she is seeing a Vestibular Therapist as well as other specialists and is reaching out to others in this community. Perhaps others can be of some support to her too.

Here are some suggestions to consider in helping her in this condition- apologies if she is already seeing these specialists!

1) See a GP

a. Consider a medication review

b. Consider another brain scan to see if there has been any other medical changes since the stroke.

c. Get further referrals to other specialists

Neurologist

Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialising in otoneurology. Perhaps there could be another medical reason for the bobbing sensations related to the inner ear.

2) Consider talking to her Vestibular therapist about the exercise prescription. Are they too easy or too hard? Have home exercises been prescribed in between sessions that need tweaking? Can they educate regarding how these exercises are going.

Feel free to contact us on StrokeLine 1800 787 653 or email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au 

We are available Monday to Friday 9am-5pm AEST.

Kind regards,

Kath, StrokeLine

Here are some comments from the community DC.

Yvonne Denehey

When was her stroke? it has taken a very long time for my balance to improve. Even though I was completely paralysed down my left side, but was up and taking my first steps within 4 weeks, the vertigo etc was horrible while trying hard to recover movements, cognitive function and also fight the neuro fatigue. My stroke was in a different area of the brain but for me I found rest was imperative.

Trisha Davis

I had a TIA on july 13th..my righthand side of my body was affected as the mini stroke occurred on my left side of my brain...Iv been cleared by a neurologist but still have trouble with balance and my speech..Im seeing a physio for an ankle injury so he has given me exercises to do for stroke recovery as well..

My vertigo has been worse since my stroke so Im seeing someone in the next week for treatment for that..it is frustrating not being able to do the things I used to do..Im trying to transition back to work after being off for a year with a serious ankle injury..my work has been amazing..

Just take one day at a time and speak out if your mental health is affected..

Nicole Gallacher

It sounds like your wife is doing so much already, I really hope the bobbing feeling rectifies itself soon. I get it too, but not as severe as your wife and only when moving, although it has settled significantly. My physio does many vestibular activities with me and I also saw a behavioural optometrist who prescribed me glasses with prisms, the prisms make a difference in being able to settle my surroundings and focus.

Everyone is different so I guess it’s a bit of trial and error but I do hope things improve for your wife soon. All the best