Should I be concerned about vertigo? I’ve had it for about six weeks, and Stemetil does not seem to be working.

Hello Caz

Thanks for reaching out on EnableMe about your vertigo, I am sorry to hear that the Stemetil has not been helpful, but it sounds like you have spoken with your doctor about how you are feeling.  We do have many with lived experience of stroke who also experience Vertigo on EnableMe, so there will hopefully be others who will comment on what has helped them manage this challenging issue.  There are also many others who have blogged about their experiences or talked about them on forum posts here on EnableMe.

Problems with vertigo and balance can be common after stroke.  Vertigo is a symptom that could be a result of many different conditions, so it is important to mention this to your Doctor, especially if the symptoms have changed over the past 6 weeks.

Have you had any input from a physiotherapist or vestibular physiotherapist? Input from a Vestibular physiotherapist can assist with the treatment and management of vertigo following  a stroke.  Vestibular physiotherapy is a branch of physiotherapy that looks at dizziness, off balance eg when turning quickly and vertigo symptoms. They may help you with exercises to help manage these symptoms.   This blog by the Australian Physiotherapy Association called Dizziness after stroke may be helpful to get an understanding of vestibular physio.

It can be very challenging to manage vertigo, so I am pleased you have reached out.

It would be great if you gave us a call on Strokeline and we could talk with you in more detail about your experience. You can contact Strokeline on Ph. 1800 787 653, or email us on strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au.  We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (AEST).

Kind regards

Siobhan (Strokeline)

You could be on the wrong medication , only a specialist can give you better advice , Stemitil is a relaxant , but you could need another such as Serc a betahistine which might help , as I said see a specialist for the best advice , he will prescribe you something more effective .

hi  had this issue not longa after my stroke and it is a medical condition that can be solved by  physiotherapist good luck follow up with your GP as I am not a medical proffesinal

Hi Caz,

Here are some more comments from the community:

Tracy Moore

Hi Caz. Vertigo has been part of my journey for 3.5 years following my haemorrhagic stroke. It is slowly getting better but it makes getting better slower! I have probs with my balance too. But I must say, now it happens because I’m overtired or have an infection (it always tells me before I realise) best of luck, Caz - I have a great neurologist who I see for my vertigo.

Steve Walsh

You need to find out if it’s central or peripheral vertigo first

Jenny-Lee Stead

I tried lots of things for vertigo. Medication only masked it but not cured it. I found an osteopath that had on worked vertigo & they fixed it. It starts to reappear so I go back immediately.

Good luck & try different things to see what works best for you.

Cheryl Whitlock

Yes really severe bouts of vertigo sometimes

Tanya Kat

I also had a cerebellum stroke. Walking makes a big difference and l see a neuro physiotherapist who helps with my balance issue

Kylie Paulo

I found The Dizzy Day Clinic in Burnley (Melb) is fabulous when it comes to treating vertigo. I can’t recommend them highly enough (I am not connected to them in any way, just a very satisfied patient).

Debra Culver

I had severe vertigo with visual disturbances. I am 5 months today and it is almost gone. Physical therapy and neuro optic videos on you tube helped me. Blessings your way.

Helen Nolan

Physio for vestibular issues (vertigo) is what helped me after my brain injury … highly recommended

Glen Baulch

My vertigo slowly eased after 12 months after suffering an infarction. Plenty of rest but also avoiding what triggers it. Good luck

Sue Clarke

About 4 years after my husband had his first 2 strokes he had vertigo with migraines. 6 years later he was diagnosed with epilepsy.

Arna Wood

I have vertigo when I stand up too quick. I also have low iron levels that need topping up every few months. She should get her iron levels checked and then go from there. Plenty of water 2L a day if ok with doctor.

Colleen Gear

I had severe vertigo before I had my stroke then after my stroke suffer vestibular migraines with vertigo some days worse than other's. I was originally prescribed stemetil but could not tolerate it so I was put on Serc an old fashioned drug for vertigo and that helped to relieve it. It's a horrible I hope it settles down for you

Tracie Leslie

I had a CVST in August 2020 and had severe vertigo. My neurologist put me on Lamitrigine (an epilepsy medication) and it has helped immensely.

Nat Asha

Have suffered with episodic vertigo after cerebellar infarct three years ago, has lessened over time. Number 1 I found is adequate rest and stress avoidance. Medication wise there hasn’t been much that has helped. Definitely find good therapists who can work with vestibular issues.