vertigo after riding

[Emee]

I have had Meniere's for a long time & have gotten sick riding, but until recently had not had this experience. After riding, even if I'm driving, when I get out of the car I am so off balance I can hardly stand. I have tried sitting in the car for a min or two before trying to walk & that may help some. Anyone here experience this? Ativan helps some but can't take much of it & drive. Any suggestions how to solve this? Thanks.

 

[masterjen]

Hi,
When someone has a condition like Menieres, if movement around them is not under their control it can cause them to feel dizzy. When you're driving you have cars rapidly moving past you (often the biggest problem) as well as street signs and people. Being in a moving vehicle, of course, makes the movement more rapid. Landscape scenery is less of a problem because it takes longer to pass by you and is not perceived as rapid movement. Sometimes people are affected by this movement even if they are sitting in a vehicle stopped at a light or when they are walking along a street with heavy traffic.
All this is caused by the balance system of the ears and messages the eyes receive (also important for balance) miscommunicating with each other. The body (esp. Eyes) needs to relearn how to communicate with your damaged inner ear. A physiotherapist who specializes in treating balance disorders can often help. One technique they teach is to practice (not while driving!) using your head to intentionally follow the movement while keeping your body still, holding on if necessary. Start with slow movement. When this is getting easier practice using just your eyes to follow the movement. Like working out, success and benefit won't be immediate and it takes repetition and practice. I hope all this makes sense. Good luck!

 

[Emee]

It does make sense. Thanks.