I had Covid in 2021. It affected my brain and GI tract (lots of vomiting) but no lung issues. Four months after I recovered, I had a presyncope attack, with ears ringing and vision blurring. After it passed, I started to suffer from almost constant lightheadedness/brain fog/ and post-exertional malaise. It feels like I am "zoned out".
The worst are work trips, any events or anything where I have to focus or socialize for long periods of time. I have somewhat learned to live with it over the years, as I have not found any medical professional who could help me. But recently after an intense work trip, everything has gone haywire. Instead of just "unsteadiness", the dizziness has also become rocking off-balance type everywhere I go. I also suffer from aural migraines. The recent worsening has come with migraines, but my dizziness does not match with vestibular migraine (it is not spinning-type).
I have been to neurologist once. Nothing in neurological tests. Primary care doctor did not want to study me, he said I am just stressed, but took a holter ECG to rule out cardiac problems. I have been to comprehensive blood test panel twice a year, nothing abnormal there. I sent a request for care in a special dizziness clinic, they said they cannot help me, as my symptoms are "functional dizziness". I have tried to get to a long Covid clinic, but they could not take me in, I have to be treated in primary care first and they treat only people who are in "very bad" shape. Now I am changing my primary clinic, hoping to get better treatment.
I just cannot cope with even work anymore. Hobbies or socializing has been off limits for years now. Luckily I have flexible work now but that can change anytime. I am happy to hear suggestions what kind of expertise I would need (ear-nose-throat, neurology, long covid, vestibular therapy).
More details: dizziness eases in car/train when moving (MdDS possible?); sensitivity to lights, sounds, movement; sleeping <7 hours makes me crash, need to sleep 9-10 hours per night; stress/exercise/standing makes it worse; everything where I have to concentrate while standing, like cooking or just making coffee; I used to be able to stand on one leg with my eyes closed, now it is impossible.
Medications/supplements I use/have tried:
- Sertraline 150 mg/day
- Antihistamines: meclozine, cetirizine
- Supplements: Vitamin D, Q10, B2, Magnesium, GlyNAC, probiotics