In September of 1993, I was jolted awake when I turned over in bed and the world started spinning. I had no warning and no previous encounters with dizziness. I could not believe what I was experiencing and was extremely scared. I tried to get up but slammed my head into the wall. That's when I realized that with all the spinning I didn't even know where "up" was!

It subsided in about 90 seconds but as soon as I moved it started all over again. The MD at the emergency room said "I've never heard of such a thing" and prescribed anti-vert, a motion sickness type drug. The only thing that did was knock me out. I was told I would get used to it, but over a period of six weeks that never happened. It was either spin, or be knocked out... not a good list of choices.

I found a "regular" chiropractor who said to give her a year, come 2-3 times a week and she would be able to give me relief. I went for the year and got some relief, but it did not eliminate the "hits" as I call them, or make me feel confident in my ability to do anything like drive. Also, the process was painful. I had a tendency to tense up when I knew the "crack" or "pop" was coming. Afterward, I felt bruised and had to ice where the adjustment was made. Then just when it was feeling better, it was time to go back again so it was not a pleasant experience for me. I stopped going after the year.

I walked around with my head held tight and people would always ask me if I had a stiff neck. I'd tell them "no, I just can't move my head or there will be an earthquake inside". If you saw me on the street you'd think I was drunk, staggering while I walked, holding onto the walls and having trouble on stairs and turns. This was no way to live.

I went back to my MD. He diagnosed me with "benign positional vertigo" and said "You know? Many people have this and learn to live with it." Not the answer I was seeking. He appeased my by giving me a referral to an ENT - ear, nose and throat specialist who then referred me to a vestibular therapis

-Donte