Hi

I fell asleep on the floor in front of the TV last night (as I have done many times in the past). I had felt pretty relaxed, sleepy and comfortable before dozing off (ie; no dizziness, aches, pains, etc). This morning I woke up at about 8:30 this morning and felt pretty good as well. However, when I turned my head to the left to look at the window to see if it was daylight outside, my entire world changed instantly and I had the absolute WORST case of vertigo you could ever imagine.

My whole body felt like it was on a giant rotisserie and I had a very real sensation that I was spinning/rotating/sinking through the floor and into the ground (I have since learned that these are called "bed spins" or "head spins"). The room was also spinning and I remember thinking "oh, so this is what death feels like". It was like my brain had just been stunned with a million volts and I was a limp, helpless thing. I did'nt even feel like anything was real...sort of like I had momentarily fainted from sheer dizziness and crossed over to the "other side" or something.

Then, I turned my head back around and I was looking up at the ceiling and he vertigo was gone. I decided to turn my head to the right this time. The same thing happened but not as severe. Right then, I "knew" I was going to die and I somehow managed to get myself up, walk into the living room and holler for my room mate. I sat down as I explained to him what had just happened and as I was sitting there, I happened to turn my head again and this time, I just got a mild case of vertigo. After we talked for a few minutes, I went to the bathroom and as I was getting ready to sit down on the pot, I keeled over to one side and nearly fell to the floor.

By this time I was thinking about all kinds of horrible brain disorders (mad cow, MS, etc) and was really freaking out badly. Then, I remembered that about 12 years ago, I had pretty much the same problem and was diagnosed with positional vertigo. I do have a LOT of sinus problems, allergies, a deviated septum and my doctor found fluid in my ears once, etc. I wake up most mornings and my face and eyes are very puffy.

Anyway, I had a cup of coffee, took an anxiety pill and rushed off to the doctor who basically did some neuro-tests, talked to me and told me that I needed to come in again right away if it persisted or got worse. A lot more was said but I don't feel like typing anymore. Anyway, does any of this sound familiar??

- GreyGoose