Dizziness, balance, myoclonus

[Drewbie2727]

Hi there.  New to these boards.  I'm a 34 year old male, have always been reasonably healthy and athletic.  Background: A couple of years ago I was home watching American Idol when all of the sudden my whole body jolted up out of my couch.  Wife took me to the ER where I was told I had a seizure.  Had an appointment the next day with a neuro and continued having these little "jolts."  The neuro did an EEG and MRI, both of which came back normal.  I was told I had myoclonus of unknown origin.  The jolts continued.  Over the next few months, I began having pretty bad mood swings and anger issues (you can confirm this with my beautiful wife).  I went to a psyhciatrist, who prescribed Lamictal for the mood swings and also for the myoclonus.  It helped a bit with the moodiness, and I've learned to live with the jolts and control them the best I can.  

However, another issue has presented itself.  Over the past 6 months or so, I've had bouts of dizziness and balance problems.  I find myself veering to one side or the other when walking.  The dizziness feels kind of like a swaying, or wave.  I was standing at Best Buy and almost tipped over and fell.  The other night I actually did fall over (luckily into a wall).  These bouts come and go..usually lasting for a few days before they go away and I feel normal again.  The past week or so has been tough...the dizziness and balance issues seem much stronger.  I've been a clumsy mess, I feel uncoordinated and am always bumping into things.  I've also noticed problems with my vision- especially light.  Things look dim and hazy to me while this is happening. My brain feels fuzzy and I'm not thinking as clearly as usual.  Lastly (and I have no idea if this is related) but I've intermittently had a severe twitch/spasm in my tricep that lasts for days.

Anyone on here have any ideas as to what these symptoms might point to?  I have no idea if the myoclonus is related to any of this other stuff, but all of these issues are starting to become more of a problem, and people are starting to notice.  I'm waiting for an appointment with a neuro, but I'm on an HMO plan so it takes forever for the referral and appointment process.  I'd appreciate any insight anyone can provide.  Thanks so much!

[Tonobono]

Have you looked into "Mal de Debarquement Syndrome" ? ( MdDS) I it's a strange overlooked syndrome, but it largely matches my particular brand of dizziness. I think my essential myoclonus also may be genetic (many tic and nerve disorders in family) or maybe a pinched thoracic nerve in my back from skiing 20 years ago. Until this morning I was starting to appreciate how ALMOST normal  I was beginning to feel after 6 years. Like you, I am otherwise very fit and healthy for my age; no HBP, heart disease, diabetes, not overweight, plenty of exercise etc.  Also do you feel weird in stores? Jerk/ jolt more at rest? I do.

[Tonobono]

I am responding  to a 2 year old post of yours. How's it going? Did you get a diagnosis? I too am plagued with myclonus and dizziness, occasional real vertigo for the past 6 years. I am a 54 year old female and always factored menopause into this crazy sudden equation. I feel like I'm alone in this but I have a neuro and a clean MRI and EEG. That leaves me with klonopin  and just coping. I'm quite the cyberchondriac sometimes. Mostly I just try to keep moving and doing. 6 years later I had a wallop of a dizzy spell/ myoclonic  jerk attack this morning.

[deebrown30]

Hi!  I am so sorry you are going through this.  I have been dealing with balance issues for 7 years.  I feel like I am on a boat and sometimes i will see things moving that I know are not moving. It is very scary to experience these things.  My vision is the same as yours especially the hazy vision.  When I look at lights it looks like there is a smoke screen in front of them.  I am a 34 yr old female.  I became extremely ill in April of 09 and have seen every kind of doctor out there.  They are telling me auto immune disease but bot specifically which one.  I hope you get answers soon and post your results on here of you don't mind.  Maybe it can give people like us somewhere to start!  God Bless you!
Dawn