Disoriented, queasy in stores/busy places--is this a cognitive symptom?

[violetopia]

Since my "neurological event" I've had some problems with confusion, and yesterday I realized this often occurs at the grocery store or other places where there's a great deal of visual information to process. If I'm moving through the store and trying to find things at the same time--like glancing down the aisles--I quickly feel sort of seasick and overwhelmed. It's hard to read the labels and discern what's where. Then I get rather panicky, which probably makes it worse.

I'm finding that to navigate a store I need to keep my eyes down while moving, and look up at things only after I've stopped. Otherwise this unsteadiness sets in and I feel as if I'm going to lose my balance or freak out or both.

This strikes me as a cognitive problem, maybe, related to visual information processing? Or maybe it's something else. Can anyone tell me if there's a name for this and if others have experienced it? I don't have a dx yet, so I don't know whether or how this fits in with my other symptoms. Thanks for any input. Wishing all of you wellness and peace.

Violet

[JemmAus]

I'm wondering how many have been told this is "migraine associated vertigo". I know they told me that by neurologists in the past. . Now I am so confused - I DO get atypical migraines, but I also have a lesion on the cerebellum which my current neuro says gives me this disequilibrium problem.

My problem is, I never know if it's my MS causing the issue, or a migraine, or both!

Either way, it's b l o o d y annoying.

[frowngirl]

Thanks Quix,
This makes a great deal of sense. I can no longer do any shopping...just looking at the colored clothes hanging on the racks make me very disoriented, lightheaded, nauseated, unstable feeling of needing to lay down on the floor. So I dont go shopping for food or clothing. My darling husband does it all. Also if I do go I get on one of those motorized scooters and get in and get out fast.
Also when there is a football game on TV I have to leave the room because its so over stimulating for me. My brain can not break it down and will actually make me feel confused and give a sense of being ill.

Well just my two cents as well...we are all in the same boat it seems.

Dawn

[wiggles94]

Thanks so much Quix.  I find your posts so informative and helpful.  The time you take to post the info is greatly appreciated!  Knowledge is power.
Best to all!

[COBOB]

I you don't want to feel old, and a cane is not your style, try hiking poles (balance poles.)  They are very adjustable and about $30 a pair at your local sporting goods store.  They also have stras and collapse down.  I have even brought the on the airlines when I travel for work.  

I have not needed them much (fingers crossed and knocking on wood.)

Bob

[candy158]

Quix, you are so right.  Doctors seem to make us seem like we are looney tunes all to often.  I have the same problem, among lots of others, but this one I know from
experience is scarey.  

My thoughts are with you, and I pray for an answer that will help you.  I use a cane for the balance issue.  I feel like the times that I stop the world just keeps on going, and on escalators and such, it is particularly scarey.  So, maybe give the cane a try.  

It is not the most sexy thing to carry and use, as I felt like a bit of an OLD PERSON, but my hubby said...* I think it is so much better than a cast, or having to visit you in hopsital*  so, I use the cane.   LOL

Good luck, and best wishes...

Candy

[drsdonthelp]

I definately grab a cart to walk with when in  a store. My legs have not been the problem, its more of that confused feeling and running things over. I have to wear sunglasses alot, and the glasses I wear for indoors are tinted slightly, to reduce some of the glare.. Flourescent ligts are the worst. TOO BRIGHT!! I feel like a gremlin yelling BRIGHT LIGHT, BRIGHT LIGHT!!

I would love to hear more about this particular subject.
I actually considered it just part of my eye issues or "seizure" problem.. I have too many things to think it is that I am just naive to alot of things it could be!!

If you know what I mean!! LOL

Pamela