"dizziness" when looking at fast moving text or objects

[momoftwo74]

Hi. About 3-4 months ago, I noticed something strange regarding my vision and motion. I first noticed it when I scrolled down a page on my computer (causing the text etc to move quickly upward). It is hard to explain, but I get a visual disturbance sort of feeling. I cant quite call it dizziness, but more like it seems that my eyes dont keep up with what is moving. I also began to notice this while watching television. Commercials and movies often have fast moving objects etc in and out of the sceen from different angles. Sometimes when this happens, I have to look away to kind of "get my bearings" for a second. Again, it is not dizziness like vertigo, it is not lightheadedness, nor is it dizziness related to syncope (fainting). It only happens for the second or two when a group of fast moving objects crosses my vision (like while watching television). I do not notice these symptoms any other time. I have no other neurological symptoms that I am aware of. No trouble with gait or balance. No blurred vision or mental status changes. I do not wear glasses. Is this sort of thing common, and is it something to really worry about, since I have no other symptoms? (I did have a head CT scan in 2005 for something different, and my CT scan there was normal, which isnt all that long ago). I am, trying to decide if I should see a doctor for this, as I am currently uninsured. I appreciate any advice that any of can give me. Thanks .
MM

[momoftwo74]

I did want to add one more thing. In the last 6 months I recently graduated and began my career as a medical transcriptionist. Therefore, I spend all day looking at a computer screen. Could this have any relation to my symptoms? I do not have blurred vision, though, and these symptoms are present in the morning also, before I begin my work for the day.

[BarryAlan]

Also check Visual Vertigo

[tjj3761]

Hello,

I too am a medical transcriptionist for over 30 years, so I can relate.

A question for you, are you currently "editing" reports from voice recognition?  

This can take some time to get used to.

I definitely would go and get an eye examination somewhere first, because maybe your vision has changed and then adding looking at a computer screen on top of that might cause you problems.  I think eye exams at Walmart are about $50 or so.

I personally use a 20" monitor for my work and some trans will change the display to a larger view, without disrupting the font size on the actual printed reports.

I hope this helps....

terri

[momoftwo74]

Hi. Thanks for the advice. I think the eye exam might the more economical way to go, because that could rule out vision problems at least (Im not sure if they can do a check for nystagmus, etc., there). I wonder if it could just be related to eye strain from staring at the screen etc all day, though I still have the problem after a good night's sleep, and I dont have trouble seing the text etc (unless I scroll)...I do CPN accounts, and they are gradually moving over to voice recognition through EditScript, so some of my work is regular trans and some is voice recognition. I dont seem to have any issues following the cursor in the EditScript platform. I appreciate the advice.

MM

[Kyukkamba]

This is not a solution to your issue but i seam to have a similar problem. I will wake up very fine from sleep and everything will look fine till I start staring at my computer screen and seing lots of scrolling pages.I experiance some kind of dizzynes actually not dizzyness but a sort of a flash over my head (felt in my legs also) that causes some dizzy feeling. this last a fraction of a second.I have to distruct my attention, look somewhere else or just stand up and take a walk.this way it stops. I am afraid if i dont move then the effect will continue and I might fall or somethong worse might happen. I saw all sorts of doctors from Opthalmologist,orthopaedic,neurologiosts, internist, physiotherapist BUT no one gave me or rather solved my problem I AM STILL FACING THE SAME PROBLEM more than 2 years now.

[momoftwo74]

Hi...I havent been to a doctor yet because I just cannot afford to see specialists. From what I gather, they just ruled out the obvious or serious stuff with you but did not tell you what is wrong, right? I cant afford to bounce from one doctor to the next....BUT someone told me to see a Neuro Ophthalmologist. They specialize in eye/brain problems. They are more experienced in neuro and sensory issues involving the eye/brain interaction, and probably have more experience in issues like ours that either a neurologist or eye doctor....Anyway, mine isnt so severe it interferes with everyday life just yet, so I'm putting off the doc visit. I hope you find out what is wrong with you....That flash feeling sounds really familiar, because it happens sometimes like that to me in a fraction of a second a sort of flash and dizziness and I look away or move and it stops. Its over almost as soon as I realize it happening.

[Taty1]

Hi. I just googled these simptomps and found this page. I have a flash feeling that brings dizziness and lasts for a spilt second. I also have some dissiness when I am in a movie theater watching a fast moving scene of flying over the ground or watch fast moving car. Have you ever found out what was causing it?

[Redporter]

Same here, I watched a movie with very fast moving animations and I needed to look away as I was very dizzy already. :(

[MitziTempe]

Would you say you get "motion sickness?"   As a child, I could not watch a train go past the car while we waited at a train stop.  My siblings would happily count the cars and watch,  but it made me "dizzy."   It's not like vertigo -- in which the whole world flashes past your eyes.   It's that light-headed-dull-pain feeling in the head.    
  
SCROLLING on a computer screen is just like a train rolling past.  It's painful for me.   The more I watch a screen scroll, the more intense the bad feeling gets.  For me,  it can trigger a headache that lasts 3 days.
  
FRUSTRATION:   Various doctors have confessed that there is very little science on this topic.   Since the symptoms are mild, and can be easily assuaged by not looking at things scroll,  apparently nobody has studied it.  

WHAT I'VE LEARNED:   Do not scroll pages.  If you're scanning to look for something on a page,  use the  "FIND"  tool.   If you're reading page after page,  move the page up,  and then let it be still while your read it.  Get up and  move around every 10 minutes or so while you look at something in the far distance.  
Eat and Apple.  There's something about the jaw motion and the slight increase in blood sugar that seems to help faster than anything else.  -- also good for "car sickness"  which is pretty much the same as this scrolling issue.
  
TEACHERS:   I'm making it my mission in life to inform teachers that some of their students may have this sensitivity to scrolling!  Be mindful of it.  When you see a small child get cranky for no apparent reason,  and he has been using a computer,  it could be he has a headache, and he does not have the words to explain it.   Older students may have the headache,  but they try to ignore it because they don't see anybody else complain about  scrolling.  Tell all older students,  "If you're sensitive to scrolling, don't scroll. Use the 'Find' function."   For younger students,  show them how to do the task without scrolling.  
  
THESE THINGS HURT:   Scrolling,  trains going past,  movies and TV where the camera moves while the scene is still,   Flashing Ads on Websites!!!!  (they are Horrible!) ,   watching a tennis game from the sidelines,   etc.  

REST OF THE WORLD:   Please note the list above, and notice that for some people with high sensitivity these activities are not pleasant.  

I hope to learn more from all of you in this community.  Thank you for your posts!  
    

[flash972]

Did you manage to cure your motion sickness with any vision therapy or meds? Or is it SEE SICK SYNDROME?

[George7819]

Hi,

I realize this is an old post, but I'll try anyway.

I have been experiencing similar symptoms over the last 10 weeks. My head feels 'absent', my balance is off and I can not look at (fast) moving objects, especially on TV.

I have trouble focussing my eyes and it often feels like my vision is blurred, even though I see the object of my focus in detail.

Sometimes when I pick something up or just turn my head I feel off balance/dizzy for a moment.

Watching TV is no fun anymore, but my whole life is affected by it. I also seem to need more light than before. In the evenings it often feels like it's too dark, while I always loved a poorly lit living room.

I have been tested for BPPV, so that is not causing it. I have had some tests (MRI and ENG) at the hospital and I will get the results this week.

My questions:
1. Did you ever get a diagnosis?
2. Did your symptoms go away?
3. If so, what did you do to achieve this?

Any reaction would be greatly appreciated

[dinacara]

I am experiencing the same issues as you, have you ever received any other helpful diganosis?

[amessha]

I doubt the OP will wander in with any answers, but I have been having the exact same symptoms as you for a few weeks now. My PCP just encouraged me to better hydrate myself. I don't feel that it has made a difference. I made an eye appointment for the 22nd to rule out any issues with vision change as its been 2 years since my last exam.

I hope that you will come back and update as you rule out/in any causes. It sure is frustrating!

Good Luck!

[George7819]

Hi, thanks for your reply. I had my vision checked about two weeks after my symptoms started. There were no changes compared to my last test 3 years ago.

My MRI test ruled out lesions or tumors in the peripheral vestibular region. The ENG test, according to the ENT (and verified by a neurologist), showed nothing out of the ordinary. However, when I got the results at the neurology department, I noticed the results mentioned a 'very mild nystagmus to the left', well within the normal range, but still I wonder...
The ENT said he would send me to a neurologist if I wanted to. Of course I did. So I will go there and ask about the nystagmus result. There is little info on the internet about this. Appearently 'very mild' nystagmus is found in 'many' healthy individuals.

Let me know the results of your eye test. Hope to hear from you soon.

[flash972]

I am not ANY kinda doctor andthis might sound/be stupid. But i had a random thought the other day "what is the nystagmus was triggered when you look at a moving object?" I had this 'absent' feeling since i was 7/8 y/o. I used to get the 'faint like' feeling when i saw crowds,repetitive patterns (never when scrolling) etc. Recently i had a panic attack which made this 'feeling' frequent. I used to be able to go to shops and parties without this 'feeling' a few months ago. But now, its very frequent. When i try and look at a moving car or train, my eyes go weird and i feel pressure in my eye. I have an eye test due in dec.

Hope this has a cure!!!

[amessha]

Well, my eye exam today was fairly uneventful. I had some minor prescription changes and he was concerned about the ways my eyes focus.

I guess my focusing (he used a few big words) us only about 40% of what it should be. So when I look from one thing to another it takes longer fory eyes to accept what I am looking at. He almost prescribed me multifocal lenses. Dilation showed nothing abnormal.

He isn't sure whether that has been causing the dizziness. I think it could explain it though. He said I shouldn't be having these problems and my age (27). However didn't off any suggestions as to what might be the cause. I'm afraid I've had a slew of other symptoms begin, and I fear it is something systemic. My next appointment is with my Dr. The 30th of Decemeber, Ill be asking for a referral to a neurologist.

[George7819]

Thanks for getting back. Did you go to an opthalmologist or to an optician? I wonder how he checks dilation and focusing. Can you tell more about that? I only went to an optician. He could not tell me anything, nor did he see anything out of the ordinary.

I am planning to make the appointment for the neurologist tomorrow.

What are the other symptoms you mentioned?

Tonight I was watching a scene of a movie and the images struck me as very dark and fast moving. I can't believe I was ever able to watch those scenes.

Unbelievable there is so little information available on our symptoms. It makes it so hard to get any doctor to understand what we are experiencing.

[George7819]

Hey, Amessha, I am curious about your appointment with your Doctor.
Did you get the referral?

[bigredbob]

I too have similar discomfort.  In my case it is most pronounced when I see text scrolling on a screen.  If I am reading an article in a web browser and try to keep reading while scrolling down, I get a weird feeling of fogginess and lack of mental focus.  Reading text on a touchscreen as I scroll it produces the same effect.  Animated web advertisements are a big bother too.    

Recently looked at getting a smartphone and they all seemed so bright and uncomfortable since they all involve a lot of fast-moving images/scrolling between screens.

Anybody know of workarounds for these issues?  I have an eye doc appointment later this month.  Maybe he'll have an idea.  With the way phones and computing are moving towards touchscreens and tablets, I am worried that this problem will isolate me from widely-used technology.

Note: I was recently diagnosed with ADD; asked doctor if there could be some connection.  He didn't know.

[Valentinebleu]

So I know the cure to this. I KNOW THE CURE! I suffered from this twice, once so bad for 3 months I could barely drive. This last time I only suffered a day because I knew what to do. You have to see an UPPER CERVICAL CHIROPRACTOR...NOT a regular chiropractor. This is different. No back-cracking. They will take X-rays of your head and atlas and skull, then send you home. They will carefully study them and determine the precise angle to adjust your atlas and then when you return they will adjust you. Your atlas is the only non-interlocking bone in your spine, the one on top. It houses the control box! When it gets out of whack it messes up your nerves in the form of back/neck pain, ear ringing, vision, vertigo, and everything thing else imaginable.
You might notice a positive change right away. You might after a few visits. Then you are done. It will give you your life back.
NUCCA-certified is preferable--UPPER CERVICAL CHIROPRACTOR!!!! I swear by it!

[George7819]

I know the scrolling experience. I have it too, though less than when watching TV. It also happens when things or persons close to me are moving, or with movement of objects/people in weaker light.

I am still trying to figure out what is actually wrong with me so I can start looking for workarounds. So far I do not have anything useful for you.

Do you feel pressure on/in your eyes/neck/head as well?

I think I read somewhere about a link between ADD/ADHD and eye focus. Maybe this has something to do with it?
I will look it up and post here later.

Cheers

[Martiniracing]

George. any results from your neurologist?  I get light sensitivity if I am in a moving train. then my right side of the forehead feels like there's something there or is tight

[George7819]

Hi Martini,
It's been a while, but I had my appointment with the neurologist only yesterday. In the meantime my symptoms have gotten much better. It took me almost 3,5 month for my condition to improve.

The neurologist did not have a lot to say. She did some standard tests which were all ok (pointing from nose to finger, walking in a straight line etc) and told me she did not link the whole picture of my complaints to any known disorders.

I asked her about neurotransmitters (I have theories about those being a possible source of my complaints) she could not say much about this, other than that it is not possible to accurately measure the levels of neurotransmitters in the human body.

Although she saw no medical necessity she did offer me to have an MRI. But since my condition has improved greatly and since I am suffering of tinnitus and dread those devices, I took a raincheck. In case my recovery does not last or my condition gets worse, I can ask for the MRI through my GP after all.

I can only speculate on what made my condition better. I have have taken supplements and healthier foods for months, but of course there is no way of knowing if that's what improved my condition.

Martini, you only have this sensitivity in trains? And do you mean it feels like something is inside your head?

@bigredbob: are you still around? I have been quite busy but still planning to have a look into what I found about ADHD. Sorry it takes so long. How are you now?

Cheers

[pjmac1]

Hi George - Did you do anything for your symptoms to improve?

I have had the same symptoms for the last two months.  I have trouble looking at fast moving objects a close range.  (Scrolling, certain TV shows that change angles).  Even at times, small hallways with lots of people).   I get headaches / pressure as a result.   I also have tinnitus.

I've seen my normal doctor and a neurologist.  The neurologist did the same standard tests and said everything was fine and offered no next steps.

I'm stuck and not sure what to do next.
Appreciate the help.
MAC

[George7819]

Hi PJMac,

Unfortunately the only medical finding I was presented with was the 'very mild nystagmus to the left', but that may very well have been there all along.

I recognize your symptoms. I too have tinnitus but in my case I do not think there is any relation to my other symptoms.

I tried several things to improve my condition. I looked up a lot on the internet about my symptoms and about food and nutrients. Let me be clear: I am no expert and I have no idea what caused my condition to get better. I may be a coincidence, for all I know, but this is what I tried:
I started visiting an acupuncturist (I still am), tried some meditation, tried getting a bit of excercise (swimming) and started drinking several cups of green tea daily. I quit alcohol (haven't had a drop in months), coffee (though I have started drinking it again recently), I eat red grapes or blueberries on a daily basis, fatty fish a couple of times a week, I use kurkuma in a lot of my meals and started eating more eggs and avocados. I am also taking some supplements.

Again, I am not saying this is the key, but this is what I have tried. I did not make things any worse in any case ;-)

Medical science unfortunately could not help me, but they were able to rule out some nasty things of course, so I am glad I did all these tests.

Let me know how you are doing.
Good luck!

[Tedcy]

Hey guys, I am having this problem since 3 years ago. I did went through a lots of test such as MRI, Ear nose eyes test, heart test and so fort. Luckily everything was fine, I was about to give up for my dizziness but there it went to normal for 1 month plus and it appear again till now. I have no ideas at all what is going wrong :(

[George7819]

Hi Tedc,

I am sorry to read you have been experiencing these symptoms for so long. Did the doctors never find anything out of the ordinary on any of those tests?

[Martiniracing]

hi George,

Sorry for the late reply, I totally forgot about this page until my condition got worse again.  

but it's good news your condition has gotten better.

for me it's not just moving trains anymore,. my eyes can't keep up to anything that moves.  for example today I was talking to someone and I cannot look at that person (anywhere on their body, general body movements) without having to look far away to regain comfort.  I do not get dizzy though, but definitely strains my eyes and I have tightness on my forehead from it.

I've had many lab tests, MRI, CT, and x-rays come up with nothing, which I guess is good.  I've had this 2 weeks before I left Europe, which was early august 2015 and it's progressively worse.

[hansnfrans]

Trying to ride a fine line and not dispense medical advise, but ask your doc about chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (possibly secondary to mitochondrial disease/myopathy)

[hansnfrans]

Trying to ride a fine line and not dispense medical advise, but ask your doc about chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (possibly secondary to mitochondrial disease/myopathy)

[Valentinebleu]

So I know the cure to this. I KNOW THE CURE! I suffered from this twice, once so bad for 3 months I could barely drive. This last time I only suffered a day because I knew what to do. You have to see an UPPER CERVICAL CHIROPRACTOR...NOT a regular chiropractor. This is different. No back-cracking. They will take X-rays of your head and atlas and skull, then send you home. They will carefully study them and determine the precise angle to adjust your atlas and then when you return they will adjust you. Your atlas is the only non-interlocking bone in your spine, the one on top. It houses the control box! When it gets out of whack it messes up your nerves in the form of back/neck pain, ear ringing, vision, vertigo, and everything thing else imaginable.
You might notice a positive change right away. You might after a few visits. Then you are done. It will give you your life back.
NUCCA-certified is preferable--UPPER CERVICAL CHIROPRACTOR!!!! I swear by it!

[Martiniracing]

i hope not! PEO sounds pretty scary!

[Martiniracing]

forgot to mention i was at the ophthalmologist today.  the doctor says i don't have any major problems. so i guess PEO is not one of them.

[George7819]

Hi Martini,
Thanks for getting back! I understand that you did not check this site when you were feeling better. Too bad though that many don't get back as I am eager to hear more about how they are doing. Sorry to read your condition seems to be getting worse. I recognize the strain on your eyes and forehead. I have it especially in the evening/when it's dark/when I am tired, though it has improved since November.

I am glad they found nothing serious during all the tests you had, but it sure is frustrating to be unable to get a diagnosis.

Recently my condition has gotten a bit worse again. Not too much though. I realize I kinda neglected the pattern and habits I had adopted these last months, so I am trying to regain my focus (sports, meditation, healthy foods). I hope my condition will improve again.

@hansnfrans: I will check your suggestions!

Cheers

[anusha06]

i'm having the same problem.. its getting worse day by day..how to solve this problem.. please anyone tell ..

[Martiniracing]

since last time I posted, both the dizziness and moving train problems are gone.  the fishbowl or 'drunk' vision is still around.  it feels like my eyes are endlessly trying to get used to a new set of prescription glasses.

what has emerged are dry eyes, especially the left eye. it was so bad that some days my eyes are in so much pain they were hard to keep open and I cannot last through the whole day without taking a nap.  eye drops did not really help.  seems to have gotten better the last few days. if It happens again, i may try another type of lubricating eye drops

the other thing that is really bugging me are eye floaters, there are so many!  I am 37 years old, I guess it's normal to have them?  I swear last year I did not have any!.  It may be possible that I wasn't paying attention to anything last year as I everything seemed normal up to the point I started getting headaches and weird vision.