Vertigo
 

During the past few months, I noticed a tingling sensation in my hands and face, and naturally, I was worried about heart/circulation issues. The symptoms were exacerbated by alcohol (even a single glass of wine), so I cut out alcohol. The symptoms didn't go away, so I visited a doctor. My heart was okay, and my oxygen levels were completely normal even when I was experiencing the symptoms. Well, it seems like I am on the verge of being diagnosed with a form of vertigo. My mother has it, and apparently I have it too. Do any of you have experiences/know someone who has reapplied for an FAA 1st-class medical with vertigo? Is it honestly even possible to maintain the medical for the rest of my flying-future with this illness? I am a CFI/CFII/MEI, but am also an engineer. Flying has always been my passion, but I fear that I may have to give it all up because of this.

Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!

mcis -
I had never heard of vertigo causing a tingling sensation in the hands and face (hypoxia yes), so I looked it up on WebMD and still haven't seen anything to relate to those symptoms.
Do you mind sharing more of the diagnosis of the exact problem that you and your mother share?

I couldn't find anything on Virtual Flight Surgeon about vertigo though.

Good luck.

USMCFLYR

Swag
 

Peripheral neuropathy often causes numbness and pain in your hands and feet. People typically describe the pain of peripheral neuropathy as tingling or burning, while they may compare the loss of sensation to the feeling of wearing a thin stocking or glove.
Peripheral neuropathy is caused by nerve damage. It can result from such problems as traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems and exposure to toxins. One of the most common causes is diabetes.
In many cases, peripheral neuropathy symptoms improve with time — especially if it's caused by an underlying condition that can be treated. A number of medications are often used to reduce the painful symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.



Not a Dr, nor do i play one on TV

Thanks for the responses. USMC - I have not yet been officially diagnosed. The doctor believes it's a possibility. He is referring me to a specialist to test me for Lyme Disease, Vertigo, and Multiple Sclerosis. However, vertigo seemed the most likely. I am not sure about the whole tingling-vertigo connection. I agree that I haven't found much info on the two being related. I guess I'll find out when I go in for testing next week.

N9373M - I'm don't think it's PN. I don't get any sort of pain with the tingling. PN also seems a bit more severe than what I have.

I just hope that whatever I have is treatable. After obtaining hundreds of hours of flight time, I don't want to give up now on my dream. Let's just hope my health doesn't force me to.

Thanks!

PN came to mind since some people I know who have it, described the tingling. I always thought vertigo was dizziness, or lack of knowing which way is up. i.e. first time in the clouds :)

Hope there is a quick and simple resolution!

73M

I'm not a doctor, and this may have been tried, but if your vertigo is due to otolith migration and is "positional" - it gets worse w/certain tilts of your nugget, try this a couple times a day for 4-6 weeks. It worked for "a buddy" after an accident w/cranium trauma a while back.

The Epley Maneuver: A Possible Cure for Vertigo? (Figure), THE MERCK MANUAL OF HEALTH & AGING