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What Causes Vertigo While Lying Down?

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Posted on Tue, 15 Sep 2015
Question: Years ago I was diagnosed with XXXXXXX Chiari and have lived fine with it. I moved 3 weeks ago from an altitude of 4670 to an altitude of less than 20. When I first lay down I feel a sensation of vertigo or when I sit up from a laying position. It takes about a minute for the feeling to pass. It this normal and will it pass? If so how long will it take?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (43 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Symptoms related to blood changes.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

This condition you describe seems more like a reverse attitude sickness than related to Chiari malformation.

This happens because your body produced a bigger number of red blood cells when you was in high attitude to compensate lack of oxygen.

Symptoms you describe are related probably to more viscous blood and your body processes to normalize blood quality.

In my opinion, those symptoms will improve gradually ( two to three weeks ).

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (33 minutes later)
Thank you...Why is it only happening when I lay down also I can roll to my right side and it subsidies? rest of the time I feel fine.
You mentioned 2-3 weeks, is that a total of 5-6 weeks since I have been here 3 weeks?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Another two to three weeks needed to improve sufficiently.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Changing positions changes intracranial pressure.

Brain needs to be adapted in relation to these changes and in the setting of "different than before" blood quality, it takes more time to be adapted.

I think in two or three other weeks your symptoms will subside.

Hope I helped you.

Best regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4494 Questions

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What Causes Vertigo While Lying Down?

Brief Answer: Symptoms related to blood changes. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. This condition you describe seems more like a reverse attitude sickness than related to Chiari malformation. This happens because your body produced a bigger number of red blood cells when you was in high attitude to compensate lack of oxygen. Symptoms you describe are related probably to more viscous blood and your body processes to normalize blood quality. In my opinion, those symptoms will improve gradually ( two to three weeks ). Hope you found the answer helpful. Take care.