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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Know If Lightheadedness Is Temporary Or Permanent?

I ve had approx. 7 courses of treatment for HCV infection. I just finished my 7th regime which involved Interferon, Ribivirin, & Telapavir. I ve been off treatment for over a year yet I am still having problems with lightheadedness. A Neurologist tells me that Interferon can detrimentally affect the nerve that affects balance. She told me that it can last up to 18 months or be permanent. How do I know if my lightheadedness is temporary or permanent?
Mon, 16 Feb 2015
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

Interferon is a medication that is known to cause light headedness in some patients and this can continue for few months after treatment is stopped. Your doctor is right in saying that you will have to bear with side effects such as light headedness for a while after completing treatment.

Known side effects include skin rash, itching, trouble breathing, a tight feeling in your chest, lightheadedness, a rapid heart beat, chest pain, or any unusual bleeding or bruising, swelling or tingling sensations in your feet or hands, or mental confusion (brain fog) among other symptoms.

Patients are known to gradually improve with cessation of treatment. Let us be optimistic and hope you make a complete recovery.
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How To Know If Lightheadedness Is Temporary Or Permanent?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. Interferon is a medication that is known to cause light headedness in some patients and this can continue for few months after treatment is stopped. Your doctor is right in saying that you will have to bear with side effects such as light headedness for a while after completing treatment. Known side effects include skin rash, itching, trouble breathing, a tight feeling in your chest, lightheadedness, a rapid heart beat, chest pain, or any unusual bleeding or bruising, swelling or tingling sensations in your feet or hands, or mental confusion (brain fog) among other symptoms. Patients are known to gradually improve with cessation of treatment. Let us be optimistic and hope you make a complete recovery.