Long-Term Dizziness and Palpitations: A Neurological Perspective - Neurology

More Info

---

Understanding long-term dizziness and palpitations can be complex, especially when the symptoms persist despite thorough medical evaluations. Based on your description, it seems that your experiences began after a roller coaster ride during a school trip, which may have triggered a series of physical and psychological responses.
Dizziness can arise from various causes, including vestibular disorders, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress from a head injury, even if it was minor. The sensation of feeling like you're on a roller coaster or a boat, known as "mal de debarquement," can occur after exposure to motion, and it may persist for some time. This condition is often linked to the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation.
Your history of being struck on the head, even if you felt fine afterward, could have contributed to your current symptoms. Head injuries can sometimes lead to vestibular dysfunction or post-concussion syndrome, which includes dizziness, headaches, and cognitive disturbances. However, since you mentioned that you have undergone various tests, including EEGs and EMGs, and they returned normal results, it suggests that there may not be a significant neurological issue at play.

The sensations of your body vibrating in sync with your heartbeat, especially when you are tired or anxious, could be related to heightened anxiety or stress responses. Anxiety can manifest physically in many ways, including palpitations, tremors, and dizziness. The mind and body are intricately connected, and psychological stress can exacerbate physical symptoms.
It's also important to consider that the pressure of academic performance and the stress of pursuing further education can amplify anxiety, leading to a cycle where physical symptoms contribute to psychological distress, which in turn exacerbates physical symptoms. This is often referred to as a psychosomatic response, where psychological factors manifest as physical symptoms.

Given that you've seen specialists in cardiology and neurology without finding any underlying physical issues, it may be beneficial to explore psychological support or counseling. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be particularly effective for managing anxiety and its physical manifestations. It can help you develop coping strategies to manage your thoughts and feelings, potentially alleviating some of the dizziness and palpitations you experience.

In summary, while your symptoms may feel overwhelming and persistent, the absence of significant findings in your medical evaluations suggests that they may be more related to anxiety and stress rather than a serious underlying medical condition. Seeking support from a mental health professional could provide you with tools to manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being. Remember, it's essential to take care of both your physical and mental health as you navigate your academic journey.