The floor is going up and down (oscillopsia)

Q: Five years ago, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I get a TSH test done regularly in order to ensure I am taking the correct dosage of Synthroid.

However, every few months or so, dizziness will just come on suddenly. It is not a ‘spinning around’ dizziness but more like I am standing still and the floor is going up and down (sort of a ‘vertical’ type of motion although I am perfectly still). Walking up or down stairs poses somewhat of a problem during this time. Most recently I felt this way at night. When I woke up the next morning, even before opening my eyes, I knew I was going to feel the dizziness which I did. I simply opened my eyes (my head still lying flat on the pillow) and I was dizzy. It will go away after about 10 minutes but then reappear during the day a few times. This will last for about 3 or 4 days and then will disappear completely for the next few months. I spoke to my G.P. about this who has only said, “There is nothing I can do. There is no blood test for this.” I had mentioned this to him a few times!

From what I can recall, I feel somewhat fatigued when these spells occur. And, perhaps I am eating more carbohydrates than usual, but I don’t really think that such would affect this. My eating habits do not change too radically from one day to the next….

I would love to know if there is a certain food group that I should be avoiding (i.e. carbos, more protein, etc.) or what in fact is really going on! This does concern me. I haven’t been happy with my doctor’s response to this.

the dizzy heart

Q: I am a police officer and am having some weird problems with dizziness, heart rate, and quality of pulse.
I am almost 43 years old. I am 6 feet 2 inches tall and weigh 255 pounds. I have recently had blood work done and all looks good, including a thyroid check. Last week I did a stress test and passed with no problems. I have had a slightly elevated blood pressure at times (140/102) but usually the BP is in the area of 130/90.

I have weird symptoms which seem to occur mainly when I am overheated, particularly when I have on my bulletproof vest and police gear which adds about 25 pounds to my frame. I get dizzy as though I am about to pass out. My heart rate drops from its usual 90-100 per minute to somewhere between 40 & 50 beats per minute. My pulse becomes erratic. For example, I may get 5 rapid beats then 2 or 3 very slow beats. then 3 or 4 rapid, then a long pause, then a slow beat or two . . .