Back in 2024 and early 2025, I shared some of my experiences with vertigo (the original post is below this). Thankfully, for much of 2025, things were relatively mild and manageable. It felt like I had things under control.
However, in 2026, I’ve experienced a couple of more significant vertigo attacks, along with some new symptoms. During these episodes, I’ve noticed a strange vibrating sensation in my ears when I speak. It’s difficult to describe, but very noticeable to me.
Over Easter, things escalated. I had a more severe episode that left me bed-bound, along with temporary hearing loss. It was pretty unsettling, if I’m honest. From what I understand, hearing changes can be linked to vertigo, and I was relieved to have some prescribed prochlorperazine on hand, which did help a bit. High blood pressure may also have played a part on this occasion.
Concerned about my inner ear, I visited my GP, who arranged further tests, including blood tests. The results showed low B12 levels, and I’ve now booked in for a B12 injection with the nurse to correct the issue.
Low B12 can be linked to a wide range of symptoms, and I’ve started using an oral spray, which already seems to be helping.
BetterYou B12 spray
I stumbled upon this in a B&M store and the reviews are positive. It’s applied as a single dose of three sprays or multiple doses throughout the day. Spray it into your mouth on the inner cheek to help it quickly absorb into your bloodstream. It was only a few pounds.
Alongside this, I’m making a few practical changes: improving my diet, increasing my intake of meat and other B12-rich foods, and keeping a closer eye on my blood pressure.
The goal now is to identify the root cause. B12 deficiency can be linked to several factors, including absorption issues in the stomach, low dietary intake (particularly in diets lacking meat or dairy), anaemia, gut conditions, and even certain medications. I also wonder if I have been over doing the exercise a bit as well.
Main issues that B12 deficiency can cause (as well as vertigo), many of which I can relate to:
- Fatigue and low energy – often one of the earliest and most common signs
- Brain fog / memory problems – difficulty concentrating, slower thinking
- Nerve issues – tingling, pins and needles (especially hands/feet), numbness
- Mood changes – low mood, irritability, sometimes depression-like symptoms
- Anaemia – leading to weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin
- Balance and coordination problems – can feel unsteady or clumsy
- Glossitis (inflamed tongue) – sore, red, or smooth tongue
- Vision disturbances – rare, but possible if deficiency is prolonged
I will keep you posted on what I find but if you do get any of the symptoms I’ve been suffering with, check out your B12 levels.
Previous posts
Last year I posted about my first experience of Vertigo here.
An unexpected Vertigo attack in November left my completely disorientated for a number of days. Then it took at least a week and a half before totally recovering (at the time). Since then, I have had a couple of minor attacks, always after sleep and then I have to take measures to help it improve.
The doctor prescribed medication (prochlorperazine) for future attacks and talked me through some exercises to ease the symptoms. I was a bit sceptical at first as to whether this would really help, but it did.Your GP will need to teach you how to do the exercises. You repeat them three or four times a day for as many days in a row that is required. Your symptoms may improve for up to two weeks.
As to whether I will suffer permanently with Vertigo, it is too early to tell but I thought I should report back some of my experience. The first thing is drinking water. Drinking as much water as possible can help and while I cannot explain, I do believe that there is an association. The exercises all help as well.
My mistake is likely stopping the exercises and drinking less as soon as I recover. I wonder if by permanently making these changes it could allow me to eliminate the possibility of further attacks. While I have a prescription for medication, I am not too sure whether that actually helps at all.
The attacks have changed as the vertigo progressed and now tend to be after bending down but possibly slightly more severe when it happens. However, you learn to manage and act quickly to gain balance back when it occurs.
Please do comment below if you can share any experiences or advice.
If you suffer from Vertigo or want to know more, the NHS has an excellent article on what causes vertigo, the symptoms and how you can deal with it. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/vertigo/#:~:text=Vertigo%20is%20commonly%20caused%20by,migraines%20–%20severe%20headaches
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