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Vertigo Episode - 6 Months Constant Dizziness Neck/Back Pain
Hi there! New to this forum looking for answers and help.
Long story, but back in June of 2024 I started having chest pains on the left side. Family has a history of heart related issues, so immediately went into panic mode and ended up in the ER. Chest xrays, ekgs, all negative. Blood test and troponin test all without issues. Doctor stated I likely had Gerd and sent me on my way. In May, shortly thereafter, I started getting chest pain and upper back pain that was radiating into the left arm and neck. Ended up in the ER again, this time made sure I went through a full round of tests. Had the standard xrays and ekgs done but also had a CT-SCAN with contrast, no issues. Blood test again, all no issues.
Following that visit, I was driving home in June, again, shortly after my last visit, and at a red light I had a sudden bout of vertigo, full spin. Thankfully was able to stay where I was at and the vertigo subsided in 20-30 seconds. Was sick to my stomach the rest of the night and took a day or two to recover.
After that episode, I scheduled a visit to a Cardiologist where I had an ultrasound done and a stress test on a treadmill. All were perfect with no issues. Explained my issues and was told to see an ENT doctor. Had that visit completed and was told I did not have BPPV when conducting the epley maneuver and did not recommend any more in depth tests.
Fast forward to recent months. I have noticed my neck and back pain has gotten worse and worse. I also have severe pec shoulder pain at times, all on the left side. Went to a Orthopedic and pain doctor who prescribed an mri of the cervical spine. I tested positive for a potential pinched nerve. The mri identified a herniated disc in my C5/C6 vertebrae with spinal impingement. I am currently waiting for a steroid injection and have been in physical therapy now for 3 weeks.
My concern is not only the constant paint in my neck and upper back, but the constant dizziness I experience. It is daily, worse at times, particularly in the morning and if I move a certain way. The feeling is almost like a sudden 1-2 second blast of "spin" or a "shift" in vision and then I am fine. I struggle to focus on objects at times and have noticed that I have tension at the back base of my skull when looking up. I also sometimes feel pressure in my head/ears.
It is a very hard to describe feeling, but something feels so wrong and I don't know what is causing it. Is it cervicogenic dizziness? Is it something else? I am at a loss and just looking for some help and ideas. It is going on 6 months now since my initial pain and vertigo episode.
Thanks in advance!
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falco2121, Bless you. You have a lot on your plate and vertigo is awful.
I personally have dealt with vertigo and not so much your other symptoms. I just came up out of a bout of vertigo right after Christmas. I had a sinus infection/migraines for a few days and that triggers vertigo for me. I keep prescription Meclizine on hand and it knocked it out. Some folks are given Valium for vertigo and some folks declare a chiropractor can help.
I get neck and shoulder pain with a sinus infection too.
I wonder if a Neurologist may be of help to you. What do you think?
Praying for you to get some much needed relief. My heart goes out to you. Blessings...
Hi @falco2121. Reading your post describes my journey to a tee. Same tests, specialists, and neck injury from car accident when teenager. I do not have diagnosed current disc/nerve isuue in neck however my post covid journey identical. Informed it apparently attacks areas of previous injury and presents in everchanging symptoms throughout ones body. May I suggest if your healthcare systems Physical Therapist could share the Romberg Stance and other techniques to align the visual signals and physical challenges to lessen and hopefully prevent your symptoms. Many here experience this and are all here to help you anyway possible! Quickest healing journey to you 🌈
Hi, My story is almost identical to yours. Started back in October of last year, with mild bouts of Vertigo, but now it is constant. Has put me in the ER multiple times. Have tried Nead and Neck specialists, went to PT, because they suspected I had an inner ear issue or BPPV. Nope. Then they thought is was something called "Bowhunters Syndrome". It has the same symptoms I was having. But after an Angiogram it was ruled out. They have now assigned a team lead to my case. Have another MRI with contrast coming up, and then to my favorite neurologist. I am asking for a steroid or cortisone injection. They did just put me on prednisone to see if that will help. Thanks.
This is probably not the case with you, but I had “horizontal” vertigo, which requires different testing and a different maneuver to get back on track. I was lucky that my vestibular PT knew about this and helped me get my life back.
Best wishes,
Cindy
For several years, I experienced dizziness when standing up, sometimes fainting. After numerous MRI's and tests, symptoms went away after changing my meds for depression.
I have had some similar symptoms but in neck and head. Off balance , vision blurs as day progresses. The worst is that my voice is loud and cavernous in my head. Other voices are muffled and noisy places like restaurants, hallways, SS and church are not bearable. I am isolated. It is not Patulous Eustachian tubes. Am doing TMJ therapy but no help yet. This started May 7. I feel better in the mornings. The metal cave sound of my voice cause extreme anxiety which is hurting my stomach. I am 85 and this is sad. My neck crackles like cellophane. I am looking for more help. Maybe TMJ botox or occipital neuralgia injections. Autophony is what needs to be cured. I hope you receive healing quickly.