Vertigo

[Darlene11]

I have had vertigo (a swaying from front to back-not spinning) for almost 2 years on and off. The first year, I had this rocking feeling, like I stated above, for 1 week, it then went away. It returned about 1 year later, again lasting 7 to 10 days. Then it went away again. About 6 months after this, it came back and I have it almost everyday and it has been on going for at least 6 months. I have seen an ent and he says my test are normal. I have had 2 brain MRI's and they are normal too.  He has given me valum to help, which is does.  I have gone to a chiropractic doctor for neck pain, I thought due to the vertigo and I have noticed that after I am adjusted it has help reduce the swaying in my head.  I feel it most when I lay down on my back, and when I sit up in a chair. Walking does seem to help. Any ideas?

[dawniepooh]

Has anyone got a diagnosis yet? I have CONSTANT rocking vertigo like a swaying feeling that never goes away and it has now been almost 7 months! All inner ear stuff has been ruled out by the MAYO Clinic in Florida and Have had a CT Scan and MRI that are normal...Valium, Mecklizine, Diamox have not worked!

[Persianangel]

Hi,
  I just read  post from a few years ago. I have 24 hours a day head rocking slightly side to side and my legs feel heavy and my body from my torso through my neck and up to my head are constantly swing. I have  had this for two months and it has only gone away three times for about three hours at a time with no rhyme or reason. What happened to you? What did you ever find ?

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

I would suggest you to try cervical collar as it helps to align the cervical spine, after consulting with your doctor. Please continue with the physical therapy. Remember to always maintain a good posture while watching TV, sitting down and lying down. Make sure your neck is well supported. At this point it does seem to be the cause of your head back and forth head swaying.
Keep us posted!

[Darlene111]

Thank you for replying to me. I have had an x-ray of my neck and it shows: Mild to moderate cervical spondylosis and disc degeneration mostly at c5-6 and to a lesser extend at c6-7. Also, it shows it have straightening of the cervical lordosis. What's next? Can this be helped with physical therapy, they have included pt in my vestibular rehab to help with neck pain/stiffness. Could this dx be the cause of my vertigo (swaying back and fourth sensation). This feeling is only when I sit or lay down. Please give me your ideas. Thank you!!!

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
The problem seems to be in the cervical spine, since all your tests have been normal. I would suggest you to undergo an X ray or CT scan of neck to rule out disc prolapse, osteophytes, cervical sponylitis and loss of curvature of spine.
Please consult a neurologist for it. Take care!

[Darlene111]

I have had vertigo (a swaying from front to back-not spinning) for almost 2 years on and off. The first year, I had this rocking feeling, like I stated above, for 1 week, it then went away. It returned about 1 year later, again lasting 7 to 10 days. Then it went away again. About 6 months after this, it came back and I have it almost everyday and it has been on going for at least 6 months. I have seen an ent and he says my test are normal. I have had 2 brain MRI's and they are normal too.  He has given me valum to help, which is does.  I have gone to a chiropractic doctor for neck pain, I thought due to the vertigo and I have noticed that after I am adjusted it has help reduce the rocking sensation.  I feel it most when I lay down on my back, and when I sit up in a chair. Walking does seem to help. Now starting vestibular rehab. Any help?

[Darlene111]

I have now gone to a neurologist and he has prescribed vestibular rehab. I have been doing this for about 1 1/2 weeks, no new changes yet in my vertigo. Has anyone done this rehab before? If yes, when do you start to feel the vertigo go away?

[moonmaiden]

I have had this. BPPV, google it and look at the symptoms.  It's generally caused by some sort of problem with the vestibular area of the brain which in turn affects the ears, eyes, etc....However, it can also be caused by inner ear problems that absolutely have no way of being resolved. Mine was caused by a blow to the head. My left ear, probably damaged in the event, now has a dip in it where "debris" collects and/or the hair fibers in the ear that regulate such things were damaged from too many antibiotics being prescribed. Vestibulo-Ocular reflex damage is also a primary cause of vertigo and dizziness. There are several articles on the net, from reputable sources such as the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins (where I went) that might be helpful to you.  Google the terms Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex, Vestibular problems, and BPPV.  It was a lengthy road for me, several years in fact, to find out what exactly was wrong with me. I also had an abnormal brain MRI that showed stroke and an MRA to confirm the dissection of my artery.  I am a firm believer, after all I've been through, that we have to take charge of our own medical care. I went to the ER, and was sent home with a referral to an ENT.  That ENT saw me for 2 solid years, several times a year, and did not get further testing!!! I finally got so desparate for some help that I went to Johns Hopkins.  I paid for it, as it is out of the state where I live and not totally covered by insurance, and then they referred me back to my area for the brain MRI and to consult with a Neurologist. I see a Neurologist 4 times a year, and have for 8 years, and also have had the balance therapy and testing, as well.  An ENG is very helpful for diagnosis, also.  That is where they found out that my eyes are a major contribution to my condition as well as damage in the Cerebellum and BPPV, most of it relating to the functioning of the vestibular system.

[baconmom]

When I first had this feeling it started all of a sudden when I was cleaning my house. It felt like the room was spinning and that would last a few seconds. That day had changed my life. I ended up in the emergency room  because it kept happening. The Doctor at the hospital said I had vertigo and put me on meds and sent me home. I haven't been the same since and that was several years ago. The first neurologist I went to said that I had Labrynthitis. Basically it's a complicated inner-ear infection that there is no antibiotic for. He put me on Dilantin and just kept adjusting the dose, but it didn't help me. I didn't feel like I was getting any results so I changed neurologists and this is where the fun began with test after test. The Labrynthitis was ruled out after going for grueling balance tests. Then there was the MRI and the EEG, sleep deprived EEG, and the Ambulatory EEG. That is where it showed seizure activity. Then it was time to find what med. was going to work. Even after several years we haven't found the magic pill, but I am on meds. that help. I hope you find your answers and I hope I could help.