On and off vertigo

[1emankcin]

For the past 3 months I have had on and off vertigo. Sometimes just a little off balance, sometimes bad spinning and sometimes totally fine. I went to an ENT and hearing test showed hearing loss in right ear. This is the ear that bothers me most. Popping, echoing, fullness, etc. Had brain MRI 2 weeks ago. Normal. Doc has no idea what it is.
My ear and balance can be fine and then if I move my head a certain way or when I cough or sneeze, even just very minor to just clear my throat, it can set off the spinning which can last all day sometimes. Meniere's was ruled out. Acoustic Neuroma also ruled out.
Cervicogenic Vertigo? Benzo withdrawal? BPPV?
My two theories....I have cervical dystonia (13 years), so I wonder if it is related (cervicogenic vertigo?). I also take valium for the dystonia and wonder if after all these years I might be in benzodiazepine withdrawal. I experienced it one time before when taken off klonopin abruptly, but severe vertigo was not a symptom. Just dizziness, among many other horrible symptoms..
Why would I be fine one moment and then cough or sneeze and then have severe vertigo? I can't figure it out. Any ideas would be great. Thanks very much.

[1emankcin]

Thanks very much for the information. I am pretty sure I was tested for nystagmus. We didn't mess around with BPPV testing because of my cervical dystonia. The Dix Hallpike test is not good for my condition but I should probably do it anyway and take a chance. I am going to see someone this week who is going to look at my tests in more detail as it relates to my medical history which he has the best grasp of.

I was feeling pretty good for a few days. Then I woke up Wednesday feeling like my ears were bleeding or they were about to pop. An hour later I sneezed and I had severe vertigo and laid out on my back all day.. As of today (3 days later) my symptoms are mild to almost nothing. I don't understand why the symptoms come and go like this.

[Shakey000]

Has your ENT done any eye test testing for nystagmus? Nystagmus are pretty decent sign that there has been damage to your inner ear or cochlear nerve(s). Although it isn't a 100% sign of damage, it can be used as a determining symptom by it's presents or lack there of.

Your ENT should also have had you lay down and move your head in different manners to look for BPPV which is a buildup of calcium deposits in the ear or ears.

Labrinthitus is a hard one to diagnose because symptoms can cause you to experience it in one ear other both (both my ears were affected but my left was the worse between the two).

If your ENT is unsure of the cause but noticeable symptoms are apparent and affect your daily tasks, you may be refereed to an upper level specialist ENT for Vertigo (Dr. VanDorsten in Missoula, MT is one of the top specialists in vertigo in the western United States) or you might be refereed to a neurologist to help pinpoint the place of damage.

Also keep in mind that medications and withdrawal symptoms are different for everyone. Although what is labeled on the bottle has been tested on decent "regular" test subjects, your body may react differently based on it's chemical makeup or processing.

I hope you feel better soon!