Constant Vertigo for One Year

I was first stricken with vertigo in May, 2017, and have suffered from it ever since with no improvement. The vertigo is so severe, I have been unable to drive and so have become home-bound. My symptoms are a spinning sensation, dizziness that worsens when I turn or bend my head, and numbness in my extremities. I have no headaches nor do I suffer from nausea. The vertigo is constant. 

I’ve had complete blood work-ups, including vitamin levels; a VNG that ruled out involvement of the inner ear: a cardiac work-up; an MRI of my brain; MRA’s of my head and neck; MRI’s of my head and neck; and, x-rays of my neck and spine. I’ve seen three ENT’s, a neurologist, two physical therapists, an acupuncturist, a balance specialist, and two neurosurgeons. 

The MRI of my neck showed severe degenerative changes, so I began researching cervical vertigo and saw a neurosurgeon regarding surgery, who referred me to yet a second surgeon. The second opinion from this neurosurgeon was very interesting. He suspects Bowhunter’s Syndrome, where the vertebral artery leading from the neck to the brain becomes occluded due to bone spurs or other irregularities in the cervical spine. I’m scheduled for a CT angiogram of my neck, which will tell the surgeon if this is the case. 

I am excited since I’ve never been this close to a diagnosis of my persistent vertigo. Being home-bound has just about ruined my life. I hope to be able to drive again. 

I just wanted to share my experience. I will update this thread when I am able. 

Janet

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