i have had constant swirling in my head for 5 months

Hi Eleftherio

could a bulging neck disc also cause dizziness.  I have been diagnosed with both BPPV and silent migraines but think my neck also plays a part.

Any advice much appreciated.

Kind regards

Anne

No. A bulging neck disc will not cause dizziness.  

Eleftherios S. Papathanasiou, PhD, FEAN

Clinical Neurophysiologist

Fellow of the European Academy of Neurology

Thank you for your kind reply.  That's good to know.

Kind regards.

Anne.

Hello Anne,

​I saw my neurologist yesterday, and asked him about neck issues causing dizziness etc.  He said that stenosis causing compression on the spinal cord could indeed be responsible.  Not sure whether a bulging disc is indicative of stenosis, or whether you had been told that but I wanted to mention that. 

Thanks Nancy, the MRI on my lower spine showed no compression of the spinal cord, but not sure about the neck bulging disc might be affecting everything.  I do know that nortriptyline for visual vertigo has helped me a lot.  It's like looking for a needle in a haystack.  Someone told me today that when they were on hrt they were really dizzy, I am also on HRT.  Makes me wonder if i should stop, but off HRT I have severe arthritis and pain in everybone, right down to my little toe.  It's such a minefield.  Best wishes.

Hello again Anne.  I think it may be worth asking about the bulging disc in your neck.  My biggest problem area is between C 5-6.  I use hormone pellets - bioidentical ones.  I talked to the neuro about this, but he wasn't overly concerned.  I only have them inserted twice a year, and honestly feel the same dizzy-wise at the time I have them done, as when I am in need of having them done again, so I see no connection.  I talked to the neuro about tinnitus and the ear fullness - asked him whether he thought possibly this could be Meniere's. He said no, because that's easy to diagnose.  Well, from what I've read no it isn't, because there really isn't a specific test for that, rather it is diagnosed based upon symptoms and ruling out other issues.  I'm so sorry that you continue to feel poorly.  We have talked in the past, so I know that both of us have been dealing with this stuff for many years.  I wish you (and all on this site) the best.

Thanks Nanci.  I am worn out with this overtaking my life, so can't make a career out of it as have to work too.  I saw the consultant last week and spent all of 2 mins with him, max 3, no exaggeration,  as his clinic was running late and i was the last one of the morning.  I didn't complain cos' he said don't worry about remembering all this I'll put it in a letter, but said to stop the nortriptyline after 3 months, but that is also relieving my neck pain and has really made a difference to the spaced out feelings i was experiencing with silent migraines.  I think all my  problems started soon after the menopause and he said this was part of it.  In the past 3 years I appear to have gone past my sell by date

 

You are funny Anne!  And, from "hearing" your thoughts, you are far from being past your sell by date!  Dealing with all of this is no fun, but I always try to remind myself how much luckier I am than many others.  I deal with occasional silent migraines too.  Doesn't it just seem like there should be a simple answer for those of us who seem to have many similar issues?

?Anyway, keep your spirits up, and maybe treat yourself to a massage now and then to help with your neck pain.  Try to maintain good posture and not get too stressed out - I know sometimes easier said than done.

?Take care!

Oh and one other thing the neuro recommended to me.  He said to be vigilant about drinking enough water, which is something I'm not good at.

Thanks Nanci, remember also to drink 'plenty' of fluids.  I always forget the importance of that too.  How did people manage before they had to drink all this water

How did people survive without seat belts, helmets, drinking from the hose, and all the other "stuff" we did as kids?  Crazy huh???

?Hope today is a better day for you!

Hello Eleftherio, I am waiting for my next tests for the Vestibular.

Thank you.

Hello Eleftherio, I have been slowly improving but I have a big problem turning my head to the right when I have a swirling sensation in my head. Thank you.

Hello Eleftherio, can you list all the relevant tests. Thank you.

Eye movement test (following the finger) .

The same test again, but done in the dark.

Looking at the eyes move in different bed positions.

Calorics.

Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPs).

Not a

Not all the above may be needed, depending on the clinical examination.  But the first three are a must.

Eleftherios S. Papathanasiou, PhD, FEAN

Clinical Neurophysiologist

Fellow of the European Academy of Neurology

Hello Eleftherio, when I rotate my head in the vertical from right to left I feel resistance inside the head top left above the eye. I am able to walk a few miles now for exercise but when I finish I have very small headaches. Do you have any diagnosis? Thank you Ian.

Blood circulation comes to mind, specifically involving the back of the neck (head turning). Perhaps this can be clarified at the next neurology appointment.

Eleftherios S. Papathanasiou, PhD, FEAN

Clinical Neurophysiologist

Fellow of the European Academy of Neurology