Brief Answer:
Not a pinched nerve

Detailed Answer:
Good morning. Many thanks for asking your important and interesting questions on this network. The symptoms as you describe them do not suggest any location in the spinal cord or column where an exiting nerve root could really be pinched or compressed for any reason. The description of things turning about you as well as the swishing sound and/or bobbing feeling are all most consistent with the condition of VERTIGO which can be central (coming from the brain/spinal cord) or peripheral (coming from the inner ear). If you've been checked by ENT who has not been able to reveal anything by way of the tests they've been doing then, it is unlikely your problem is coming from the inner ear. You should be seen then, by a neurologist and even more specifically a NEURO-OTOLOGIST which would be a neurologist who subspecializes in patients with problems of dizziness/vertigo/dysequilibrium (unbalanced feelings). Neuro-otologists are somewhat difficult to find but a neurologist will be just fine as well.

I would recommend getting an MRA of the vertebrobasilar and carotid system of arteries as sometimes significant abnormalities in the blood vessels themselves can be responsible for these symptoms.

I would also make sure that an MRI with GADOLINIUM contrast was performed of the head and at the same time I would draw attention to the PONTOCEREBELLAR region of the neuroradiologist reading the study. The idea of the contrast is to detect something caused an acoustic neuroma or schwannoma in a strategic part of the brainstem responsible for balance, hearing, and the control of the balanced feeling between the ears which prevents the whirling or spinning sensations.

If none of these tests demonstrate anything of import then, I would look at the medications that you're taking and adjust dosages or even consider getting rid of at least 1 of them as any of these drugs and certainly their combination can cause a lowering of blood pressure as well as reactions of the brainstem region to suffer these sorts of issues. One thing you can ask for the next time you're in the doctor's office would be a thing called ORTHOSTATIC BLOOD PRESSURES. This is simple to do and the nurse can perform the test which is nothing more than taking 3 BP readings.

But here's the trick to this test that most doctors may not even be aware of or respect. The preferable positions to check blood pressure would be first in the lying position after the patient has relaxed and been supine for about 5 minutes. Then, the BP is taken as well as the heart rate. Next the patient is IMMEDIATELY STOOD UP...not sitting...rather immediately stood up and an IMMEDIATE BP and heart rate are taken and documented. After recording the readings the patient remains standing for 2 minutes. At the end of 2 minutes another set of BP and heart rate are measured and then, the patient is allowed to sit down.

If these numbers are abnormal in any significant way and especially if they change upon changing postural position then, there is a good chance that MEDICATIONS are the culprit and should be adjusted or eliminated if not absolutely necessary to your condition ore overall state of health.

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This query has utilized a total of 26 minutes of professional time in research, review, and synthesis for the purpose of formulating a return statement.

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