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What Causes Pain At The Back Of The Neck While Treating Vertigo?
Question: Sorry for the long introduction. In late December I was treated for a severe sinus infection (750 mg Levaquin 1xday - 7 days). Feb 1, I experienced vertigo - spinning, cold sweat, dry heaves, upon waking. I went to the er where they performed blood tests and an ekg (normal). Diagnosed with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. I was perscribed Meclinzinne (25mg) 3xday. Followed up with my primary doctor yesterday. I have vertigo mainly when active and moving my head (cleaning, walking, over-heated, preparing food, etc.), also the back of my neck is painful - base of skull. I have also noticed the mastoid bone behind my right ear is tender and enlarged (the tonsil on that side is always larger with tonsil stones-no signs of ear infection). Dr. is sending me for vestibular rehabilitation therapy. My question (finally!!) is: could the issues with my neck play a part in the vertigo? ( I had been seeing a chiropractor Dec 2014 - XXXXXXX 2015) for neck/shoulder issues - C1 has never fused and has a small opening in the front, bone spurs and degenerative discs in three of the discs). Thank for your patience. I hoped I did not overwhelm you with information.
Brief Answer:
It is possible.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Cervicogenic dizziness is actually a known condition, but there are no diagnostic tests to confirm it.
It is mainly an exclusion diagnose, in other words, other conditions should be excluded before saying that cervical issues ( pain, spindyloarthrosis, neck trauma ) are the cause of dizziness.
Dizziness and vertigo related to head position and movement are most probably consistent with benign positional paroxysmal vertigo.
Mastoid tenderness may indicate infection/inflammation of mastoid air cells and middle ear, so, mastoiditis should be considered as another possible cause of your symptoms.
In my opinion, you should finish the vestibular rehabilitation therapy.
If no improvement, other causes mentioned above besides benign positional paroxysmal vertigo should be considered.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
It is possible.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Cervicogenic dizziness is actually a known condition, but there are no diagnostic tests to confirm it.
It is mainly an exclusion diagnose, in other words, other conditions should be excluded before saying that cervical issues ( pain, spindyloarthrosis, neck trauma ) are the cause of dizziness.
Dizziness and vertigo related to head position and movement are most probably consistent with benign positional paroxysmal vertigo.
Mastoid tenderness may indicate infection/inflammation of mastoid air cells and middle ear, so, mastoiditis should be considered as another possible cause of your symptoms.
In my opinion, you should finish the vestibular rehabilitation therapy.
If no improvement, other causes mentioned above besides benign positional paroxysmal vertigo should be considered.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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