I have had dizziness for eleven months. Went to two ents, two neurologists, (pregnant when this all started. Started in the morning upon arising and doctor called it "vestibular neuronitis". Had one CT scan, one MRI, one EKG, two ENGs, one posturography and now am in physical therapy. I am now having neck trouble. Neck crunching, probably because I held it straight for so long. Can problems in my neck aggravate my dizziness? It sure feels like it.
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Inflammatory processes involving the cervical spine are thought to have some potential for adversely affecting balance. Theoretically this could occur via a variety of mechanisms - inflammation of tissues, muscular atrophy, neurologic dysfunction both motor and sensory, etc. Typically one would expect this to primarily affect balance during ambulation. In other words, it would be less likely to be associated with whirling vertigo in a resting position such as while sitting or lying down.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
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