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What Causes Vertigo When Suffering From Slipped Disc?

Posted on Thu, 18 Jun 2015

Question: My wife, aged 66, has a history of slipped disc (L3-L4) however with regular exercise and care the problem is under control. There had been in the past a few occasions when she had a feeling of vertigo while turning her head, but these were rare. She now takes extra care while turning sides in the bed.
Recently she had a very severe vertigo while turning in the bed. This was followed by extreme weakness in the legs, palpitation and uneasiness. Also the BP was seen much higher than her normal (178/98). She is on BP medication (Tazloc40, once a day) and has the pressure under control. Things improved with rest but the same was again repeated after a day, so much so that I am unable to drive her to a doctor.
I would like to know if the problem could be due to spondylitis or some thing else and seek your advice for a proper course of action.

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Cervical spondylosis can give such vertigo.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for asking HCM.

I have gone through your query. Cervical spondylosis can give such vertigo. Cervical spine X ray should be taken to rule out that. In such case physiotherapy like TENS , traction and wearing cervical collars will be helpful. Also avoid pillows and use medically designed one for cervical spondylosis.

Examination with an ENT specialist should be carried out to rule out whether it is due to ear problems or central cause. In case of any signs of central vertigo MRI will be needed.

Wide changes in BP also can be a cause also. So BP should be measured morning and evening. ECG should be taken to rule out arrhythmias also.

If no such causes then it can be benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. In such case drugs like cinnarizine or meclizine will be helpful. These drugs are given for some time till the vertigo settle down.

Hope this may help you. Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Nishad BN (1 hour later)

Thanks doctor, I will see an Ortho as soon as possible. In the meantime could you please give your opinion on the following points:
1. Can the vertigo attack in case of Cervical Spondylosis lead to BP fluctuations with pain in the forehead, nervousness and palpitation? This morning about 10 minutes after the vertigo the BP was 180/80, which came down to 151/79 in 3 hours of rest only. Both measured with the same automatic machine under identical conditions.
2. Can the above cause extreme weakness of the legs (not balance problem) to the extent that the patient is unable to walk some 15 meters, from the bedroom to the gate and take a ride to the doctor?

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy can cause these.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome

Thank you for your follow up query. Cervical spondylosis with myelopathy can cause the symptoms like variation in BP and also weakness in leg. The gait in cervical myelopathy is usually called walking like robot. X ray of cervical spine followed by MRI if needed will rule out this.

But other reasons like pheochromocytoma also should be considered. This can be ruled out by measuring catecholamines in blood or 24 hour urine collection test.

Let me know if anything not clear.
I am happy to help you.
Thanks.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar