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Suggest Treatment For Dizziness And Lump In The Back Of Neck
Question: Hello, I've been having vertigo episodes lasting 2 to 5 days. They always occur after some type of working causing to bend over in a repetitive motion (yard work or cleaning floor/house work, moving boxes).
I've had two MRI's w/wo contrast. The first showed a tiny nodular on the 8th Cocular nerve (hope I said that right). The second didn't show any abnormalities. The ENT doc said basically theres nothing they can do except keep giving me meclazine.
I just had another episode today (yard work). After vomiting (as usual) I noticed a quarter sized lump on the back of my neck. Its about an inch below the base of my skul on the right side of the spine. It is a little painful.
I've been fighting this for six months. I'm only 43 and should be able to live a normal life without being medicated.
Please advise.
I've had two MRI's w/wo contrast. The first showed a tiny nodular on the 8th Cocular nerve (hope I said that right). The second didn't show any abnormalities. The ENT doc said basically theres nothing they can do except keep giving me meclazine.
I just had another episode today (yard work). After vomiting (as usual) I noticed a quarter sized lump on the back of my neck. Its about an inch below the base of my skul on the right side of the spine. It is a little painful.
I've been fighting this for six months. I'm only 43 and should be able to live a normal life without being medicated.
Please advise.
Brief Answer:
BPPV/Cervical Spondylosis...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query and an elaborate history. I will try my best to help you with this problem.
1. The symptoms of dizziness could be either due to cervical spine related problems (such as cervical spondylosis) or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). In both of these conditions the dizziness is noticed on changing the postures.
2. Pain in the neck could be related to cervical spondylosis and thus the dizziness. The dizziness is noticed when the sensitive blood vessels in the neck gets compressed on certain neck movements, thus devoiding the brain of its supply.
3. The tiny nodule over the cochlear nerve could be acoustic neuroma which needs to be rechecked after 6 months to look for any enlargement of the nodule.
4. My suggestions to you are:
a. Get an ENT opinion to find out the actual cause of dizziness. You need to get a cervical spine x-ray to look for osteophytes and any vertebral body compression. Secondly, few tests such as Hallpike's maneuver have to be done to confirm BPPV and if done so, Epley's correction procedure needs to be done immediately.
b. Avoid violent movements of the head and neck.
c. Physiotherapy (such as neck strengthening exercises) can improve the quality of life.
d. Cinnarizine or betahistine is best for dizziness.
Do not worry! All your problems are treatable if diagnosed appropriately. Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
BPPV/Cervical Spondylosis...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query and an elaborate history. I will try my best to help you with this problem.
1. The symptoms of dizziness could be either due to cervical spine related problems (such as cervical spondylosis) or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). In both of these conditions the dizziness is noticed on changing the postures.
2. Pain in the neck could be related to cervical spondylosis and thus the dizziness. The dizziness is noticed when the sensitive blood vessels in the neck gets compressed on certain neck movements, thus devoiding the brain of its supply.
3. The tiny nodule over the cochlear nerve could be acoustic neuroma which needs to be rechecked after 6 months to look for any enlargement of the nodule.
4. My suggestions to you are:
a. Get an ENT opinion to find out the actual cause of dizziness. You need to get a cervical spine x-ray to look for osteophytes and any vertebral body compression. Secondly, few tests such as Hallpike's maneuver have to be done to confirm BPPV and if done so, Epley's correction procedure needs to be done immediately.
b. Avoid violent movements of the head and neck.
c. Physiotherapy (such as neck strengthening exercises) can improve the quality of life.
d. Cinnarizine or betahistine is best for dizziness.
Do not worry! All your problems are treatable if diagnosed appropriately. Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
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. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Answered by
Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2540 Questions
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