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What Causes Episodes Of Dizziness And Stiffness In The Neck?

Posted on Thu, 17 Aug 2017

Question: Yes please... thank you. about 1 1/2 years ago I started having episodes where my heart felt like it got slapped hard and that feeling went away but instantly a strong dizziness overcame my whole body and then felt like I was going to have a stroke. If were standing I'd start shaking and sweating. It only lasted 15 - 20 minutes each episode and it was weeks apart. This year as of about 2 months ago it has occurred every day and the dizzy symptoms sometimes last for hours. I can not walk more than 15 minutes consecutively without having an episode. I've been to the ER 4 times for this. The neurologist ruled out issues on his end. The cardiologist recently started me on a beta blocker to slow my heart rate down but it's not helping my symptoms. He did an ultra sound and found turbulence in the left neck artery but wanted a ct scan of neck and head and waiting on those results. he said he doesn't think the artery is an issue and certainly it isn't causing my symptoms. I had a stiff neck for 4 1/2 months until XXXXXXX and changed my diet cutting out coffee and the neck pain went away. I can not have caffeine or drink alcohol or instantly it causes the dizzy episodes which then turn into feeling like I'll have a stroke. The ENT did an ENG and it's normal yet said he sees something abnormal in the neck. Bloodwork has been taken to see if I'm diabetic, thyroid issues, anemic and/or other issues and it all checks out ok. I'm not having panic attacks, I love my life other than this debilitating issue that is keeping me from doing normal activities. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I can think of two causes for your dizziness.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HealthcareMagic,

I can think of two causes for your dizziness.

It could be cervical spondylitis--please get an x-ray of cervical spine done. In any case, do gentle neck exercises daily.

It could be acidity attacks. I have had several cases like you. This is from my book, 'Health After Forty'----------
-Avoid foods like chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, onions, garlic, radish, mint & fatty foods, which can relax the sphincter. Carbonated & caffeinated beverages can also do the same by causing bloating and acid overload in the stomach.
-Avoid sour and spicy foods
-Avoid large meals

Fat accumulation in the abdomen can exert pressure on the stomach. So losing weight may help
-Avoid tight belts & clothing.
-Nicotine can relax the sphincter, so avoid smoking and intake of tobacco.
-Never lie down and eat
-Eat at least two hours before you sleep.

If you suffer from nighttime attacks, elevate the head end of your bed with blocks.
Avoid medicines like---NSAIDS, aspirin, calcium channel blockers, anticholinergics, theophylline, and nitrates.

Take a good acid suppressant like Omeprazole 20 mg twice a day for a week.

Feel free to revert back.
I hope to see you better.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee