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What Causes Dizziness And Neck Lightness At The Base Of Skull?
Question: I've had a CT scan and tons of bloodwork along with a lyme test that have all come back normal. I've been experiencing dizziness and neck tightness at the base of my skull and on the part of the skull about an inch and a half behind the ears close to the lymph nodes. I'm experiencing loss of focus, confusion and maybe even slight panic attacks where I become clammy and disoriented. After 5k dollors spent on checkups Drs. in my area are still at a loss to whats going on. Please help me.
Brief Answer:
CT head and and clinical assessment needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
Dizziness and neck lightness at the base of skull are suggestive of CNS pathology.
CNS pathology can be some infection or any cause raising intracranial pressure.
If case there are lymph nodes palpable at the base of neck, the cause of lymph node enlargement has to be found out.
An aspiration cytology of these enlarged lymph nodes has to be done to find the cause of lymph node enlargement.
Loss of focus, confusion and panic attacks all suggest a CNS pathology.
CT scan is indicated and it will help to assess the status of brain.
Thus, I would suggest you to consult your physician for interpretation of the CT scan of head.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
CT head and and clinical assessment needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
Dizziness and neck lightness at the base of skull are suggestive of CNS pathology.
CNS pathology can be some infection or any cause raising intracranial pressure.
If case there are lymph nodes palpable at the base of neck, the cause of lymph node enlargement has to be found out.
An aspiration cytology of these enlarged lymph nodes has to be done to find the cause of lymph node enlargement.
Loss of focus, confusion and panic attacks all suggest a CNS pathology.
CT scan is indicated and it will help to assess the status of brain.
Thus, I would suggest you to consult your physician for interpretation of the CT scan of head.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
CT scan was done and returned with Normal results.
Lymph nodes do not appear to be abnormally enlarged and white blood cell count came back normal.
The pain or discomfort seems to be from the muscle tissue and tightness around the neck and base of skull and tenderness is even felt when the chiropractor applied pressure to muscles surrounding the spine going down toward shoulder blades.
When researching these symptoms I'm getting a lot of results containing "meningitis"??
Lymph nodes do not appear to be abnormally enlarged and white blood cell count came back normal.
The pain or discomfort seems to be from the muscle tissue and tightness around the neck and base of skull and tenderness is even felt when the chiropractor applied pressure to muscles surrounding the spine going down toward shoulder blades.
When researching these symptoms I'm getting a lot of results containing "meningitis"??
Brief Answer:
Muscle spasm likely, meningitis unlikely
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
Yes, meningitis is one of the possibilities.
Meningitis is characterized by neck rigidity, headache due to elevated intracranial pressure, fever and raised white blood cell counts.
However, there is no mention of fever and white blood cells are also within normal limits thus this possibility is ruled out.
Since, CT of head is also normal, these symptoms appear to be due to muscle spasm.
Muscle spasm can cause tightness, so pain killer and muscle relaxant may be helpful.
Consult your physician for clinical assessment and thus further management.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Muscle spasm likely, meningitis unlikely
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
Yes, meningitis is one of the possibilities.
Meningitis is characterized by neck rigidity, headache due to elevated intracranial pressure, fever and raised white blood cell counts.
However, there is no mention of fever and white blood cells are also within normal limits thus this possibility is ruled out.
Since, CT of head is also normal, these symptoms appear to be due to muscle spasm.
Muscle spasm can cause tightness, so pain killer and muscle relaxant may be helpful.
Consult your physician for clinical assessment and thus further management.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
I did mention fever in the initial question and mentioned running 102 again last Wednesday. I haven't had an updated white blood count check done which I'm sure will be at least a little elevated due to loose bowels and fever recently. But I can have them check that today. I'll also ask for the ENT to look over the CT scan today as well.
Thanks,
Thanks,
Brief Answer:
Possibility of meningitis has to be ruled out
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
Review of CT scan is required.
Rest meningitis has to be ruled out.
In case meningitis is present, approriate antibiotic has to be taken.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Possibility of meningitis has to be ruled out
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
Review of CT scan is required.
Rest meningitis has to be ruled out.
In case meningitis is present, approriate antibiotic has to be taken.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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