question-icon

What Causes Episodes Of Dizziness And Stiffness In The Neck?

default
Posted on Tue, 25 Jul 2017
Twitter Tue, 25 Jul 2017 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 17 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on
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.
doctor
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


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Geeta Sundar

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1975

Answered : 1329 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

127 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Episodes Of Dizziness And Stiffness In The Neck?

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