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Why Am I Having Vertigo When My Head Is In Backward Direction?

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Posted on Fri, 24 Jan 2014
Question: I have been having severe bouts of vertigo where I have actually fallen down. It usually occurs when I put my head in a backward position. My MD thinks I may have arthritis in my neck that makes the vertebrae impinge on the flow of blood when I put my head back. I have to be very careful and aware of this situation as I can fall easily. The vertigo when I fall is very severe. Thank you.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (2 hours later)
Brief Answer: Needs evaluation. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for trusting us with your health concern. Having vertigo on putting the head backwards may be associated with many reasons which need to be ruled out one by one in your case- 1. Abnormal position of the neck- avoid using a pillow for a few days and see if it improves. 2. Inner ear problems- due to inflammation or miniere's disease- Can be ruled out on examination by an ENT specialist. 3. Stroke causing compromised blood supply to the inner ear. This can be ruled out by your general physician after looking for all the risk factors. 4. Cervical spondylosis- usually associated with pain in the neck. An mRI scan of the neck will help in diagnosis. 5. Metabolic conditions such as hyponatremia You need to rule out the above conditions and then get the treatment according to the diagnosis. The treatment of vertigo involves using medications to suppress the impulse generation in the inner ear. Such medicine are Vertin (Betahistine) and Stugeron (Cinnarazine). You can get these prescribed from your physician. Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Rakhi Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal

OBGYN

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 14043 Questions

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Why Am I Having Vertigo When My Head Is In Backward Direction?

Brief Answer: Needs evaluation. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for trusting us with your health concern. Having vertigo on putting the head backwards may be associated with many reasons which need to be ruled out one by one in your case- 1. Abnormal position of the neck- avoid using a pillow for a few days and see if it improves. 2. Inner ear problems- due to inflammation or miniere's disease- Can be ruled out on examination by an ENT specialist. 3. Stroke causing compromised blood supply to the inner ear. This can be ruled out by your general physician after looking for all the risk factors. 4. Cervical spondylosis- usually associated with pain in the neck. An mRI scan of the neck will help in diagnosis. 5. Metabolic conditions such as hyponatremia You need to rule out the above conditions and then get the treatment according to the diagnosis. The treatment of vertigo involves using medications to suppress the impulse generation in the inner ear. Such medicine are Vertin (Betahistine) and Stugeron (Cinnarazine). You can get these prescribed from your physician. Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Rakhi Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal