Hi all

I am still struggling with ear fullness, headaches and dizziness after having turned my head one day and feeling a *pop* in my neck (this was almost a year ago!)

Like many of you unraveling the cause is maddening!

I came across an article on the net regarding Eustachian tube dysfunction related to a spinal fluid leak.

Has anybody heard of this?

I also came across some info regarding blockage of the arteries in your neck "vertebral arteries". Not specifically related to the ear - but I just wondered if anybody has pursued it as a cause for their dizzies. (reduced blood flow to the brain).

Thanks for any responses / info.

-frodoh

I hadn't heard of the spinal fluid leak so I did some googling. Found an interesting article on Cervical Vertigo.

If your dizziness/headaches started after turning your head and you heard a popping, it might be worthwhile to check into? According to the article there are tests for this. Maybe bring it up to your doctor and have them look into it.

Hi Frodoh;

All your other mentionings aside, it sounds to me you have a C-spine ( not sure which level ) misalignment considering how your sx began.
Maybe you should try a chiropractor who should, of course, order an x-ray first.

Russ

Maybe you should try a chiropractor who should, of course, order an x-ray first.

I don't mean to be rude, but I have to disagree with going to see a chiropractor.

From one article:

There is a substantial conventional neurological literature showing that chiropractic manipulation of the neck is associated with a substantial increased risk of vertebral artery territory stroke (Rothwell et al, 2001; Smith et al, 2003; Vibert et al, 1993). Chiropractors are often unaware of this association (Haldeman et al, 2002). For this reason, we recommend against chiropractic treatment of vertigo that includes "snapping" or forceful manipulation of the vertebrae in persons with dizziness or unstable necks.

Another one:

...the neurologists caution that manipulation of the cervical 1 to cervical 2 vertebrae of the neck can tear arteries, causing stroke.

...data collected by the CSC indicate that 1 in 5000 to 10 000 strokes is caused by neck manipulation. In Canada, about 100 cases of dissection — tearing of the artery — are linked to neck manipulation each year.

A recent CMAJ report indicated that the incidence is likely vastly underreported, largely because the link is never made between the neck adjustments and stroke.

And there are plenty more. Please be careful who you let touch your neck, especially if you already suspect a problem with it.

Bingo Sipa.

I would never let a chiro touch my neck.