Vertigo after surgery - Dizziness / Vertigo Message Board

wimpette · 10-07-2005, 06:28 PM

I have never had vertigo in my life or any ear problems. After my second cervical procedure (posterior so I was positioned face down) I had a couple of episodes of severe vertigo where I was so off balance I fell (the first time cracking a rib, my rigid collar saved my neck). When a few months down the line I experienced dizzy spells when I changed position I was diagnosed with 'bppv' (benign positional postural vertigo). It's being treated successfully but I've heard that this occurs frequently after surgery especially when your body position is changed when you're asleep. Anyone else experienced this after spinal surgery?

W

I am also posting this on the inner ear disorders board

hugo eve · 10-07-2005, 11:39 PM

hi W

I'm so glad I'm not the only one that had that problem, of course I'm not happy that you have it but yes, vertigo was my biggest discomfort. And it's gone!!! Since my last fusion I have never had it again. It happened within days of slipping my discs and yes I would have to very quickly lower myself to the floor before I collapsed. I found I could control it by not looking up (unbeknown to me I had another protusion) and also when I had mild vertigo (most of the time) if I pushed my shoulders down it improved. I saw a Neuro specialing in Vertigo and he did eye co-ordination and ear test and that was OK. He told me it was psychological <grunt>. I didn't go back. I've put it down to impeded spinal fluid flow.... any other ideas?

Hugz

Welded C456 12/03
Welded c67 9/05

hugo eve · 10-07-2005, 11:44 PM

yo W

Forgot to mention that those episodes of severe dizziness which only lasted seconds tho that was enough to find you on the ground took a few months to disappear... cord repair?

H

wimpette · 10-08-2005, 09:50 AM

H
Sounds like you had something very similar - apparently bppv can come, last for a few days to months and then the vertigo disappears without any reason. When you don't have it all your tests are normal (as with you) otherwise when tested you get wild eye movements in certain positions which cause the symptoms. I've looked it up, it can also occur at the hairdresser or dentist when the head is positioned back.
I posted this on the inner ear board to see if it was associated with surgery or anyone there had any information - no answers yet. It's thought to be due to the collection of debris in the inner ear so when you suddenly move into certain positions you body cannot adjust quickly enough. If you want to check it out there's a lot of good information if you google 'bppv'

Glad your symptoms resolved spontaneously. Mine did initially and have come back with a vengance, hopefully won't last long.

Take care,
W

dennisgb · 10-10-2005, 07:28 AM

I had dissyness, but never fell down. A couple of times I had to sit down, as it felt like I was going to pass out. I talked to docs and they had no explaination. Eventually it cleared up.