Question
QUESTION: I have strong tightness left side of upper neck, very close to base of skull and just left and just below pointy bone in back of head. This radiates left around to above left ear which causes equalibrium issues, on a constant ongoing basis, all from left vestibular reduction (at one point 58%, now probably less than 10%). Also, on a constant ongoing basis, vision is compromised in form of left field of vision "jumps" with pulse and parallel lines move in and out in very tight pattern. Left side of throat is tight very near and under point where left collar bone stops towards chest. Copious amount of popping and cracking from eustacian tubes, both sides. Cannot easily perform valsalva maneuver on left side. Air traps in left middle ear for a period of time and slowly releases thru what feels like sinuses on left side.I believe left SCM muscle is not moving with full and free range. Have had this condition for 5 years and it is 24/7 365 with exception of once in a great while all constriction "relaxes" and I feel almost normal for a short minute or two. Unfortunately this is a disabling condition from my "own occcupation".  Can drive okay and hit golf ball etc. Life is livable as long as I have "visual horizon" to orient myself.  Flying in an airplane under instrument conditions causes serious dizziness issues. Have had brain Mri and Mra. Also Mri of cervical spine. All results unremarkable.  Diagnosed w/ vestibular migraining.  Tried Topomax(2 months, worked up to 200mg twice daily) could not function, no help.  Tried Verapamil, and Propanalol (at different times)  low dosages.  These only serve to lower blood pressure to levels which make symptoms "blossom". Any ideas/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!  Thankyou.

ANSWER: For some reason I did not get your email in a timely manner so my apologizes for the late response.

All the symptoms you are describing are related to an irritation to the brainstem. For example the hearing and balance issues would be related to the 8th cranial nerve (vestibulocochlear); the vision issues would be related to cranial nerve 2 or the ocular muscles 3,4,6; your throat symptoms would be related to the 9th cranial nerve (glossopharyngeal); the SCM muscle is innervated by the 11th cranial nerve (spinal accessory); and this is very interesting your 10th cranial nerve (vagus) has sensory fibers that monitor your blood pressure so damage or irritation to this nerve could lead to blood pressure issues. Were you in some sort of accident 5 years ago or more?  

My suggestion would be to find an Upper Cervical Doctor immediately, do not wait another day. I don't know where you live so here are a couple websites to find one closest to you. www.uppercervicalcare.com or www.upcspine.com.

A good explanation of upper cervical can be found on www.uppercervicalclinicsofidaho.com

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QUESTION: Thank you so much.  I live in Illinois aprox 2hr from either St. Louis Mo. or Iowa City Ia.  To answer your question, yes I was in a very serious auto accident aprox 24 yrs ago.  I believe my condition (symptoms) very slowly started to appear several years ago (10-12) but were never bad enough to cause me to definitely notice anything until one morning early 2004 got out of bed and almost fell over to left.  Was able to catch myself however symptoms started to seriously "blossom" shortly after and Nov 2004 had 58% reduction to left vestibular function from ENG test. I am 46yr old male non smoker and completely non drug user for entire life.  Had excellent profession however now unable to perform duties required due aforementioned symptoms.  Hoping to "right the ship" and return to profession.  Have major medical ins. through Aetna but dont want to chase yet another "dead end" as my share of past medical expenses have been quite costly. If you have suggestions for specific doctor I would be greatly appreciative.  Thank you for believing me and for your sincere response.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Answer
There are several great doctors on www.uppercervicalcare.com. Here is one doctor that is not on that site but is one of the top upper cervical doctors in the world. Let me know how things go.

Dr. Marshall Dickholtz
3420 West Peterson Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60659-3448

Phone: (773) 267-0020

Fax: (773) 267-6004

Email: [email protected]