Dizziness: Causes and Concerns After Neck Injury

Q: Dizziness: Causes and Concerns After Neck Injury

Hello, Sir： You mentioned that "the bending is very low (approximately similar to the angle of the yoga cat pose) and suddenly losing balance along with feelings of dizziness." This may indicate that we should first consider excessive traction on the cervical vertebrae's blood ve

Dizziness issues

Bending down to wash my hair at a very low angle (almost similar to the yoga cat pose), I suddenly lost my sense of balance and felt dizzy, causing me to fall to the right side.
However, I was still able to move my hands and feet freely, and I ended up in a position where my right hand was on the ground and my legs were squatting, preventing me from falling to the floor.
I did not experience nausea or weakness, and the dizziness disappeared quickly.
Is this normal? I have a history of a C5 injury from a car accident; could this be related? Also, I recall that brain aneurysms can have similar symptoms; do you think my situation is comparable?

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/04/22

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello, Sir: You mentioned that "the bending is very low (approximately similar to the angle of the yoga cat pose) and suddenly losing balance along with feelings of dizziness." This may indicate that we should first consider excessive traction on the cervical vertebrae's blood vessels causing impaired blood flow in the basilar artery.
This could be related to your mention of "having sustained an injury to C5 in a car accident, which may have an impact..." As for the issue of vascular tumors, if symptoms appear, they may resemble those of a stroke, and the symptoms could persist.
If the dizziness is highly suspected to be of central origin, further imaging studies such as a CT scan of the brain, MRI of the brain, or carotid ultrasound should be arranged.
If symptoms recur, it is advisable to consult a neurologist for examination and discussion.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related issues further! Wishing you good health, peace, and happiness.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Hua Hospital/Tao Hospital, cares about you.

Reply Date: 2024/04/22

More Info

Dizziness and loss of balance can be concerning symptoms, especially following a neck injury or a history of head trauma. Based on your description, it seems that you experienced a sudden episode of dizziness and loss of balance while bending down, which resolved quickly without any accompanying symptoms like vomiting or prolonged weakness. This can be indicative of several potential causes, some of which may relate to your previous injuries.

Firstly, it is essential to consider the possibility of vestibular dysfunction. The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, plays a crucial role in maintaining balance. Any injury to the neck or head can potentially affect this system, leading to dizziness or a sensation of spinning (vertigo). In your case, the sudden loss of balance while bending down could suggest a brief episode of positional vertigo, which can occur when the head is moved in certain ways, causing a temporary disturbance in the vestibular system.

Additionally, your history of a C5 neck injury could contribute to your symptoms. Injuries to the cervical spine can lead to cervicogenic dizziness, where neck pain and dysfunction can result in dizziness and balance issues. The neck's proprioceptive input is vital for maintaining balance, and any disruption can lead to instability, especially in positions that challenge your balance, such as bending down.

Regarding your concern about a brain vascular malformation, such as an aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation (AVM), these conditions can sometimes present with dizziness or balance issues, particularly if they affect blood flow or pressure in the brain. However, these conditions typically have additional symptoms, such as severe headaches, visual disturbances, or neurological deficits, which you have not mentioned. If you have a known history of a brain vascular malformation, it is crucial to follow up with a neurologist or neurosurgeon for regular monitoring and assessment.

In summary, your episode of dizziness and loss of balance could be related to several factors, including vestibular dysfunction, cervicogenic dizziness from your neck injury, or potentially other neurological concerns. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a neurologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, who can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly imaging studies, to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.
In the meantime, be cautious with movements that trigger dizziness, and consider engaging in balance exercises or vestibular rehabilitation if recommended by your healthcare provider. These interventions can help improve your balance and reduce the risk of future episodes. Always prioritize your safety, especially after experiencing dizziness or balance issues, to prevent falls or further injuries.

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