Hi Has anyone developed vertigo or dizziness after cervical surgery. if so what happened. did it go away? What should I do. Very irritated, makes me feel weaker than I am.
of any reason why cervical surgery could result in vertigo. That is something that you need to discuss with your doctor.
You didnt mentioned how long you are post op. There can always be different reactions in the initial phase of your recovery.
_____________
Ron DiLauro Ron's Story Suicide Hotline Alcohol and Drug Abuse Arthritis _________________________________________ rdilauro@gmail.com SH Administrators = dilauro or tamtam SH Moderator Team =
haglandc , Numbskull , Liz, or Neck of Steel Cindy "In his eyes we're all the same Someday we'll all have perfect wings, Don't laugh at me." "That there's none so blind as those who will not see."
The information provided by members of Spine-Health should never be considered as formal medical advice. It is recommendations based on member's personal experiences only.
This can vary from person to person, so do not take comments as medical facts or rules
I experienced vertigo after my surgery, although I had a microD on L5-S1. The doctor told me to take Phenergan which acts like dramamine. I took 1/2 a pill when I started to feel a little uneasy. It really helped. I also think that's what they gave me in the hospital when I was nauseated.
After my surgery, I react differently to things like chemicals and medications. The same may be happening to you. Your doctor should be able to prescribe something. You can also take a dramamine, although it will make you drowsy. I hope this helps!
Haylie
_____________
I'm a single 40 year old attorney who felt completely fine, no pain at all whatsoever, on Sunday, August 10, 2008. But then everything changed out of the blue the next day. I woke up and realized my rear end was hurting, more on the right side and also had pain in my right hip, and shooting pain in my leg. My doctor had me get an MRI, and when the results came back, he said that I had to have surgery or I would be in the same (painful, unable to move) position for the rest of my life. When I found a NS to see me, he said no options but surgery because of the seriousness of the protrusion of the disc (1 cm) on the sciatic nerve. A week later, on 9-5-2008, I had microdiscectomy surgery on the L5, S1. I'm still trying to wrap my mind on what happened and how I got here.
Update: A year after the surgery, and I still have periods of intense pain. I found out last March (thanks to another MRI) that the NS left in a disk fragment, and it is now pressing on the nerve. He says the surgery to remove it will take a long time to recover from because the location of it will require moving and stretching the nerve. So he wants to wait until it's absolutely necessary. I get to live with this and avoid bending or lifting.
I developed vertigo along with nystagmus and hearing loss after cervical surgery. It is nothing to joke around with. I highly recommend that you contact your doctor and let him/her decide the course of action to take.
I too am experiencing vertigo since my surgery, C 5 and 6 fusion with plates and screws. It has been 13 days since surgery and tomorrow I go back to my Dr. for a checkup. Maybe he can explain this to me. I hope you get better.
I am week four post op of cervical c4 disc fusion with a plate and screws added. In the last week vertigo has become more and more severe. I stopped taking any kind of pain meds during the first week of recovery. Any ideas on what causes this?
I've been suffering from vertigo on and off for almost 2 years. There are a few possible causes: tight neck muscles that impinge on the vestibular nerve or neck spasms that causes your atlas (C1) to fall out of alignment. I have been researching this for over a year and most doctors and PTs have no idea about this. I'm still experiencing vertigo on and off. Hope you can find a solution to your problem. I'm still trying to control the spasms at 6 months post-op.
_____________
August 2010-January 2011: MRI - C5/6: kyphosis, osteophytes, severe foraminal/spinal stenosis; PT, acupuncture, chiropractor, massage therapy, steroid injections, facet nerve blocks with no relief
February 11, 2011: ACDF at C5-C6
July, 2011: MRI - Mild herniated discs at L4/L5 and L5/S1 and bulge at L3/L4; short leg syndrome
I had my surgery on 12/8/11 and after a successful but slow recuperation with minor pain down my left arm, I went to a new PT yesterday. After the evaluation I was asked to lie down to have heat put on my neck. I did the familiar roll and the room started spinning. It calmed down but did the same thing when I got up. It happened again when I was doing some mild exercises during the session. Scared the therapist and me! What is happening and why? I read all the comments on this site (new to me as of today) and all the posts are old. Did everyone recover? I wish there was a follow up as I don't know if this condition is temporary or the beginning of a new adventure. Called my neurosurgeon's office today but no one is available to talk to me until Monday. Hope someone responds to this post.
So sorry to hear or your vertigo issues. I am 6 months post op from my cervical fusion. My vertigo did fade away by about the 3rd month of post-op. My spine surgeon brushed off my symptoms but I assure you (as you know) they were very real. I have to believe that it was all nerve related and part of the healing and/or reconnection process of the nerves as well as to low blood pressure brought on by the pain meds.
After that surgery plus another fusion I had on my L5 Dec 2, 2011 I am learning that there is no one explanation or therapy that works for everyone. Every person is going to react differently and every surgery comes with its own side issues. Patience and taking as much charge as you can in your healing process helps the most. Make sure you follow up with your Doc. If it persists stay on them.
Oops I did not mean to lecture. I do hope you are better soon.
I don't want to lecture either, but I do agree with Lee in regards to how therapy will be different for everyone. You need to learn what works for you and what doesn't. Finding a good physical therapist is not an easy feat, but I think is the one key component for your recovery. From my own experience, I found better luck with a privately owned business where the therapist is truly working with you on an individual basis.
Also, you need to know what aggravates you and let the therapist know. My therapist says that the neck is a very complex area of the spine. Tight muscles can cause a lot of neurological symptoms because it's highly vascular. In the end of the day, you will be the best at judging what exercises work and which ones to stay away from. Good luck!
_____________
August 2010-January 2011: MRI - C5/6: kyphosis, osteophytes, severe foraminal/spinal stenosis; PT, acupuncture, chiropractor, massage therapy, steroid injections, facet nerve blocks with no relief
February 11, 2011: ACDF at C5-C6
July, 2011: MRI - Mild herniated discs at L4/L5 and L5/S1 and bulge at L3/L4; short leg syndrome
I had vertigo prior to surgery. It happened only a couple of times while I was laying down on my side. Post-op I never had another incident.
I found this comment on the emedicincehealth.com wesite..."Head trauma and neck injury may also result in vertigo, which usually goes away on its own."
Best advice is to mention it to your Dr and pay attention to the frequency, events, posture and situations surrounding the occurrences.
Take care!
_____________
~~~ ACDF C4-5 April 2007 ~~~
"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motiviation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it."
Thank you all for your comments and I appreciate them and your experience. I do not mind a lecture if that is what I need to hear. I am anxious to get back to swimming and golf and will do the mental and physical work to make that happen. But there is nothing like experience to help the novice. Again thank you.
Thank you all for your comments and I appreciate them and your experience. I do not mind a lecture if that is what I need to hear. I am anxious to get back to swimming and golf and will do the mental and physical work to make that happen. But there is nothing like experience to help the novice. Again thank you.
I did have vertigo after surgery and it got better now I have problems with my ears. I understand that Ibuprofen may affect ears... but well my ears get plugged for a long time after going to the beach since I had surgery.
5 months post op of a C 4,5,6,7 fusion. just developed slight dizziness/vertigo 5 months post op. has any developed vertigo 5 months post op, and did it go away? get worse/better? response appreciated.
of any reason why cervical surgery could result in vertigo. That is something that you need to discuss with your doctor.
You didnt mentioned how long you are post op. There can always be different reactions in the initial phase of your recovery.
Ron DiLauro
Ron's Story
Suicide Hotline
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Arthritis
_________________________________________
rdilauro@gmail.com
SH Administrators = dilauro or tamtam
SH Moderator Team =
haglandc , Numbskull , Liz, or Neck of Steel Cindy
"In his eyes we're all the same Someday we'll all have perfect wings, Don't laugh at me."
"That there's none so blind as those who will not see."
The information provided by members of Spine-Health should never be considered as formal medical advice. It is recommendations based on member's personal experiences only.
This can vary from person to person, so do not take comments as medical facts or rules
I experienced vertigo after my surgery, although I had a microD on L5-S1. The doctor told me to take Phenergan which acts like dramamine. I took 1/2 a pill when I started to feel a little uneasy. It really helped. I also think that's what they gave me in the hospital when I was nauseated.
After my surgery, I react differently to things like chemicals and medications. The same may be happening to you. Your doctor should be able to prescribe something. You can also take a dramamine, although it will make you drowsy. I hope this helps!
Haylie
I'm a single 40 year old attorney who felt completely fine, no pain at all whatsoever, on Sunday, August 10, 2008. But then everything changed out of the blue the next day. I woke up and realized my rear end was hurting, more on the right side and also had pain in my right hip, and shooting pain in my leg. My doctor had me get an MRI, and when the results came back, he said that I had to have surgery or I would be in the same (painful, unable to move) position for the rest of my life. When I found a NS to see me, he said no options but surgery because of the seriousness of the protrusion of the disc (1 cm) on the sciatic nerve. A week later, on 9-5-2008, I had microdiscectomy surgery on the L5, S1. I'm still trying to wrap my mind on what happened and how I got here.
Update: A year after the surgery, and I still have periods of intense pain. I found out last March (thanks to another MRI) that the NS left in a disk fragment, and it is now pressing on the nerve. He says the surgery to remove it will take a long time to recover from because the location of it will require moving and stretching the nerve. So he wants to wait until it's absolutely necessary. I get to live with this and avoid bending or lifting.
I developed vertigo along with nystagmus and hearing loss after cervical surgery. It is nothing to joke around with. I highly recommend that you contact your doctor and let him/her decide the course of action to take.
"C"
I too am experiencing vertigo since my surgery, C 5 and 6 fusion with plates and screws. It has been 13 days since surgery and tomorrow I go back to my Dr. for a checkup. Maybe he can explain this to me. I hope you get better.
I am week four post op of cervical c4 disc fusion with a plate and screws added. In the last week vertigo has become more and more severe. I stopped taking any kind of pain meds during the first week of recovery. Any ideas on what causes this?
I've been suffering from vertigo on and off for almost 2 years. There are a few possible causes: tight neck muscles that impinge on the vestibular nerve or neck spasms that causes your atlas (C1) to fall out of alignment. I have been researching this for over a year and most doctors and PTs have no idea about this. I'm still experiencing vertigo on and off. Hope you can find a solution to your problem. I'm still trying to control the spasms at 6 months post-op.
August 2010-January 2011: MRI - C5/6: kyphosis, osteophytes, severe foraminal/spinal stenosis; PT, acupuncture, chiropractor, massage therapy, steroid injections, facet nerve blocks with no relief
February 11, 2011: ACDF at C5-C6
July, 2011: MRI - Mild herniated discs at L4/L5 and L5/S1 and bulge at L3/L4; short leg syndrome
I had my surgery on 12/8/11 and after a successful but slow recuperation with minor pain down my left arm, I went to a new PT yesterday. After the evaluation I was asked to lie down to have heat put on my neck. I did the familiar roll and the room started spinning. It calmed down but did the same thing when I got up. It happened again when I was doing some mild exercises during the session. Scared the therapist and me! What is happening and why? I read all the comments on this site (new to me as of today) and all the posts are old. Did everyone recover? I wish there was a follow up as I don't know if this condition is temporary or the beginning of a new adventure. Called my neurosurgeon's office today but no one is available to talk to me until Monday. Hope someone responds to this post.
Nancy
Hi Nancy -
So sorry to hear or your vertigo issues. I am 6 months post op from my cervical fusion. My vertigo did fade away by about the 3rd month of post-op. My spine surgeon brushed off my symptoms but I assure you (as you know) they were very real. I have to believe that it was all nerve related and part of the healing and/or reconnection process of the nerves as well as to low blood pressure brought on by the pain meds.
After that surgery plus another fusion I had on my L5 Dec 2, 2011 I am learning that there is no one explanation or therapy that works for everyone. Every person is going to react differently and every surgery comes with its own side issues. Patience and taking as much charge as you can in your healing process helps the most. Make sure you follow up with your Doc. If it persists stay on them.
Oops I did not mean to lecture. I do hope you are better soon.
You WILL get through this.
Lee
I don't want to lecture either, but I do agree with Lee in regards to how therapy will be different for everyone. You need to learn what works for you and what doesn't. Finding a good physical therapist is not an easy feat, but I think is the one key component for your recovery. From my own experience, I found better luck with a privately owned business where the therapist is truly working with you on an individual basis.
Also, you need to know what aggravates you and let the therapist know. My therapist says that the neck is a very complex area of the spine. Tight muscles can cause a lot of neurological symptoms because it's highly vascular. In the end of the day, you will be the best at judging what exercises work and which ones to stay away from. Good luck!
August 2010-January 2011: MRI - C5/6: kyphosis, osteophytes, severe foraminal/spinal stenosis; PT, acupuncture, chiropractor, massage therapy, steroid injections, facet nerve blocks with no relief
February 11, 2011: ACDF at C5-C6
July, 2011: MRI - Mild herniated discs at L4/L5 and L5/S1 and bulge at L3/L4; short leg syndrome
I had vertigo prior to surgery. It happened only a couple of times while I was laying down on my side. Post-op I never had another incident.
I found this comment on the emedicincehealth.com wesite..."Head trauma and neck injury may also result in vertigo, which usually goes away on its own."
Best advice is to mention it to your Dr and pay attention to the frequency, events, posture and situations surrounding the occurrences.
Take care!
~~~ ACDF C4-5 April 2007 ~~~
"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motiviation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it."
Thank you all for your comments and I appreciate them and your experience. I do not mind a lecture if that is what I need to hear. I am anxious to get back to swimming and golf and will do the mental and physical work to make that happen. But there is nothing like experience to help the novice. Again thank you.
Nancy
Thank you all for your comments and I appreciate them and your experience. I do not mind a lecture if that is what I need to hear. I am anxious to get back to swimming and golf and will do the mental and physical work to make that happen. But there is nothing like experience to help the novice. Again thank you.
Nancy
I did have vertigo after surgery and it got better now I have problems with my ears. I understand that Ibuprofen may affect ears... but well my ears get plugged for a long time after going to the beach since I had surgery.
Hope you get better.
5 months post op of a C 4,5,6,7 fusion. just developed slight dizziness/vertigo 5 months post op. has any developed vertigo 5 months post op, and did it go away? get worse/better? response appreciated.