Vertigo vs. Dizziness
 

So, I've come to the realization over the past couple of days that one of my lingering symptoms, which I thought was just dizziness, is in fact vertigo. I always thought vertigo was the "extreme sensation" that the whole room is spinning around you and didn't know that vertigo is also the sensation where you feel like your head feels like it is spinning as well.

Largely, I feel the vertigo sensation mostly when I am sitting down and am reading/sitting in class/on my phone/etc (largely over-stimulating experiences I'm assuming). I've been doing vestibular therapy exercises for the past three weeks, while I've seen a lot of improvement with my "pressure headaches" in the back of my head and neck, I have seen little (if any) noticeable improvement in this spinning sensation/vertigo.

I generally try to limit my computer time to one hour at a time (sometimes its required for school), however, I can sit in front of the TV I feel like all day if I wanted to without getting a headache but having the vertigo sensation come and go. I don't sit in front of the TV all day, but I'm wondering, in general, is this counter productive to my recovery? As in, while i'm not "making things worst" is this really harming me in the sense where I'm gradually trying to re-train/force my brain and vestibular system to be used to watching TV more?

I know there are a lot of causes for vertigo, but I'm wondering if anyone can share their specific experiences with this symptom? I'll be going to my first doctor visit (ENT) in a few weeks and trying to figure out my best approach for tackling this symptom and dealing with the underlining reasons causing this symptom.

While I feel like most of my symptoms over the past month have been largely physical vs cognitive deficiencies, I'm wondering to what degree this vertigo is still largely due to my concussion, or potentially from a neck issue or even maybe jaw damage (TMJ related). I know TMJ issues can mirror most of the physical side effects of a concussion; does anyone have any specific experience with dealing with TMJ?

Hi and welcome. Occasional mild vertigo is one residual symptom I have 3 years post injury. It happens after looking up too long (such as changing a celling light bulb), standing up too quickly after sitting, etc. It's relatively mild and hasn't caused me to fall, it was a little disconcerting at first but now that I have gotten used to the triggers I go slower and it's manageable.

So I'm pretty convinced one of my main triggers for my vertigo is exposure to bright/moving light. I've noticed that my vertigo appears to be most severe when I'm up close to lights especially (i.e. using my phone in bed or in front of a laptop/computer) as opposed to watching TV from further away.

I believe there are certain tests designed to see if the cause of vertigo/dizziness is caused largely from exposure/sensitivity to lights. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with these tests (if there are any) and any general advice. I'm scheduled to have my first ENT visit next week, and would ideally like to use the right verbiage to describe my symptoms / ask for the appropriate tests to be performed.

Having the right verbiage to describe your symptoms can backfire. Some doctors do not like patients to self diagnose, especially in this age of the internet. Explain it in simple terms. "If I am close to a computer screen or TV, the movement cause vertigo and discomfort. If I am farther away, I can tolerate the movements.'

You may ask about getting checked for nystagmus. It is an eye movement test.

My best to you.

ENT ordered a CTA, ENG, and audiological exam to be administered, as well as an appointment with a neurologist. All will probably take at least a few weeks to get scheduled.

I'm not too familiar with the best way to diagnose upper cervical issues, but shouldn't an issue be captured by the CTA vs. an MRI/A of the neck? Or is there another, better imaging exam/test that can be used to detect cervical issues?

None of those images will show an upper neck injury unless there is a slowing or narrowing/compressing of an artery in the neck.

It is difficult to image the subtle injuries and misalignments of an upper neck injury. Often, it is a treat it as an injury and see if symptoms improve. Upper neck injuries do not have a quick fix. A PT may be able to palpate the cervical vertebra or an upper cervical chiropractor. Then, good neck posture, especially while sleeping and resting is important.

A PT has told me to get my upper cervical checked because he suspects a compressed nerve. Although my dizziness comes and goes and is only momentarily. The neuro on the other side says there is no point because he knows it will come back negative . I am confused

The neuro is likely thinking that an MRI or CT Scan will not show anything. That is likely the case. The PT has more of a hands on understanding of your body. That matters more in my opinion. An upper cervical chiropractor can often help. Check out www.NUCCA.org and www.atlasorthogonality.com to find a local chiropractor. They are not cheap due to the x-rays needed. Insurance usually only covers the actual treatments.

Neuros are know to deny anything that is not imageable.