Hi.
I am two years into my chronic dizziness issue. A brief history:
- October of 2016, got a very bad upper respiratory cold (was also 3 months postpartum).
- Developed chronic cough and postnasal drip which did not subside until December of 2016.
- February/March started getting strong dizzy spells periodically along with left-sided ear pain, which subsided by taking Advil.
- No sign of ear infection although doctor noted my left eardrum had a retraction.
- April woke up in the middle of the night very dizzy, confused, lots of anxiety.
- The next day noticed when I tilted to the right would start to get very dizzy and anxious.
- June, 2017 went to emergency after a very bad dizzy spell and was told I had BPPV in the right ear.
- I tried the Epley Maneuver at home, produced the spinning when I performed it with head turned to the right. Eventually, true spinning subsided when I tried the half-summer sault (a variation to the Epley).
- Residual dizziness persisted with bouts of dizziness where it felt like I was âabout to spinâ but didnât.
- Left ear pain persisted.
- In October of 2017, I started getting âclicking sensationâ in-ear after loud sounds, along with noise sensitivity (hyperacusis test was negative). Also developed random thumping sensations in the left ear, although now it happens in both ears.
- Currently, I experience a decrease in left ear pain although still occurs closer to the menstrual period. Experience neck pain when turning left with slight nystagmus. Have a electrical feeling/zap in upper back/trapezius on left side when I tilt head to the right.
- I feel off-balance when looking to the left or making sudden head movements.
Testing:
Hearing test x 4 all normal.
CT scan brain normal
MRI Brain normal
Visited Dr. Timothy Hain, the cervical test revealed left beat nystagmus. His conclusion is that I have mild imbalance from BPPV, mild migraine and some cervical issues.
I saw a neuromuscular surgeon who concluded I also have TMJ and I clench at night badly which was supported by electrodes being measured over the TMJ muscles.
I canât help but think the TMJ is causing the left ear pain and the cold caused the BPPV? I also do an extraordinary amount of work on the computer and bad posture contributes to TMJ. I do find that my symptoms flare up when I work too long at the computer.
Yesterday, I was stretching my neck by looking all the way to the left. I have a very limited range of motion on this side compared to the right side. Today, I have experienced the ear pain again so there is a definite connection between looking left all the way and the triggering of this pain.
I wonder if my neck/TMJ is causing the ear pain or vice versa? thoughts?