Question
Mr. Gold, Thank you for your time in responding to this forum. I am a 53 years old male. In December of 2007 I arose from a semi sleep state to use the restroom rather quickly and ended up passing out. Three days later I started to develop ringing in my right ear. I saw my GP and she sent me to an ENT doctor. My hearing was considered normal and it was assumed that stress can cause this. In the pursuing months my conditioned dramatically worsened. I developed numbness in the right side of my face, torticollis of the right side and severe balance issues. I also developed motion sickness and found it difficult to stabilize my stance. It felt like I was on a rocking ship. The situation remained at this level for at least two years and dominated my life. During that time I saw numerous specialists.
Three neurologists at different stages: The first was non productive and came up with an inconclusive examination. The second diagnosed the toricolis with unknown cause.  He prescribes SSRI for Anxiety and stress. The third requested an MRI of the Brain and cervical spine which was concluded to be normal.
Two years ago I started receiving neck rehabilitation.  It was under that direction I began to understand what may have transpired. I believe I sustained a right sided whiplash injury from my fall. As I came to after passing out I realized that I had hit my left shoulder on the floor causing my neck to whip in that direction. I acquired somatic tinnitus as a result of a dysfunctional SCM which also created the toricolis.  Either due to inflammation or persistent muscle spasms the measurements of my neck mobility was very limited.  I would assume that the severe balance issues were due to a false feed back of my head position and the spasmodic muscles that are associated with the SCM and Trapezoids muscles.  I am able to increase the tinnitus by shrugging my shoulders or stretching my SCM.
At the present time I am thankful that I have pretty much regained full abilities. I still have tinnitus at a much reduced intensity.  My balance issue can be vague as tightness in my neck region fluctuates. My balance can be affected by excessive nodding for example shaking my head up and down saying yes.  Stress and increased activity can increase symptoms. I would also assume that I have subconsciously trained my brain to protect my neck and don抰 fully trust its mobility.
I wanted to get your insight on my situation and possibly any direction I might take to further rehabilitation.
Best Regards, Steve

Answer

Hanna Somatic Educatio Hi, Steve,

I could hardly have said it better, myself.  What you have described is called "cervicogenic dizziness".

I suggest three options to normalize your neck muscle functioning and attendant symptoms:

* sessions with a Hanna somatic educator (ask for a referral - send email to John Loupos <[email protected]>)
* a self-relief somatic exercise program (ask for a recommendation)
* a consultation by telephone to get a more thorough picture of your condition, for the purpose of such a recommendation

relevant articles of mine:
http://somatics.com/conditions.htm (general, brief explanation)
http://somatics.com/whiplash.htm
http://somatics.com/recovery_from_injury.htm

Do you have tight jaws (common with tinnitus)?  If so, let me know.

regard,
Lawrence Gold