Tinnitus and Neck Problems

[Roy]

Hi All

I am new to this forum. I am wondering if anybody can help.

I have debilitating Tinnitus in my right ear, I have literally been around the globe looking for a "cure" or even a turn down. I have had quite a few medical problems throughout my life, one being a quadruple heart bypass eight years ago. My Tinnitus started 5 years ago.

I had a very large spike in my Tinnitus approximately 10 to 11 months ago, I decided to go back and see my consultants to see if any of them could shed some light on this very high spike. Went to see my ENT again,who assured me that it was not ear or noise trauma. I then went to see my maxillo facial surgeon who sometime back flushed out my TMJ's, he suggested that I have another scan, told me my TMJ's were still okay, the only thing he found which had been missed before was a molar had broken in my upper gum just underneath my right Tinnitus ear, which was infected. I had this removed and the infection sorted out.

Here is where my problem really starts. It was suggested that I go and see a neurosurgeon so see if anything was going on in my head. I went to see Mr Eldridge, he comes with fine credentials. Had one scan carried out, Mr Eldridge contacted me and asked me to go for another scan, he told me that I have a Microvascular Decompression and suggested surgery, but my own research tells me that there are very few people who have had relief through MVD surgery and it is very dangerous. So this is on the back burner for the time being.

I have posted on the Tinnitus Support Board for many years and the people on there are fantastic but unfortunately I do not think they have the same knowledge with reference to necks and spinal problems as you do at this forum.

I have now been told that I have a severe prolapsed disc at C5 which has taken the root nerve with it. From looking at the scan it seems more than evident the disc is pressing against my spinal column, it is also according to the consultant slightly interfering with my left side but is more prevelant on my right side. I am also aware of the right arm pain which has now become severe, I have also started with pain in my left side, this is very noticeable, some blurred vision and headaches. I had a neck trauma some 25 to 28 years ago, I dived into a swimming pool from a high diving board, a young lady surfaced from beneath the spring board directly into my path, I threw my head back severely to avoid a collision with my face, there was quite a loud crack in my neck. I have had problems with my neck ever since. I am now 58 and I am wondering if I have surgery to correct my neck problem, as it is now cracking and crunching, is there any correlation between my neck and my Tinnitus.

I apologies for such a long post but any advice would be helpful.

I can have the surgery carried out fairly quickly once I have decided, I am aware that I need to have the surgery carried out due to the amount of pain that I am in.

Thanks
Roy

[Harrison]

Roy, welcome to the community. I'll respond later today or tomorrow, but it will take some time to craft a response...your situation appears to be a bit complicated...

Be back soon.

[Roy]

Dear Harrison

Thank you for responding to my post.

I look forward to your reply.

Regards
Roy

[Harrison]

Roy,

First some references to some related topics that we’ve discussed here in the past several years. First, researchers have established correlations between gum disease and certain spinal diseases. There are many examples, but one is here:

Periodontal disease in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

And this general topic where this resides is:

Spinal Diseases: Mycobacterial Causes

Where there are many interesting abstracts & studies, several of which may be of specific interest to you.

A few questions back to you…

- How is your bone density in your spine? How are your teeth?
- What kind of bugs were found and eradicted from your jaw? Did the docs do thorough diagnostic tests?
- Do you think there is a systemic cause to the all the medical problems?

OK, gotta get some things done before the Bruce Li special is on at 8:00 PM. I’ll be back tomorrow…

[Roy]

Dear Harrison

Thank you for your reply.

The tooth problem that I had was only down to the one tooth which had been broken in my gum, my teeth other than minor problem are fine.

What I would like to know if there is any correlation between my prolapsed disc and my Tinnitus.

Once again thank you very much for your reply.

Regards
Roy

[berry]

Hi there Roy

I am sorry you are having these problems and can relate to some of the symptoms you have mentioned. My story is fairly complex but I too suffered intermittent vertigo and tinnitus for several years which I am sure was connected to my cervical spine. I was diagnosed with disc prolapses at C5/6 & 6/7 in Nov 2005 and was being considered for fusion surgery. Around the same time I was also referred to an ENT surgeon locally re the vertigo and tinnitus who ordered a brain mri. This confirmed a frontal lobe tumour which took priority over the fusion and was successfully surgically removed in 2006. However, the vertigo and tinnitus persisted and I was referred to an audiological physician for vestibular studies which showed some nystamus and possible cerebral causes but was inconclusive. By this time my spine surgeon had begun to undertake cervical disc replacements and I had two Activ C prostheses at C5/6 & 6/7 in Feb 2008. I am pleased to say that the vertigo and tinnitus have not been a problem since the cervical surgery and my neck really does feel as good as new. I had further studies with the audiological physician after the disc replacements and the findings were normal. I still have regular brain mri's to check for recurrence of the tumour which up to now have, thankfully, been clear.

I know all our situations are unique but I have no doubt that the tinnitus and vertigo symptoms I had were connected to the prolasped discs in my cervical spine.

Good luck and best wishes

Lynda

[JillFletcher]

Hi Berry,
May I ask who was your surgeon?
Thanks,
Jill

[berry]

Hi Jill

My spine surgeon is Mr Ian Shackleford, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Warrington, Cheshire, UK.

My cervical story is on the UK site: http://z6.invisionfree.com/adrsuppor...?showtopic=303

Best wishes

Lynda

[cavalier]

My ENT gave me a VNG test that confirms the Vertigo it is said it is being caused by a Neurological issue. Since the neck & arms & the pressure on my Left ear with occasional sharp pain in that ear & intermittent vertigo ALL started with my neck - I have no doubt that this along with my lungs that show low lung volume with bibasilar airspace disease of atelectasis is connected to the neck as I have so much pressure on my windpipe & esphogas from the changes with such a narrow canal. Reason is IF i can get the swelling down in the neck I can breathe so much easier & swallow. I also have 2 ateries that are being compressed radial & Ulnar that has been confirmed on U.S. Allen's test. Along with occasional migraines. It is all connected. All of them started up with the problems of the cervical so it is not a coincidence in my mind.
Jill