Syncope, weakness and heaviness in head: Is this a Neurological Issue?

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have been having syncopal episodes that start by general weakness and a heaviness in the back of my head. I have noticed an irregular heart rate during these episodes. I had a dural tear during a multilevel spinal fusion in December 2009. I also have been diagnosed with cervical multilevel degenerative disc disease, neural foraminal stenosis at C3-C4, facet arthropathy and OA. Could these things be connected in any way? I am desperate for answers.

Dear Kay: I understand your concern and worry. The symptoms that you have described ie of irregular heart rate, pain at the back of your head and generalised weakness with syncopal episodes could be due to the spinal conditions you have which especially the stenosis at C3-4.If you are also getting pins and needles and/or weakness of the upper limb then this points more towards a neurological problem. However I would also like to stress that these symptoms can also occur as a result of a glucose problem like decreased blood glucose, a heart rythym problem which leads to palpitations as well as some inner ear problems. I would highly recommend you go for a complete and comprehensive check up to your family physician in person and also get certain tests like an ecg, cbc, and a complete physical examination done. All the best.