Do you suffer from neck pain and dizziness?: Frequently Asked Questions about Cervicogenic Vertigo

What is cervicogenic vertigo (CV)?

Cervicogenic vertigo (CV) is a feeling of dizziness or instability that is thought to be caused by a problem in the neck. This can involve muscles, nerves, joints, or ligaments in the cervical area.

What are the key symptoms that lead to a diagnosis of cervicogenic vertigo?

A diagnosis of CV is suspected when the patient presents with symptoms of dizziness that are closely related to neck pain or stiffness, limited neck movement, or a history of an injury or problem in that area.

What should be ruled out before diagnosing cervicogenic vertigo?

It is essential to rule out other more common causes of vertigo, such as inner ear or neurological problems, before making a diagnosis of cervicogenic vertigo.

Who should evaluate inner ear problems to rule out cervicogenic vertigo?

An otolaryngologist (ENT) is the specialist indicated to evaluate and rule out inner ear pathologies, which are very common causes of vertigo.

Which specialist evaluates neurological causes of dizziness and imbalance?

A neurologist is the specialist who evaluates and rules out neurological causes of dizziness and imbalance.

What tests can a neurologist perform to rule out neurological problems?

A neurologist can perform a complete neurological examination to identify signs of central or peripheral nervous system involvement and, if necessary, order additional tests such as brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or nerve conduction studies.

What is the importance of the differential diagnosis in cervicogenic vertigo?

Differential diagnosis is crucial to distinguish CV from other conditions, especially benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), as both can present with symptoms related to head movements.

How is cervicogenic vertigo differentiated from benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)?

BPPV is characterized by brief episodes of rotational vertigo triggered by specific changes in head position, often with a characteristic eye movement (nystagmus). VC may manifest as a more continuous feeling of imbalance, lightheadedness, or non-rotational vertigo, often worsened by neck movements and associated with neck symptoms.

What is the primary treatment for cervicogenic vertigo?

Physical therapy is often the primary treatment strategy for cervicogenic vertigo.

What physical therapy approaches are used to treat cervicogenic vertigo?

Physical therapy approaches may include manual therapy to improve joint mobility and reduce muscle tension in the neck, cervical and postural muscle strengthening exercises, and techniques to improve cervical proprioception (awareness of neck position and movement).

What is the goal of physical therapy in the treatment of cervicogenic vertigo?

The goal of physical therapy is to restore normal neck function and thereby relieve symptoms of dizziness.

Are other treatments used besides physical therapy for cervicogenic vertigo?

In some cases, pain relievers or muscle relaxants may be considered to manage neck pain, although their direct effect on vertigo is less clear.

Are surgery or invasive therapies considered for cervicogenic vertigo?

Invasive therapies or surgery are rarely indicated for cervicogenic vertigo and are reserved for cases where there is a specific underlying cervical pathology that requires intervention.