CERVICOGENIC DISORDERS
These disorders are caused by the dizziness in the cervical spine. The neck plays an important role in the balance. Abnormal afferent signals from the neck can create various altered orientation in space and disequilibrium.
The major causes of the cervicogenic disorders are
The major causes of the cervicogenic disorders are
- Vasomotor changes due to irritation of the cervical sympathetic chain
- Vestibular disorders may also affect children. These disorders may have an even greater impact on children due to the developmental state.
Symptoms
The dizziness causes the vertigo. The disequilibrium is caused by the dizziness associated with the headaches. The person with cervicogenic dizziness experiences a swimming sensation. The other symptoms include light headaches, hearing loss and cervical pain.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis include vestibular function tests and radiological evaluation. The clinical exam should includes ocu-lomotor exam, posture assessment, active and passive range of motion of the cervical spine, instability of the cervical spine, mobility of the cervical vertebral column , compression and distraction of the cervical spine, palpation, pain, and a neurologic exam.
Treatment
The treatment is done based on the clinical exams. Mobilization and manipulation are the commonly used techniques for the treatment of the cervicogenic disorders. Cervical kinesthesia training is also an important treatment for the cervicogenic disorders. This treatment includes head movements, tracking exercises and various eye movements.
Berliner, Jean Marie. Cervicogenic Dizziness. N.p.: Berliner, Jean Marie, n.d. American Physical Therapy Association, Section of Neurology. Web. 25 Nov. 2013.