Cervicogenic dizziness
Cervicogenic dizziness involves a light-headed or unstable feeling that may be related to neck problems. This usually does not involve true rotational vertigo from the vestibular organ.
Key points
- Cervicogenic dizziness is related to neck problems, not the vestibular organ itself.
- The neck plays an important role in transmitting information about head position.
- Symptoms usually consist of a light-headed, floating, or unstable feeling, not rotational vertigo.
- Neck problems can also develop as a result of a previous vestibular condition.
- Treatment focuses on active training of neck function and the coordination between neck, eyes, and balance.
Symptoms
- A light-headed or floating sensation.
- Instability.
- Neck pain or a stiff neck.
- Symptoms related to neck movements.
- Sometimes headache.
Causes
- Symptoms can arise from neck pain, neck blockages, or muscle tension in the neck.
- Prolonged overloading of the neck may play a role.
- Neck problems are also frequently seen in people who have had a previous vestibular condition, as they may move their head differently.
Treatments
- Treatment may include exercise therapy focused on neck function.
- Neck mobilisation and posture advice can be part of therapy.
- Treatment focuses on active training of the coordination between neck, eyes, and the balance system.
What is cervicogenic dizziness?
The neck plays an important role in transmitting information about head position. When there are problems in the neck, this information can become disrupted.
This can cause a feeling of instability or a light-headed sensation, without a problem in the vestibular organ itself.
Neck information
Head position
The neck transmits information about the position of the head.
Neck problems
Tension or blockage
Neck pain, muscle tension, or neck blockages can contribute to dizziness.
Coordination
Neck, eyes, and balance
Treatment focuses on the coordination between these systems.
How is cervicogenic dizziness assessed?
The assessment focuses on evaluating neck movements, muscle tension, and the relationship between neck complaints and dizziness.
It also looks for signs of other causes of dizziness.
Would you like to have your symptoms assessed?
An initial assessment can help determine whether your symptoms are related to the neck and which treatment may be appropriate.