Cervicogenic Dizziness

Sometimes called cervical vertigo, cervicogenic dizziness may be the result of a neck injury, causing dizziness that can be exacerbated by movements of the neck or turning the head to the side for extended periods of time. 

Symptoms of cervicogenic dizziness can vary significantly, but may include cervical discomfort, lightheadedness, nausea, disequilibrium or postural imbalance with neck pain.

While there is no "gold standard" to identify cervicogenic dizziness, one of the most commonly used approaches assesses movements of the eyes in response to torsion of the neck. Abnormal eye movements, or nystagmus, may suggest that further assessment is needed, including radiological evaluation, to determine if any abnormalities within the cervical vertebral column exist. Most patients with this condition improve only with treatment of the neck problem, while some may also benefit from medication, gentle mobilization, exercise and vestibular rehabilitative therapy.