Musculoskeletal diseases as a causal factor of cervical vertigo.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the frequency of musculoskeletal diseases in patients with cervical vertigo, as well as the relations of neck tenderness, psychiatric symptoms, and autonomic abnormalities with pain and age.

METHODS

One hundred and seventy-six patients with cervical vertigo were analyzed. The groups with or without pain and the groups aged > or =66 years or < or =65 years old were compared.

RESULTS

Musculoskeletal diseases were very common (present in 86%). In the group with pain, neck tenderness, CMI III-IV, and orthostatic hypotension were significantly more frequent. In the older group, neck tenderness and orthostatic hypotension were significantly more common than in the younger group. Abnormal ETT and OKP results were also frequently observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Musculoskeletal diseases might have a role in cervical vertigo. In addition, there seem to be some relations among neck tenderness, psychiatric symptoms, autonomic abnormalities, pain, and age. Furthermore, brain stem abnormalities may participate in cervical vertigo.