Possible autonomic or cranial nerve symptoms triggered during sustained neck rotation in persistent headache...

To examine and categorize symptoms occurring within 60 s of vertebrobasilar-insufficiency (VBI) testing (left- and right-neck rotation) in individuals with persistent post-traumatic headache.

As part of routine clinical cervical screening in our patients, we found extended VBI testing often triggered additional symptoms. Therefore, we aimed to document the prevalence and precise symptoms occurring during each movement direction of this test and determine any demographic or baseline signs or symptoms associated with a positive test.

A retrospective medical record review on military personnel receiving treatment for persistent post-traumatic headache was performed. Participants were grouped according to presence of non-headache related symptoms triggered during the tests. Frequency, onset, and symptom characteristics reported were categorized as potentially vascular and/or possible autonomic or cranial nerve in nature.

At least one symptom was reported by 81.3% of 123 patients. Of these, 54% reported symptoms in one and 46% in both directions of rotation, yielding 146 abnormal tests. Most reported symptoms were tear disruption (41%), altered ocular-motor-control (25%), and blepharospasm (16%). Enlisted individuals and those with altered baseline facial sensation were more likely to have a positive test.

The majority reported symptoms not typical of VBI within 60 seconds of sustained neck rotation. Further study is needed to better understand the mechanisms and clinical relevance.