Romberg Neck Torsion :A New Specific Test for Cervicogenic Dizziness

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Physical Therapy
• Pain Management

Background:

• Cervical myofascial pain syndrome with dizziness (CMPS-D) is a common cause of cervicogenic dizziness.
• Diagnosis and treatment of CMPS-D present significant challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of the Romberg neck torsion test in differentiating patients with CMPS-D from healthy controls.
• To explore the diagnostic potential of the Romberg neck torsion test for cervicogenic dizziness.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, observational study comparing 20 patients with CMPS-D to 20 healthy controls.
• Performance of Romberg (neutral and neck torsion) and smooth pursuit neck torsion tests.

Main Results:

• Significant differences were observed in Romberg neck torsion test results between CMPS-D patients and healthy controls (p < 0.05).
• A significant correlation was found between Romberg neck torsion and smooth pursuit neck torsion test results (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• The Romberg neck torsion test results differ in CMPS-D subjects due to neck pain and altered cervical proprioception.
• The Romberg neck torsion test is proposed as a novel method for assessing cervicogenic dizziness.