[Vertigo and vertebral artery stenosis (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vascular Medicine
• Orthopedics

Context:

• Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine affects elderly individuals.
• Vestibular symptoms like vertigo are common in this demographic.
• Carotid angiography is used to assess blood flow in neck arteries.

Purpose:

• To investigate the relationship between cervical spine osteochondrosis, vestibular symptoms, and vertebral artery stenosis.
• To determine if vertebral artery stenosis is the primary cause of vertigo in these patients.

Summary:

• Forty-nine elderly patients with cervical spine osteochondrosis were studied.
• 36 patients presented with vestibular symptoms (vertigo, nystagmus).
• Vertebral artery stenosis was found in only nine patients, indicating it's not the sole cause of symptoms.

Impact:

• Challenges the assumption that vertebral artery stenosis is the main driver of vestibular issues in cervical osteochondrosis.
• Suggests other factors may contribute to vertigo in this patient group.
• Informs diagnostic and treatment strategies for elderly patients with neck and balance problems.