Dynamic posturography among patients with common neck disorders. A study of 15 cases with suspected cervical vertigo

We have studied a consecutive series of 15 patients with long-lasting common neck pain combined with vertigo and/or unsteadiness by dynamic posturography with the head in different positions. The evaluation of disturbed equilibrium was done in the anteroposterior direction. Results were compared with 15 sex- and age-matched healthy controls and 10 patients with long-lasting neck complaints without vertigo or unsteadiness. The otoneurological, audiometrical, and electronystagmographical examination was normal in all individuals. The dynamic posturography on a sway-referenced forceplate showed significantly lower equilibrium scores in the patients with vertigo/unsteadiness than in the controls when recorded in neutral position of the head, in rotation and in lateral flexion. The patients with vertigo also had significantly lower equilibrium scores in the position most prone to elicit their vertigo/unsteadiness as compared with the patients with only neck pain. Dynamic posturography was found to be of diagnostic value, indicating the presence of vertigo of cervical origin.