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Smooth pursuit neck torsion test: a specific test for cervical dizziness
1Central Hospital, Skövde, Sweden.
The American Journal of Otology
|February 10, 1998
Summary
The smooth pursuit neck torsion (SPNT) test effectively identifies cervical dizziness in whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) patients with symptoms. This diagnostic tool shows high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing neck-related balance issues.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Vestibular System
Background:
- Balance disturbances can arise from cervical issues, posterior intracranial fossa, or labyrinthine conditions.
- The smooth pursuit neck torsion (SPNT) test assesses eye movements in response to head position changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the SPNT test in diagnosing cervical dizziness.
- To compare SPNT test results in patients with various balance disorders to healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, double-blind clinical study involving 75 whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) patients and 50 control subjects (20 central vertigo, 20 Meniere's disease, 30 healthy).
- The SPNT test measures smooth pursuit gain changes during neck torsion.
- Additional tests included saccade tests, auditory brain stem response, and caloric testing.
Main Results:
- Neck torsion significantly reduced smooth pursuit gain in WAD patients (p < 0.001).
- The SPNT test demonstrated 90% sensitivity and 91% specificity in WAD patients with dizziness.
- Sensitivity was lower (56%) in WAD patients without dizziness.
Conclusions:
- The SPNT test is a valuable diagnostic tool for cervical dizziness, particularly in WAD patients experiencing dizziness.
- High sensitivity and specificity support its use in clinical settings for diagnosing neck-related balance problems.