From the Research
Mechanism of Vertigo in Cervical Spondylosis
The mechanism of vertigo in cervical spondylosis is a complex and debated topic. Several studies have investigated the possible causes of vertigo in patients with cervical spondylosis, including:
- Abnormal input from cervical sympathetic nerves 1
- Abnormal sensory information from damaged joint receptors of upper cervical regions 1
- Diseased cervical intervertebral discs 1, 2
- Ingrowth of Ruffini corpuscles into diseased cervical discs 2
- Abnormal neck proprioceptive input integrated from the signals of Ruffini corpuscles in diseased cervical discs and muscle spindles in tense neck muscles 1
Role of Vertebral Artery Blood Flow
Some studies have suggested that vertebral artery blood flow may play a role in the development of vertigo in patients with cervical spondylosis. For example:
- A study found that patients with cervical spondylosis and vertigo had significantly lower blood flow parameters in the vertebral arteries compared to those without vertigo 3
- Another study found that the magnitude of reduction in vertebral artery blood flow was significantly higher in patients with advanced cervical spondylosis presenting with vertigo 3
Prevalence of Vertigo in Cervical Spondylosis
The prevalence of vertigo in patients with cervical spondylosis is significant, with some studies reporting:
- 47% of patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy experiencing vertigo 4
- 60% of patients with cervical spondylosis having abnormal pure tone audiometry results 5
- A positive association between the increased number and ingrowth of Ruffini corpuscles in the diseased cervical disc and the incidence of vertigo in patients with cervical spondylosis 2