Cervicogenic dizziness

Cervicogenic dizziness is a sensation of unsteadiness, imbalance, or impaired equilibrium that originates from pathological changes in the structures of the cervical spine, without being caused by a primary disorder of the vestibular system or the central nervous system. Its mechanism is related to dysfunction of the proprioceptive receptors located in the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the upper cervical region, which under normal conditions provide the central nervous system with important information regarding the position of the head in space, in cooperation with the vestibular and visual systems. When these structures are affected by injury or dysfunction, due to conditions such as cervical spondylosis, muscle spasm, or whiplash injury, the information transmitted to the central nervous system becomes inaccurate or inconsistent with the stimuli from the other balance systems, causing a sensation of dizziness or instability. Cervicogenic dizziness is characteristically aggravated by specific neck movements or rotations and is often accompanied by neck pain, stiffness, and occasionally headache, while it differs from other forms of dizziness because it is usually not associated with a true sensation of spinning (vertigo) or auditory symptoms. Its diagnosis requires careful exclusion of other, often more serious causes of dizziness, through clinical examination, imaging assessment of the cervical spine, and, when necessary, neurological or otolaryngological evaluation. Treatment is primarily based on physiotherapy with targeted cervical mobilization exercises and proprioceptive retraining, as well as correction of posture in order to reduce mechanical stress on the region.