Efficacy of Collar Treatment for Patients with Cervical Spondylatrosis Complaining of Vertigo

Abstract

Objective: Efficacy of collar treatment on clinical symptoms and vertebral blood flow was examined in 23 patients with cervical spondylartrosis complaining of vertigo. Methods: In pretreatment and posttreatment periods, the following parameters were studied: 1) frequency of cervicocephalic symptoms, 2) influence of severity of the vertigo on daily life activity, 3) range of active cervical joint movement, 4) pain in cervical palpation, 5) vertebral blood flow by Doppler ultrasonography, and audiologic and brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) examinations for hearing. Results: Following 1 month of collar treatment, vertigo and amnesia were the only symptoms which were significantly relieved (p=0.01, p=0.03). In addition, the severity of the symptoms were noticeably decreased. Range of cervical joint movements on extention, lateral flexion and rotation were increased. Cervical palpation was reduced and the pain was less. However, no change was observed in vertebral blood flow, audiometric and BAEP examinations. Conclusion: It was concluded that vertigo in cervical spondylartrosis was not a consequence of vertebrobasillar insufficiency. Hypertonicity in cervical muscles was the primary reason for vertigo in these patients.