Vertigo is a condition where individuals perceive a false sensation of spinning or movement, either of themselves or the environment around them. This sensation can be brief or long-lasting, depending on the cause. One such cause that's commonly overlooked is head and neck trauma. This article delves into the relationship between trauma to the head and neck and the onset of vertigo.
Understanding Vertigo
Before diving into the relationship, it's important to understand what vertigo is. Vertigo is a subtype of dizziness, specifically involving a rotational or spinning component. It's not merely feeling faint or off-balance. Those with vertigo often feel as though they, or their surroundings, are moving or spinning when neither is moving.
Head and Neck Trauma as a Trigger
Inner Ear Disturbance: The inner ear, particularly the vestibular system, plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation. Any trauma that affects this delicate system, such as a blow to the head, can lead to vertigo. Such impacts can dislodge the tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear, leading to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), one of the most common types of vertigo.
Labyrinthine Concussion: Direct or indirect trauma can cause a labyrinthine concussion – an injury to the inner ear without any temporal bone fracture. Patients can present with symptoms like hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo.
Post-traumatic Meniere’s Disease: Trauma can also result in endolymphatic hydrops, known as post-traumatic Meniere’s disease. This condition mimics the symptoms of classic Meniere’s disease, including vertigo, ringing in the ears, and hearing loss.
Vertebral Artery Dissection: The neck houses crucial arteries that supply blood to the brain. Trauma to the neck can cause these arteries, especially the vertebral artery, to tear. This can result in reduced blood flow to the brain and the onset of vertigo, often accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
Cervicogenic Dizziness: Dizziness or vertigo can arise from neck injuries, especially whiplash. The exact mechanism isn't well-understood but is believed to result from a combination of neck pain, muscle spasm, and altered proprioceptive input.
Traumatic Perilymph Fistula: A rupture between the inner and middle ear, leading to the leakage of inner ear fluid, can be induced by trauma. This leads to symptoms such as hearing loss, imbalance, and vertigo.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing trauma-induced vertigo involves a detailed medical history, including understanding the nature of the trauma. Some diagnostic tools and tests include:
Dix-Hallpike Maneuver: This test is used primarily to diagnose BPPV. The patient's head is rapidly moved to a position that typically provokes vertigo, and the doctor observes the eye movements (nystagmus).
Vestibular Function Tests: These tests assess the function of the vestibular system and can determine if the inner ear is the source of vertigo.
MRI and CT Scans: In cases of severe trauma, imaging might be required to rule out fractures, bleeding, or other structural abnormalities.
Head and neck trauma can be a significant trigger for vertigo, given the intricate connection between the vestibular system, neck structures, and overall balance mechanisms of the body. If you've suffered from a head or neck injury and experience dizziness or vertigo, seek medical attention promptly. With proper diagnosis and treatment, many patients can achieve relief and regain their equilibrium.
We Are Here To Help
Our resident chiropractor, Dr. Gordon Elder, specializes in the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. This chiropractic approach utilizes diagnostic imaging to delicately adjust the upper cervical spine. In doing so, it revives the spine's natural functionality and kickstarts the body's inherent healing processes.
For vertigo treatment, Dr. Elder adopts a dual-phase method. The first step involves a screening to ascertain if spinal misalignment might be the culprit behind the vertigo. Typically, this preliminary assessment lasts between 25–30 minutes.
If any misalignment is spotted, you'll be scheduled for a subsequent consultation. During this session, Dr. Elder employs cutting-edge 3-D imaging techniques to determine the precise location and angle of the vertebral misalignment. Post this, a comprehensive report of the findings is shared, offering you a chance to discuss your potential treatment plans with Dr. Elder.
To rectify the misalignment, Dr. Elder implements a range of gentle yet accurate adjustment procedures, realigning the vertebrae to their original state. This alignment minimizes nearby inflammation and fosters regular nerve activity.
Post the primary adjustment, patients are advised to come back for routine check-ups, with decreasing frequency over 3 months. Typically, within a span of 3-5 months, patients have around 10 to 15 sessions with Dr. Elder.
If vertigo is hindering your daily life, reach out now to consult Dr. Elder on treating your upper cervical spine. Blair Chiropractic Clinic is based in Lubbock, Texas, and proudly serves Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, as well as Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.