Impaired postural control in patients with cervico-brachial pain

Acta Otolaryngol Suppl. 1995:520 Pt 2:440-2. doi: 10.3109/00016489509125293.

Abstract

Dizziness and subjective balance disturbances are common complaints in cervical pain syndromes. We assessed balance function with posturography using vibration-induced and galvanically-induced body sway in consecutive patients (n = 116) with cervico-brachial pain syndrome of more than 3 months' duration. A total of 83% of the patients showed signs of cervical root compression on MRT scans. The incidence of complaints of vertigo was 50%. The patients manifested significantly poorer postural control than sex- and age-matched controls (n = 20). Disorders of the neck should be considered when assessing patients complaining of dizziness, vertigo and balance disturbances.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Afferent Pathways / physiopathology
  • Brachial Plexus Neuritis / diagnosis
  • Brachial Plexus Neuritis / physiopathology*
  • Cervical Vertebrae / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / diagnosis
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / physiopathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Meniere Disease / diagnosis
  • Meniere Disease / physiopathology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / innervation
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / diagnosis
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / physiopathology*
  • Nystagmus, Physiologic / physiology
  • Postural Balance / physiology*
  • Posture / physiology*
  • Proprioception / physiology
  • Reference Values
  • Spinal Nerve Roots / physiopathology*
  • Spinal Osteophytosis / diagnosis
  • Spinal Osteophytosis / physiopathology
  • Vestibular Function Tests*
  • Vestibular Nuclei / physiopathology