Impaired postural control in patients with cervico-brachial pain.
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.
Karlberg
M
M
Department of Oto-rhino-laryngology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
Persson
L
L
Magnusson
M
M
D000344:Afferent Pathways / Q000503:physiopathology; D020968:Brachial Plexus Neuritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008575:Meniere Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009760:Nystagmus, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D011434:Proprioception / Q000502:physiology; D012016:Reference Values; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013128:Spinal Osteophytosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D014724:Vestibular Function Tests; D014726:Vestibular Nuclei / Q000503:physiopathology