What is cervicogenic vertigo?

Cervicogenic vertigo refers to dizziness or vertigo that arises from a problem in the neck (cervical) region. It is thought to occur due to a disturbance in the sensory input from the neck that is normally processed by the brainstem and vestibular system.

The cervical spine (neck) is composed of seven vertebrae and is responsible for providing support to the head and allowing for movement of the head and neck. The cervical spine also contains important nerves and blood vessels that supply the head and neck region.

Cervicogenic vertigo can occur due to several reasons such as cervical arthritis, whiplash injuries, cervical disc degeneration or herniation, and other conditions that affect the cervical spine. When these structures become damaged or irritated, they can send abnormal signals to the brainstem, which may lead to symptoms of dizziness or vertigo.

Symptoms of cervicogenic vertigo may include:

• Dizziness or vertigo that is triggered by the movement of the head or neck

• Neck pain or stiffness

• Headaches

• Nausea

• Visual disturbances

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

The diagnosis of cervicogenic vertigo can be challenging, as it requires a thorough evaluation of the neck and vestibular system. Treatment typically involves a combination of physical therapy, chiropractic care, and medication to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address underlying structural issues in the cervical spine.

Do I have a Concussion?

The content in this post is intended for educational purposes only. No information in this post is to be interpreted as medical advice, recommendations, or prescription. If you think you have a concussion, are concerned about your symptoms, or have further questions, make an appointment here, give us an email here: drmurdoch@basecampclinic.com, or contact your medical provider.

Picture this…

You’re speeding down a single track. You have run this same route three times today and you are really feeling the flow. Only two more turns until you are done this run. Wait. Was that root there last run?

Next thing you know, you are looking up at the sky, plenty of dirt on your forearms, and a fern leaf or two shoved up your sleeve.

You think you are ok. Nothing feels broken. A bit of blood, but that is to be expected. Your neck hurts and you have a mild headache, but other than that, everything feels ok. You don’t think you hit your head, but you can’t be sure. Then you think to yourself... ‘Do I have a concussion?’

What this article covers:

• What are the symptoms of a concussion

• How do I know if I have a concussion?

• How long does it take to recover? Will I have symptoms forever?

• What is a concussion?

• What to do if I think I have a concussion?

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What are the symptoms of a concussion and how do I know if I have a concussion?

Concussion Symptoms: 

• Headache

• Dizziness and balance changes

• Difficulty with concentration

• Trouble with Sleep

• Mood changes including anxiety and depression

• Forgetfulness

• Fatigue

• Loss of consciousness

• Light or Noise sensitivity

The list of the signs of concussion can seem endless and vague. One aspect of concussions that makes them so hard to deal with is that you are unlikely to have all of the symptoms, and just because you DO NOT have any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you are concussion-free. This can be confusing for medical professionals, let alone an athlete or weekend warrior who suspects they might have a concussion. Part of the problem is that symptoms may not show up immediately, but instead take 24-48 hours to appear. (1)

With this in mind… How do you know if you have a concussion? How does a Chiropractor or a Physical Therapist in Vernon, BC test you for a concussion? This can be a nuanced question, but there are a few rules that you can follow. Let’s talk about how to tell if you have a concussion.

How do you know if you have a concussion?

SHORT VERSION: If you experience an injury and have ANY of the symptoms listed above, you likely have a concussion. It is recommended that you seek an evaluation by a qualified professional within 72 hours of the initial injury. If you are unsure who to see in your area, please reach out to me at drmurdoch@basecampclinic.com and I will help you find someone.

“I have a headache and some trouble with sleep! Does that automatically mean that I have a concussion?” The short answer is No. In general, to get a concussion you need to have a mechanism of injury. In other words, concussions need to have some sort of event that causes them.

These injuries usually involve some combination of the following:

• Moderate to high speeds

• Sudden changes in direction

• Head or body impact

Like the symptoms, we do not need to have all of these factors in order to get a concussion. One common question is “do you need to hit your head to get a concussion?” and the definitive answer is NO. You can experience a concussion without hitting your head. If after a fall, car accident, sports collision or unexpected impact you have any of the symptoms above, you most likely have a concussion. (1)

How does my Dr. know that I have a concussion? 

The diagnosis of a concussion is primarily based on a thorough history (what happened) and a symptom inventory (see above list of symptoms). As a clinician, we then used the physical exam to rule out anything that might be more serious (e.g. broken bones or more serious brain injury) and determine the most probable cause of the symptoms you are experiencing. (1)

In short, if you have a mechanism of injury consistent with concussions and any of the above symptoms, you likely have a concussion and should get an evaluation.

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Recovery after a Concussion

How long does it take to recover from a concussion? 

The good news about concussions is that most people fully recover from them completely and in a relatively short amount of time. The tricky part about concussions though, is that you will typically feel better before your brain has healed, which puts you at risk of a second injury with more serious consequences. Every person who experiences a concussion recovers somewhat differently, however, there are a few rules we can use to predict recovery. (2)

1. Concussion symptoms usually last 7-14 days following the injury

2. Symptoms often get worse 24-72 hours following a concussion

3. Those with less severe concussion symptoms are more likely to recover quickly

4. Symptoms resolve before the brain has recovered

When can I get back to doing what I love?

Despite feeling better within a relatively short amount of time, returning to the activity that caused the concussion in the first place is dangerous. The brain heals slowly and takes about 30 days to recover to baseline for most concussions. (2) As long as your symptoms do not persist or return, in general, you can return to your activity at about 30 days after a concussion without increased risk or permanent or lasting damage. It is, however, recommended that you return to your activity gradually, rather than back to 100% on day one (I am looking at you single track riders). 

Will I have symptoms forever?

Most people who experience a concussion fully recover with no residual injuries. If you are experiencing symptoms that last longer than 2 weeks then you need to get a thorough evaluation by someone who knows what they are doing. If you receive proper treatment then most people who have persistent symptoms still experience full recovery. A portion of patients have persistent symptoms that do not resolve. These people can still experience significant relief with treatment.

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When should I go see someone if I think I have a concussion?

So… you went over your handlebars. What now? When should you see someone if you think you have a concussion? I recommend seeing a qualified clinician as soon as possible following an injury if you think you have a concussion. Not only will this help you rule out anything more severe, it will also help you recover FASTER because early interventions with concussions are the key to fast and effective recovery. The ideal timeframe for an evaluation happens within 72 hours of injury.  

If you think you have a concussion or someone you know and care about has a concussion, contact me ASAP and we can get you on the road to recovery.

drmurdoch@basecampclinic.com

NOTE: If you have severe symptoms (loss of consciousness, vomiting, sustained double vision, passing out) then you need to go to the emergency room as soon as possible.

Summary

Here is the bullet:

• Concussions are very common and, while they should be taken seriously, most people completely recover within a short time.

• Most common symptoms include headache, neck pain, and dizziness, but anyone who has an injury involving the head and neck should get evaluated

• Concussions are diagnosed by a history and a physical exam, in which the primary goal is ruling out a more serious injury

• A timely exam and treatment can enhance healing and recovery. Guidance can help decrease the chance of re-injury or persistent symptoms.

Have a question about concussions? Shoot me an email: drmurdoch@basecampclinic.com or give me a call: 250-307-7819

For a great video on concussions, check this video from TED: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvjK-4NXRsM

Author: Dr. Mark Murdoch, Chiropractor and Co-Founder at Base Camp Chiropractic and Sports Rehab in Vernon, BC.

Mark Murdoch is a Doctor of Chiropractic with a Master’s Degree in Sports Medicine.

www.BaseCampClinic.com

Contact: drmurdoch@basecampclinic.com

Instagram: Base.Camp.Doc

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References:

1. Jackson, W. T., & Starling, A. J (2018) Concussion Evaluation and Management. The Medical Clinics of North America. 

2. Vagnozzi et al., 2010.

3. SCAT 5