How Do We Diagnose Cervicogenic Dizziness?

by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul

Dizziness can come from many different causes. Some cases are related to the inner ear (such as BPPV or Ménière’s disease), others to the brain (like stroke or cerebellar disorders). Dizziness may also occur due to general health conditions such as anemia, low blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, or even side effects of certain medications.

Among these, cervicogenic dizziness—dizziness related to the neck—requires special attention. The joints, muscles, and nerves in the cervical spine are closely connected with the body’s balance system. When they are strained or not functioning well, they can send abnormal signals and trigger dizziness.

Why It Is an “Exclusion Diagnosis”

Unlike some other conditions, cervicogenic dizziness does not have a single test that confirms it. Instead, doctors follow a careful process of ruling out other possible causes first:

  1. Ruling out inner ear problems
    – Hearing tests, vestibular function tests, and positional tests help exclude disorders such as BPPV or Ménière’s disease.

  2. Ruling out brain conditions
    – Neurological examination and brain imaging are used to check for strokes or cerebellar issues.

  3. Checking general health factors
    – Blood pressure, anemia, heart disease, and medication effects are considered.

  4. Evaluating the neck
    – Dizziness is often linked to neck pain, stiffness, or posture. If dizziness worsens with neck movement and other causes have been excluded, the neck becomes the most likely source.

Through this step-by-step approach, when no other cause is found and the neck connection is clear, the dizziness can be considered cervicogenic.

Key Message for Patients

Cervicogenic dizziness cannot be diagnosed with one simple test. Instead, it is identified by carefully excluding other conditions and confirming the close relationship between neck function and dizziness symptoms.

If dizziness keeps coming back—especially if it occurs together with neck pain or stiffness—it is important to seek medical evaluation to determine the cause and receive appropriate care.

👍Consultation and Appointment Information

Son PMR & Chiropractic Clinic( 2nd floor, 229-1 Gucheonmyun-Ro, Gangdongu, Seoul, South Korea) 

by  Dr Son MD & DC 
Contact: 02-482-8875 in Seoul( +82-2-482-8875)

chson@daum.net

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