Publication:

Cervical spondylosis: a common finding in vertigo patients

Background Vertigo or giddiness is a common symptom seen in patients attending ENT OPD. Vestibular and neurological pathologies being the known common causes. Cervical spondylosis is being established as a common condition leading to vertigo. Our aim is to evaluate the significance of cervical spondylosis as a cause in patients with vertigo.

Methods Hundred patients of either sex, between the age group of 23-64 years, with vertigo were evaluated with complete history and clinical examination followed by PTA and impedance audiometry. All common causes of vertigo were ruled out and these patients were screened with digital x-ray cervical spine in lateral view to rule out cervical spondylosis. The results were analysed statistically using Chi square test and inference was drawn.

Results Out of 100 (100%) patients evaluated, 58 (58%) were female patients and 42 (42%) male patients. Cervical spondylosis was found to be present in 47 (47%) patients.

Conclusions Cervical spondylosis was found as a common finding in patients with vertigo. It can be ruled out easily using a simple investigation of cervical spine x-ray, in patients where other commoner causes cannot be established.