[Analysis of select diagnostic examination results and their connection with cervical vertigo diagnosis].

Abstract

Cervical spine spondylotic changes are known to cause vertigo, but diagnostic criteria are not established. The aim of present study was to asses diagnostic value of classical radiologic, electronystagmographic (ENG) and transcranial doppler ultrasonographic (TCD) examinations in cervical vertigo diagnostic process. Forty patients with vertigo lasting more than 6 months with radiological evidence of cervical spondylosis participated in the study. All patients had ENG and TCD with neck rotation test. Cervical vertigo was diagnosed in patients with positive neck rotation test in: TCD examination (15% decrease of vertebral artery flow) and/or ENG examination (cervical nystagmus). We diagnosed cervical vertigo in 65% of patients. Multivariate model of logistic regression analysis showed that the best statistical predictors of cervical vertigo were: asymmetry of vertebral artery flow in TCD (OR: 92.2; 95% CI: 6,2-1381) and presence of osteophytes and discopathy in radiological examination (OR: 64.1; 95% CI: 1,3-1107). The transcranial doppler ultrasonographic examinations seems to be useful for diagnosing cervical vertigo.