Vertigo, can it be redefined?

Abstract

Background & Objectives-

Vertigo, a clinical symptom complex is not infrequent in our patients. Its diagnosis too is controversial. Majority of these cases run from hospital to clinics, some times to Otolaryngologists to get rid of this bizarre experience. Sometimes they get benefit but otherwise they experience a destitute life.

Our aim was to treat them by Physical Therapy in the light of Cervical Spondylosis that is commonly associated with vertigo.

Material & Methods-

This is a prospective case study done in PMR department (OPD) of a teaching institute over a period of 6 months time period. 20 OPD patients of both sexes (14 ladies and 6 gents) with definite Cervical Spondylosis along with complain of vertigo or dizziness, pain at cervical spine were accounted for the study. Only extreme aged persons or patients with other major co-morbidity were excluded. These 20 patients were treated with conventional Physical Therapy for CS. Medications were prescribed as and when required.

Results-

After Physical Therapy, that included lifestyle modification, isometric cervical exercise, intermittent cervical traction, application of Therapeutic Ultrasound (UST) to cervical region and proper posture care of cervical spine along with use of cervical orthosis (where needed), majority of the patients become symptom free.

Conclusion-

Physical Therapy may be considered as an alternative method of treatment of Vertigo patients, who are otherwise not responding satisfactorily to pharmaceutical agents.