What is the Difference Between BPPV and Cervical Vertigo?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and Cervical Vertigo lies in their symptoms and causes.
BPPV is responsible for 17-42% of all dizziness presentations and occurs when small otoliths dislodge from the utricle and move into one of the semicircular canals, sending conflicting balance information to the brain. Symptoms of BPPV typically include a "spinning vertigo" sensation.
Cervical Vertigo, also known as Cervicogenic Dizziness, is caused by abnormal afferent activity from the neck. It is characterized by symptoms such as light-headedness, floating, unsteadiness, or general imbalance, but rarely true "spinning" vertigo. A sensation of "spinning" (i.e., true rotary vertigo) usually suggests a non-cervicogenic origin, possibly BPPV. Another significant differentiator is that isolated cervicogenic vertigo is nearly always associated with upper cervical tenderness and upper cervical segmental joint restriction.
It is essential to note that cervicogenic vertigo and BPPV can co-exist. Physiotherapists are capable of making this diagnosis in the clinical setting and are able to treat cervicogenic dizziness.
Comparative Table: BPPV vs Cervical Vertigo
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and Cervical Vertigo are two different types of vertigo that may share similar symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and vision problems. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:
| Feature | BPPV | Cervical Vertigo |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | BPPV is a peripheral vestibular disorder caused by the dislodgment of otoconia (crystals) in the semicircular canals of the inner ear. Cervical vertigo is a type of cervicogenic dizziness, which is often associated with neck movement, cervical pain, or vascular compromise. | |
| Symptom Onset | BPPV is often caused by head movements or changing position, such as rolling over in bed. Cervical vertigo is associated with neck pain and often provoked by specific neck movements or postures. | |
| Nystagmus | In BPPV, nystagmus (involuntary eye movement) is generally latent and fatiguable. Nystagmus can also be present in central vestibular disorders and is not fatiguable. Cervical vertigo may not have the same nystagmus pattern as BPPV. | |
| Diagnosis | BPPV is diagnosed through physical examination and the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. Cervicogenic dizziness is more challenging to diagnose, as no single test has been found sufficiently sensitive or specific for it. | |
| Treatment | BPPV is often treated with the Epley maneuver, which aims to reposition the dislodged otoconia back into the utricle. Treatment for cervical vertigo may focus on addressing the underlying cause, such as neck pain or vascular dysfunction, and normalizing cervical mechanics. |
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