Cervicogenic Dizziness: A Case Report Illustrating Orthopaedic Manual and Vestibular Physical Therapy Comanagement

Abstract

The diagnosis and treatment of patients with dizziness of a cervical origin may pose a challenge for orthopaedic and vestibular physical therapy specialists. A thorough examination, which consists of a screening examination to rule out pathologies not amenable to sole physical therapy management and, if indicated, a physical therapy differential diagnostic process incorporating both cervical spine and vestibular tests and measures, may indicate an appropriate course of management. The treatment progression is then based on patient signs, symptoms, and response to physical therapy interventions. This case study describes the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of a patient with cervicogenic dizziness co-managed by a vestibular and an orthopaedic manual physical therapist.