Vertigo—What to Do When It Follows a Head Injury

Vertigo is a very common problem, especially as a person gets older. In fact, about 40% of people over the age of 40 will experience spinning at some point. This particular form of dizziness can make the room seem like it’s spinning.

In most cases, vertigo only lasts for a few minutes. Vertigo that continues on for hours at a time could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. It could be related to conditions such as Meniere’s disease or migraines.

What if your vertigo has begun following a head or neck injury? First, we need to consider why such injuries can lead to spinning.

How Head or Neck Trauma Results in Vertigo

Any time a person injures the head or neck—whether it be whiplash, a concussion, or even something less serious—the potential exists for an upper cervical misalignment to occur. This means that the atlas or axis vertebra is out of position.

Misalignments in this part of the body can result in pressure on the brainstem. It can also restrict the proper flow of blood and cerebrospinal fluid for the brain. A misalignment can also affect the vestibulocochlear nerve which communicates with the brainstem to let the body know where it is in relation to its surroundings. All of these factors may contribute to spinning.

What to Do if Your Head Is Spinning After an Injury

According to a study involving 60 patients with chronic vertigo symptoms, upper cervical chiropractic care can provide great benefits. In this study, 48 of the 60 patients had their vertigo go away completely in just 1-6 months of care. The other 12 patients all saw noteworthy benefits as well.

Another significant factor in the study is that 56 of the patients could recall an injury to the head or neck in things such as a car accident, horseback riding injury, or slip and fall. This makes a good case for the benefits of upper cervical chiropractic care for vertigo following any kind of head or neck injury.