UnknownNot Applicable

The Relationship Between Dizziness and Neck Pain

Norway370 participantsStarted 2017-07-11

Plain-language summary

Both dizziness and neck pain are common complaints in the Norwegian population. The cervical spine has a highly developed proprioceptive system, which is involved in head and gaze stabilization as well as postural control. Thus, it has been argued that dizziness and/or unsteadiness can occur due to loss of or inadequate stimulation of neck receptors in patients with neck pain. Still, the notion of dizziness due to cervical dysfunction is a controversial topic. However, clinicians report that patients referred for dizziness often complain of neck pain, and vice versa. This study is a multi-center study including patients referred to 1) a neuro-otologic clinic due to dizziness and 2) a rehabilitation clinic due to neck pain. Both clinics are tertiary care university clinics. The study explores the prevalence, severity and spectrum of symptoms as well as clinical findings in patients with various combinations of dizziness and neck pain. The aim is to see if these patient groups differ from each other in terms of clinical characteristics, symptoms and quality of life. Additionally, the aim is to examine if there is a relationship between neck dysfunction and dizziness, and last, if the symptoms persist longer in patients with both dizziness and neck pain.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 67 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria for patients: * Residence within the Health Region of Western Norway AND * Referral to the ENT department of Haukeland University Hospital due to vertigo OR * Referral to Nordås Outpatient Clinic due to neck pain lasting \> 3 months Exclusion criteria for patients: * Severe orthopaedic or neurologic disease affecting postural balance * Inability to undergo test protocol due to physical or language barriers * Quaternary referrals (vestibular schwannomas or divers with vestibular disorders) Inclusion criteria for healthy controls: \- Employees at Haukeland University Hospital Exclusion criteria for healthy controls: * Known neurologic or vestibular disease or ongoing ear disease. * Neck pain within last 3 months

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Difference between Groups in the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI)

Timeframe: Baseline and 6 months follow-up

Difference betwee Groups in the Neck Disability Index (NDI)

Timeframe: Baseline and 6 months follow-up

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03531619

SponsorHaukeland University Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2024-02-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Dizziness trials