ASSOCIATION OF COMMON TYPES OF HEADACHES WITH VESTIBULAR IMPAIRMENT AND NECK PAIN IN ELDERLY

Abstract

Headache(TTH). The headache is associated with vestibular impairment (VI)  and neck pain, but this association has not been studied in elder population. Objective: To determine the association of common types of headaches with vestibular impairment and neck pain in elderly. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from February 2021 to June 2021 at District Headquarters Hospital Narowal using a non-probability convenience sampling technique on n=140 participants. The inclusion criteria include age above 50 years, able to ambulate independently, complaint history of common type of headache. Headache was assessed clinically based on diagnostic criteria. The head impulse test was used to assess the vestibular function. The neck pain presence was asked through close ended question with binary response. The chi-square (x²) test used for association between the variables. Results: The mean age of the participants was 58.17 ± 7.14 years. The tension type headache was seen in n=76 (54.2%), migraine in n=33 (23.5%) and cervicogenic headache in n=31 (22.1%) patients. Vertigo was seen in n=52 (37%)  patients and neck pain in n=82 (58%) patients. A significant association of vestibular impairment with migraine (Chi square value= 7.79, p=0.02) and cervicogenic headache (Chi square value= 6.12, p=0.04). While no significant association with tension type headache (Chi square value= 0.97, p=0.04). All type of headache were significantly associated (p<0.05) with neck pain. Conclusion: The vestibular impairment and neck pain are associated with all type of headache, except tension type headache where vestibular impairments are not associated.  There was an association between types of headaches and neck pain.

Keywords: Cervicogenic headache, Migraine, Neck pain, Tension type headache, Vestibular impairment (VI).