Regular practice of exercises that connect the mind and body, such as Tai Chi and Yoga, aid in teaching you how to focus. In our modern world, this means mindfulness.

A key phrase that is often taught for focus is,

Move from the eye of the hurricane and not be swept away in the surrounding confusion

So, how does this relate to Cervicogenic Dizziness?!

This reminds me of an ever-so-important “eye” of the surrounding storm in the complicated and perplexing area of dizziness, lightheadiness and vertigo ==>>the vestibular nuclei.

The vestibular nuclei are important centers of integration, receiving input from the vestibular nuclei of the opposite side, as well as from the cerebellum and the visual and somatic sensory systems (Purves et al 2001).

Neurons in the vestibular nucleus, which receive direct inputs from the vestibular afferents, ocular afferents, cervical afferents and several other locations as shown in diagram above are responsive to head velocity during passive whole-body rotations or passive head-on-body movements.

Therefore, if a mismatch of signals in the “storm” of the hurricane (i.e. several afferent sources); then the ultimate symptom can be vague description of dizziness and vertigo.

Vestibular nuclei neurons are responsive to passive neck proprioceptor activation. Considering a high percentage of proprioception is in the muscles spindles and joint capsules of the upper cervical spine, this can be a cause of the patient’s symptoms.

The sensorimotor control disturbances may result from either a decrease or an increase in cervical afferent activity. The crucial factor appears to be that afferent input is altered and abnormal. For these individuals, the ultimate symptom can be vague description of lightheadiness, unsteadiness and dizziness.

THE PERPETUAL CYCLE OF INCORRECT AFFERENT INFORMATION INPUT IS KNOWN AS SENSORY OR NEURAL MISMATCH CONCEPT.

Therefore, think of the Vestibular Nucleus being in the “Eye of the Storm” needing to focus even with the turmoil sweeping around it.