What test result would support a diagnosis of cervicogenic headache according to clinical findings?

What test result would support a diagnosis of cervicogenic headache according to clinical findings?

• A. Negative craniocervical flexion test
• B. Increased muscle tension around the cervical spine
• C. Decreased AROM in cervical extension
• D. Normal neurological examination

Answer: (C)

A diagnosis of cervicogenic headache is often supported by specific clinical findings that indicate a cervical spine origin for the headache. The most relevant test result among the options provided is decreased active range of motion (AROM) in cervical extension. When assessing cervicogenic headaches, clinicians look for signs of cervical dysfunction, which often manifest as restricted movement due to pain or mechanical issues within the cervical spine. Decreased AROM in cervical extension suggests that there may be a dysfunction or pathology in the cervical region contributing to the headache, correlating with patterns observed in cervicogenic headaches where extension may increase headache symptoms. Increased muscle tension around the cervical spine can also be a factor, but it is more of a secondary symptom rather than a definitive test result supporting the diagnosis. Similarly, a negative craniocervical flexion test doesn't directly indicate cervicogenic problems, as this test assesses the function of deep neck flexors rather than providing specific diagnostic information about headaches. A normal neurological examination suggests that any headaches are likely not of neurological origin, but does not confirm or deny the presence of cervicogenic headaches specifically. Overall, the decreased AROM in cervical extension directly aligns with expected clinical findings in cervicogenic headache cases, highlighting the cervical spine

A diagnosis of cervicogenic headache is often supported by specific clinical findings that indicate a cervical spine origin for the headache. The most relevant test result among the options provided is decreased active range of motion (AROM) in cervical extension.

When assessing cervicogenic headaches, clinicians look for signs of cervical dysfunction, which often manifest as restricted movement due to pain or mechanical issues within the cervical spine. Decreased AROM in cervical extension suggests that there may be a dysfunction or pathology in the cervical region contributing to the headache, correlating with patterns observed in cervicogenic headaches where extension may increase headache symptoms.

Increased muscle tension around the cervical spine can also be a factor, but it is more of a secondary symptom rather than a definitive test result supporting the diagnosis. Similarly, a negative craniocervical flexion test doesn't directly indicate cervicogenic problems, as this test assesses the function of deep neck flexors rather than providing specific diagnostic information about headaches. A normal neurological examination suggests that any headaches are likely not of neurological origin, but does not confirm or deny the presence of cervicogenic headaches specifically.

Overall, the decreased AROM in cervical extension directly aligns with expected clinical findings in cervicogenic headache cases, highlighting the cervical spine