Exploring the Link Between Massage Guns and Vertigo in Two Cases

What led to acute vertigo in two seemingly healthy individuals? This puzzling situation was presented by David Elisha, BS, from Tel Aviv University School of Medicine in Israel, and Ronen Nazarian, MD, from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, in a recent publication in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.Upon conducting thorough physical examinations, it was determined that the initial patient, a 31-year-old woman, was suffering from benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) on the right side.

Further investigating the root cause, it was revealed that the patient had recently started using a handheld percussive massage gun on her neck and shoulders, shortly before the onset of symptoms. This raised questions about the potential connection between the massage gun and the vertigo.

The second patient, a 48-year-old woman with a history of recurrent BPPV, also disclosed regular use of a massage gun around her upper neck and occiput. Ceasing the use of the massage device resulted in a cessation of BPPV episodes.

Both patients underwent comprehensive vestibular function assessments, including a range of tests to confirm the BPPV diagnosis. The clinicians performed repositioning maneuvers that provided relief from symptoms, emphasizing the need to discontinue the use of massage guns.

Discussion surrounding BPPV highlighted its prevalence and common causes, suggesting that vibrational injuries, such as those from massage guns, may contribute to the development of vertigo. The potential risks associated with the force and design of handheld massage guns were underscored, urging caution in their use, especially near the head and neck.

These cases challenge typical age-related expectations of BPPV, emphasizing the impact of vibrational exposure from massage guns. Clinicians were advised to inquire about massage device use when evaluating patients with BPPV, to address potential contributing factors.

Recognizing the significance of these findings, the authors called for manufacturers to provide warnings about vertigo risks associated with massage devices, particularly in proximity to the head and neck. By raising awareness and promoting cautious usage, recurrences of BPPV could potentially be minimized.

As the medical community delves deeper into the relationship between massage guns and vertigo, these cases serve as a reminder of the importance of thorough evaluation and consideration of potential environmental factors in diagnosing and managing vertigo.