Patients with vertigo/dizziness of unknown origin during follow-ups by general otolaryngologists at outpatient town clinic

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to access the contribution of vertigo/dizziness-related patients’ interview and examinations during short-term hospitalization in determining the accurate final diagnosis of vertigo/dizziness of unknown origin.MethodsWe reviewed 1905 successive vertigo/dizziness patients at the Vertigo/Dizziness Center of Nara Medical University, who were introduced from general otolaryngologists at outpatient town clinic from May 2014 to April 2020. However, 244 patients were diagnosed with vertigo/dizziness of unknown origin (244/1905; 12.8%). Of these patients, 240 were hospitalized and underwent various examinations, including caloric test (C-test), video head impulse test (vHIT), vestibular evoked cervical myogenic potentials (cVEMP), subjective visual vertical (SVV), inner ear magnetic resonance imaging (ieMRI), Schellong test (S-test), and self-rating questionnaires of depression score (SDS).ResultsAccording to the examination data, together with interviewed vertigo/dizziness characteristics and daily changeable nystagmus findings, the final diagnoses were as follows: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV: 107/240; 44.6%), orthostatic dysregulation (OD: 56/240; 23.3%), vestibular peripheral disease (VPD: 25/240; 10.4%), vestibular migraine (VM: 14/240; 5.8%), Meniere's disease (MD: 12/240; 5.0%), gravity perception disturbance (GPD: 10/240; 4.2%), psychogenic vertigo (Psycho: 10/240; 4.2%), and unknown (Unknown: 6/240; 2.5%). Supporting factors of final diagnosis was seen in gender, evoked dizziness, and positional nystagmus as BPPV; in evoked dizziness, S-test, and hypertension as OD; in evoked dizziness, head shaking after nystagmus, C-test, and vHIT as VPD; in gender, headache, and S-test as VM; in ear fullness and ieMRI as MD; in gender, evoked dizziness, and SVV as GPD; and in SDS as Psycho. To sum up, the ratios of Unknown were significantly reduced by this short-term hospitalization (244/1905→6/240).ConclusionsThe answer lists for vertigo/dizziness of unknown origin obtained in the present study may be helpful for future general otolaryngologists at outpatient town clinic to better attain an accurate final diagnosis.     

Effects of endolymphatic space volume on discrepancy of results between caloric test and video head impulse test

ObjectiveThe caloric test (C-test) and video head impulse test (vHIT) are known to occasionally show contradictory results in patients with Meniere's disease (MD). The reasons underlying this discrepancy between the two tests are currently unclear. We aimed to reveal the mechanisms responsible for this discrepancy by performing volumetric evaluation of the endolymphatic space (ELS) by using endoluminal contrast-enhanced inner ear MRI (ieMRI).MethodsWe enrolled 136 patients (174 ears) who visited the vertigo/dizziness center of our university and underwent the C-test and vHIT between February 2018 and February 2020. Inner ear MRI was also performed to determine the presence of endolymphatic hydrops (EH). The percentage of patients diagnosed with each vestibular disease was as follows: MD, 23.0%; benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), 17.8%; bilateral vestibular disorder (BVD), 9.2%; sudden deafness with vertigo (SD), 8.0%; peripheral dizziness (PD), 7.5%; unilateral vestibular disorder (UVD), 6.9%; vestibular neuritis (VN), 6.3%; delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH), 3.4%; central dizziness (CD), 2.9%; Hunt syndrome (Hunt), 1.2%; and other disorders (OD), 13.8%.ResultsAmong the ears in the present study, 46.0% (80/174) showed a discrepancy in the results of the C-test and vHIT, and the disease-related distribution of patients showing this discrepancy was as follows; MD, 38.8% (27/80; p = 0.0019); BVD, 13.8% (11/80); UVD, 12.5% (10/80); SD, 7.5% (6/80); BPPV, 6.3% (5/80); PD, 6.3% (5/80); VN, 3.8% (3/80); DEH, 3.8% (3/80); CD, 2.5% (2/80); Hunt, 0.0% (0/80); and OD, 10.0% (8/80). In all cases, the discrepancy presented as a positive C-test result and negative vHIT result. The ELS ratio was measured for the whole inner ear, cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canal, and the relationships between the rates and the presence of discrepancy was examined. Inner ear ELS ratio was 17.9% ± 10.8% in patients with the discrepancy and 15.2% ± 8.8% in those without the discrepancy (p = 0.036). Cochlear ELS ratio was 14.9% ± 11.3% in patients with the discrepancy and 11.9% ± 10.3% in those without the discrepancy (p = 0.0012). Vestibular ELS ratio was 22.3% ± 16.2% in patients with the discrepancy and 17.2% ± 12.7% in those without the discrepancy (p = 0.032). Semicircular canal ELS ratio was 18.0% ± 11.0% in patients with the discrepancy and 16.5% ± 9.6% in those without the discrepancy (p = 0.442).ConclusionThe volume of the ELS may affect the discrepancy of results between the C-test and vHIT.     

前庭性眩晕疾病患者焦虑和抑郁状况研究

目的 研究临床上常见的四种前庭性眩晕患者的焦虑/抑郁状况及其眩晕残障程度等相关因素并进行分析,为临床诊治四种前庭性眩晕提供依据。 方法 搜集确诊为前庭性眩晕的患者,分别为良性阵发性位置性眩晕(BPPV)、前庭性偏头痛(VM)、梅尼埃病(MD)及前庭神经炎(VN)四种疾病,记录患者的病程、持续时间等一般资料,完善耳科学检查并进行医院焦虑抑郁量表(HAD)、眩晕残障量表(DHI)测定。 结果 纳入前庭性眩晕患者121例,其中BPPV47例,VM31例,MD29例,VN14例,四组患者焦虑/抑郁阳性率分别为BPPV 31.9%、VM 71.0%、MD 75.9%、VN 42.9%;轻度、中度及重度眩晕残障程度分别为BPPV 58.9%、19.8%、21.3%,VM 19.4%、25.8%、54.8%,MD 6.9%、24.1%、69.0%,VN 38.6%、21.4%、40.0%。焦虑与抑郁评分之间线性相关(r=0.570,P<0.05);DHI与HAD评分之间线性相关(r=0.804;P<0.05)。 结论 前庭性眩晕患者存在不同程度的焦虑/抑郁,且焦虑和抑郁有一定的相关性;VM和MD患者焦虑/抑郁的发生率较高;VM、MD及VN患者眩晕残障程度高于BPPV患者。因此在临床上诊治前庭性眩晕疾病的时候要重视患者的焦虑/抑郁状态,特别是VM、MD患者,以便更好的治疗前庭性眩晕。     

眼震电图与动态姿势图在良性阵发性位置性眩晕中的临床应用

目的:探讨眼震电图(ENG)及动态姿势描记(DPG)2种前庭功能检查在良性阵发性位置性眩晕(BPPV)中的临床应用。方法:应用ENG与DPG对40例34～79岁的原发性BPPV患者(BPPV组)和20例正常者(对照组)进行检查,其中DPG评定参数选取感觉器官测试(SOT)中前庭感觉评分、本体感觉评分、视觉评分、Romber′s评分和综合评分。结果:40例BPPV患者的ENG检查中,温度试验异常者26例(65.0%);DPG异常者33例(82.5%),并且DPG中均表现为前庭觉评分低,其他几项评分均未见差别。温度试验和DPG两项结果均异常者24例(60.0%),温度试验正常患者中有9例(64.3%)出现前庭觉评分低,在SOT中除前庭觉评分低外其他几项评分均未见明显异常。此外,与对照组比较BPPV组ENG中温度试验和DPG的前庭评分明显异常(P<0.05),并且≥12个月患者上述检查异常程度更高(P<0.05)。结论:ENG与DPG是重要的前庭功能检查方法,二者联合应用能够全面分析BPPV患者前庭功能病变,且BPPV患者病程直接影响其前庭功能。     

Assessment of sensory organization testing in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo patients before and after repositioning manoeuvre

Introduction and objectiveBenign paroxysmal positioning vertigo is considered the most common disorder of the peripheral vestibular system. After successful physical manoeuvres for BPPV, a number of patients complain of non-positional sustained imbalance of variable duration called residual dizziness lasting for several days. The objective of this study was to compare the posturographic changes before and one week after successful repositioning manoeuvres in patients with idiopathic BPPV.Materials and methodsThis study was a case–control study, where the first group was composed of 20 patients with confirmed BPPV diagnosis regardless of the affected canal or pathology. Twenty age and gender matched normal subjects constituted the control group. The sensory organization test was performed before and one week after a repositioning manoeuvre in BPPV patients.ResultsAll 20 BPPV patients, except 6 who had no significant improvement of symptoms even after disappearance of classic vertigo and nystagmus, had substantial improvement in sensory scores after CRPs in the antero-posterior visual and vestibular scores and the medio-lateral visual and global scores. All antero-posterior and medio-lateral scores before and after CRPs, except for the AP preferential score, were considerably poorer in BPPV patients than healthy subjects. The 6 patients, who showed no improvement after CRPs, presented with a history of non-specific symptoms i.e., light-headedness or sense of floating.ConclusionsSensory organization test might have a role in the assessment of residual dizziness in patients with BPPV after CRPs.     

Study on 242 inpatients reporting vertigo and dizziness

We studied 242 inpatients--men (34%) and women (66%) reporting vertigo and dizziness while hospitalized at Hakodate Municipal Hospital from July 1999 to June 2002. Adults over 65 years old accounted for 47.3% of all subjects. Reports of symptoms tended to increase in March, August, and December. Cases were classified into 4 groups: 1) peripheral disorders (35.7%), 2) central disorders (7.9%), 3) disorders of other origins (8.3%), and 4) disorders of unknown origin (47.1%). Group 1) involved vestibular neuritis (10.1% of all cases), Meniere diseases (12.4%), benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) (5.8%), and sudden deafness with vertigo (5.8%). Patients with vestibular neuritis--25 subjects including men (68%) and women (32%)--tended to be admitted mainly in July. Vestibular compensation in 15 patients with vestibular neuritis was studied using the platform stabilometry. The total length of a locus and the area of surroundings with open eyes decreased significantly (p < 0.05) as the condition of patients improved. In conclusion, many subjects reporting vertigo and dizziness had vestibular neuritis and few had BPPV. We found platform stabilometry to be useful in estimation of improvement in patients with vestibular neuritis.     

The test and treatment methods of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and an addition to the management of vertigo due to the superior vestibular canal (BPPV‐SC)

A review of the tests and treatment manoeuvres for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of the posterior, horizontal and superior vestibular canals is presented. Additionally, a new way to test and treat positional vertigo of the superior vestibular canal is presented. In a prospective study, 57 out of 305 patients' visits are reported. They had residual symptoms and dizziness after the test and the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of the horizontal canal (BPPV‐HC) and posterior canal (PC). They were tested with a new test and treated with a new manoeuvre for superior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV‐SC). Results for vertigo in 53 patients were good; motion sickness and acrophobia disappeared. Reactive neck tension to BPPV was relieved. Older people were numerous among patients and their quality of life (QOL) improved.     

Eye movements and imaging in vestibular migraine

Background and objectiveMigrainous dizziness is one of the most frequent complaints. Dizziness associated with migraine may be the result of abnormal eye movements. Brain imaging and changes in eye movements may explain the dizziness and highlight possible pathophysiological substrates in migraine dizziness. Our aim is to evaluate eye movement using videonystagmography (VNG) and video head impulse test (vHIT) and to study the occipital lobe metabolic profile in vestibular migraine patients (VM).Materials and methodsThere were 2 groups enrolled in the study; the first group consisted of 25 vestibular migraine patients (VM) according to the recent criteria of Barany society. The second group consisted of 20 age matched healthy subjects. Both groups underwent the following: (1) A detailed history, VNG test protocol, vHIT in three planes. (2) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the brain and inner ear using 1.5 T magnet and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H1-MRS).ResultsSixty eight percent of the patients complained of spontaneous vertigo and 28% complained of positional vertigo. Non-paroxysmal positional nystagmus was recorded in 92% during their dizzy spell. The brain MRI was unremarkable in 72% of the cases. Chemical shift in the occipital lobe was found in 92% of VM. Lactate peaks were statistically significant related with the presence of non-paroxysmal positional nystagmus.ConclusionsA statistically significant relationship exists between non-paroxysmal positional nystagmus and presence of lactate peaks in the occipital lobe in VM patients.     

Dynamic posturography findings predict balance status in vestibular schwannoma patients.

OBJECTIVE: To test whether condition 5 score (C5S) and condition 6 score (C6S) of the sensory organization test of computerized dynamic platform posturography (CDPP) differ between vestibular schwannoma (VS) patients with and without vestibular symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. SETTING: Tertiary academic referral center. PATIENTS: Two hundred and sixteen consecutive patients with a histological diagnosis of a VS (103 women; 113 men; age range, 18-78 years; median, 54 years) who had been preoperatively evaluated by CDPP. A hundred and twelve patients had a history of vertigo, dizziness, and/or imbalance, and 104 patients had neither present nor past vestibular symptoms at all. INTERVENTION: Diagnostic. Preoperative CDPP in VS patients with and without vestibular symptoms. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Condition 5 score and C6S of the sensory organization test of CDPP of VS patients. To test whether C5S and C6S differ between VS patients with and without vestibular symptoms, the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney rank sum test was applied. RESULTS: Both C5S (p = 0.001) and C6S (p < 0.0005) were significantly lower in VS patients with vestibular symptoms than in VS patients without vestibular symptoms. CONCLUSION: There is a significant difference in the distribution of C5S and C6S between VS patients with and without vestibular symptoms. Thus, patients with symptoms tend to have lower C5S and C6S than patients without symptoms, although this trend is not sufficient for reliable discrimination for all patients.     

Vestibular migraine and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo,close presentation dilemma

Abstract

Background: Not only an association between benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and migraine have been recognized in the literature, but also, there are close similarities between BPPV and vestibular migraine (VM) presentations as both can be presented by very similar positional nystagmus.

Aims/objectives: To prescribe relatively uncommon cases of positional nystagmus caused by VM that mimics positioning nystagmus of BPPV.

Material and method: 12 patients were reviewed retrospectively in this study. All were subjected to full history taking, videonystagmography testing (VNG) and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast. Provisionally, they were diagnosed with BPPV. After three attempts of repositioning sessions none of them improved. After exclusion of central insults using brain MRI, trial of anti-migraine medical treatment (50-100 Topiramate tablets once per day) for at least one month was prescribed to them.

Results: 10 patients were completely cured on medical treatment and finally were diagnosed VM. Only 2 patients did not improve on medical treatment (for one month), were managed again by repeated repositioning maneuvers till finally improved and were diagnosed as resistant BPPV.

Conclusions/significance: VM positional nystagmus can mimic BPPV nystagmus in some patients.     

Supervised machine learning models for classifying common causes of dizziness

PurposeThe objective of this study was to use a supervised machine learning (ML) platform and a national dataset to identify factors important in classifying common types of dizziness.MethodsUsing established clinical criteria and responses to the balance and dizziness supplement from the 2016 National health Interview Survey (n = 33,028), case definitions for vestibular migraine (VM), benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) Ménière's disease (MD), persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD), superior canal dehiscence (SCD), and bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH) were generated. One hundred thirty-six variables consisting of sociodemographic characteristics and medical comorbidities were used to develop decision tree models to predict these common types of dizziness.ResultsThe one-year prevalence of dizziness in the U.S. was 16.8% (5562 respondents). VM was highly prevalent, representing 4.0% of the overall respondents (n = 1327). ML decision tree models were able to correctly classify all 6 dizziness subtypes with high accuracy (sensitivity range, 70–92%; specificity range, 89–99%) using responses to questions about functional limitations due to dizziness, such as falls due to dizziness and modification of social activities due to dizziness.ConclusionsIn a large population-based dataset, supervised ML models accurately predicted dizziness subtypes according to responses to questions that do not pertain to dizziness symptoms alone.     

Clinical significance of orthostatic dizziness in the diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and orthostatic intolerance

Purpose

Orthostatic dizziness (OD) and positional dizziness (PD) are considerably common conditions in dizziness clinic, whereas those two conditions are not clearly separated. We aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of simple OD and OD combined with PD for the diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and orthostatic intolerance (OI).

Patients and Methods

Patients presenting with OD (n = 102) were divided into two groups according to their symptoms: group PO, presenting with PD as well as OD; group O, presenting with OD. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and vestibular function tests were performed to identify the etiology of the dizziness. Orthostatic vital sign measurement (OVSM) was used to diagnose OI.

Results

The majority of patients were in group PO (87.3%). BPPV was the most common cause of OD for entire patients (36.3%) and group PO (37.1%), while OI was most common etiology for group O (38.5%). Total of 17 (16.7%) OI patients were identified by OVSM test. Orthostatic hypotension (n = 10) was most frequently found, followed by orthostatic hypertension (n = 5), and orthostatic tachycardia (n = 2). Group O showed significantly higher percentage (38.5%) of OI than group PO (13.5%) (P = 0.039).

Conclusion

It is suggested that orthostatic testing such as OVSM or head-up tilt table test should be performed as an initial work up for the patients with simple OD. Positional tests for BPPV should be considered as an essential diagnostic test for patients with OD, even though their dizziness is not associated with PD.     

良性阵发性位置性眩晕的听-前庭功能研究

目的了解良性阵发性位置性眩晕（benign paroxysmal positional veaigo，BPPV）在听和前庭功能检查方面的特点，进一步了解BPPV的可能发病机制，并提出防治策略。方法对86例BPPV患者行纯音测听、高刺激率听性脑干反应、前庭双温试验、前庭诱发的肌源性电位检查。分析BPPV患者几种耳功能检查的阳性率，以及在BPPV发病机制中的作用。结果86例BPPV患者中，原发性占82％（70／86）。纯音测听异常者占52％（45／86）；高刺激听性脑干反应异常者在原发性BPPV中60％（30／50）。前庭诱发的肌源性电位异常为34％（11／32）。前庭双温试验异常者25％（18／72），其中，与BPPV同侧者占67％（12／18）。水平半规管BPPV，双温试验异常者占11％（2／18），后半规管异常者占89％（16／18）。结论原发性BPPV发病率高于继发性BPPV（x^2=67．8140，P〈0．01），纯音测听结果正常与异常的例数几乎相同。高刺激听性脑干反应异常对于原发性BPPV有一定的贡献。水平半规管前庭双温试验异常率低，而后半规管异常率较高。前庭诱发的肌源性电位的异常率明显低于高刺激听性脑干反应和前庭双温试验，说明上迷路的病变与BPPV发病密切相关。鉴于内耳供血可能对BPPV的发病有一定的影响，对于异常的患者应给改善内耳供血的药物，以减少复发。     

Caloric tests in clinical practice in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Background: The value of caloric tests in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) patients is unclear.

Objectives: To analyze the features and clinical significance of caloric tests in BPPV patients.

Materials and methods: About 2192 patients (256 BPPV and 1936 non-BPPV) who complained of dizziness triggered by movement, accompanied by the symptom of hearing loss or a history of vertigo, participated in this prospective clinical study. All subjects received a caloric test, 213 BPPV patients underwent follow-up for at least 6 months after canalith repositioning procedures (CRPs).

Results: (1) The abnormal canal paresis (CP) prevalence of BPPV was 57%. (2) The curative rate of single CRP decreased during follow-up from 90.1% after 7 days to 61% after 6 months and was significantly lower in patients with (54.1%) than in those without (70.1%) an abnormal CP at 6 months post-treatment (p?=?.01). (3) The recurrent rate was significantly higher in BPPV patients with abnormal CP (25.2%) than with normal CP (12.5%; p?=?.017).

Conclusions and significance: Patients with abnormal CP needed more CRPs and were more prone to relapse. The value of the caloric test in treatment planning and predicting recurrence in BPPV patients should be emphasized.     

Statistical observation of vertigo and dizziness patients]

Subjects visiting the Department of Otolaryngology at Suita Municipal Hospital reporting vertigo or dizziness numbered 664 women and 343 men from April 1999 to December 2000. As a city hospital, we play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of acute vertigo or dizziness. The frequency of diagnosis of these cases was divided almost equally into 5 groups: (1) benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) 23%; (2) suspected BPPV, 18%; (3) peripheral vestibular disorders other than BPPV, 22%; (4) disorders other than peripheral origin, 18%; and (5) undiagnosed, 19%. Based on our results, BPPV, other peripheral vestibular disorders, and disorders of other origins should be differentiated from the first screening. BPPV was most frequent and diagnosed by typical positioning nystagmus. Many other peripheral vestibular disorders were accompanied by nystagmus. It is also important to differentiate serious illnesses such as cerebrovascular disease (7%), space-occupying lesions in the posterior fossa (1.2%), and cardio-circulatory disease (3.6%).     

Relevance of function tests in the diagnosis of vestibular disorders

The diagnostic value or relevance of a vestibular function test is dependent on the whole clinical and functional context of each particular case. It is not the ability to show‘abnormality’in a high number of patients complaining of whatever kind of vertigo, that indicates the relevance of a function test. Neither is relevance of a test based upon the possibility that this test can re-categorize some patients in the same way as has been done by other tests. Each test evaluates some particular functional aspect and this is very different from one test to another. A test is more relevant, i. e. indicates more abnormality when the type of vertigo caused by the dysfunction is also considered. These statements are confirmed by experience in peripheral vestibular disorders, especially benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). A paroxysmal positional nystagmus (ppn) (nystagmus and vertigo elicited by movements and manoeuvres) is linked to the problem of provoked vertigo and gives a confirmation of this vertigo by reproducing it in some manoeuvres. Some inconstancy in the reproduction of this ppn may cause difficulties in diagnosis. Caloric tests are the clue for diagnosis of sudden unilateral loss (so-called neuronitis), whereas they give only complementary information for patients with BPPV. Posturography adds information in all categories concerning the standing position and can be interesting in the scope of rehabilitation treatment. The findings of a retrospective study in patients with BPPV (n= 95), compared with patients with Ménière's disease (n= 89) and others with sudden unilateral loss syndrome (n= 48), illustrate these concepts.     

动态平衡仪在良性阵发性位置性眩晕患者平衡功能评价及康复治疗中的应用价值

目的 探讨动态平衡仪在良性阵发性位置性眩晕(benign paroxysmal positional vertigo,BPPV)患者平衡功能评价及康复治疗中的应用价值.方法 回顾性分析2007年5月至2008年12月48例后半规管BPPV患者的临床资料.所有患者分别于Epley法复位前后行动静态平衡仪及冷热试验检查,并对结果进行分析比较.对于复位后眼震消失但仍有平衡障碍的患者采用动态平衡仪进行平衡康复训练,3周后再行动态平衡仪检查.结果 48例BPPV患者,Epley法复位前,冷热试验异常12例,占25.O%;静态平衡仪异常16例,占33.3%;动态平衡仪异常34例,占70.8%.经统计分析,动态平衡仪异常率高于冷热试验及静态平衡仪,差异具有统计学意义(χ2值分别为4.84和7.88,P值均＜O.05).Epley法复位治疗后,冷热试验异常7例,静态平衡仪异常4例,动态平衡仪异常8例.复位治疗后动态及静态平衡仪测试结果异常率明显降低,差异具有统计学意义(χ2值分别为24.04和1O.08,P值均＜0.05);而冷热试验结果无明显变化,治疗前后差异无统计学意义(χ2=3.2,P＞0.05).运用动态平衡仪对复位治疗后仍有平衡障碍的8例患者进行平衡康复训练,3周后所有患者平衡不稳感均消失,复查动态平衡仪结果均正常.结论 动态平衡仪可定量分析姿势平衡状态,有助于全面评价BPPV患者的平衡功能;BPPV患者多伴有平衡功能的降低,Epley法复位治疗可改善大部分患者的平衡功能,但并非所有患者平衡功能均恢复正常.运用动态平衡仪进行平衡康复训练对于已行耳石复位但仍有平衡障碍的患者有益.     

The test and treatment methods of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and an addition to the management of vertigo due to the superior vestibular canal (BPPV-SC)

A review of the tests and treatment manoeuvres for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of the posterior, horizontal and superior vestibular canals is presented. Additionally, a new way to test and treat positional vertigo of the superior vestibular canal is presented. In a prospective study, 57 out of 305 patients' visits are reported. They had residual symptoms and dizziness after the test and the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of the horizontal canal (BPPV-HC) and posterior canal (PC). They were tested with a new test and treated with a new manoeuvre for superior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV-SC). Results for vertigo in 53 patients were good; motion sickness and acrophobia disappeared. Reactive neck tension to BPPV was relieved. Older people were numerous among patients and their quality of life (QOL) improved.     

Intractable and atypical benign paroxysmal vertigo. Pathological results of high-resolution three-dimensional MR-tomography of the vestibular organ

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most frequent vestibular disorder and a most common cause of dizziness and vertigo. The modern canalolithiasis theory postulates the existence of free-floating dense otolithic particles in the endolymph of the posterior semicircular canal. The symptoms were exactly described by Dix and Hallpike; BPPV is normally a self-limited disease with spontaneous recovery. There is however a small number of patients who do not respond to any treatment or who present with otolithic vertigo which does not fit all Dix-Hallpike criteria (atypical BPPV). While BPPV in its typical appearance cannot be diagnosed with radiologic imaging, the authors succeeded in identifying structural changes in the vestibular organs of patients suffering from intractable or atypical BPPV using three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging.