Evaluation of dizziness at Jordan University Hospital

This study was performed prospectively to evaluate the dizzy patients in the Neurotology Outpatient clinic at Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan during the period 1993-2000 and to discuss the prevalence and etiology of dizziness. Data were collected from 108 patients [52 males and 56 females] with a mean age of 45.6-years. Diagnosis was made on the basis of history, physical, otolaryngological and neurological examination and confirmed by relevant investigation including laboratory, radiological and audio vestibular tests. Secure diagnosis were made in 98% of patients [14% had one cause alone and 84% had multiple causes]. Cardiovascular disorders accounted for 31.5% of primary and 49% of secondary causes, peripheral vestibular disorders, 25% of primary and 3% of secondary causes, central vestibular disorders 17% of primary and 9% of secondary causes, metabolic endocrine 13% of primary and 38% of secondary causes, cervical osteoarthritis 5.5% of primary and 28% of secondary causes and psychogenic 4.6% of primary and 6.5% of secondary causes. Our findings demonstrate that vertigo is the most common subtype of dizziness [50%]. Multiple causes are more prevalent in older age and the single cause is more prevalent in younger age. Cardiovascular was the most common cause of dizziness followed by vestibular disorders, metabolic and cervical osteoarthritis. Vestibular disorders are primary causes and non vestibular are predominantly secondary causes of dizziness. Hyperlipidemia, diabetes and cervical causes are major secondary contributors to dizziness. We recommend a multi disciplinary setting and application of a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment approach without unnecessary protracted investigative scheme and installment of rehabilitation facilities

Cauterization of inferior nasal turbinate for idiopathic headache

Idiopathic headache is a stressful complaint, whose treatment is not well established. Our study is an attempt to examine the relationship between idiopathic headache and inferior turbinate cauterization as a surgical treatment, and to explain the central physiological effect of cauterization. Thirty-four patients, 15 females and 19 males complaining of idiopathic headache were treated by inferior turbinate cauterization. Cauterization of the inferior-medial aspect of the turbinate was carried out once under local anesthesia for few seconds. This study was performed between November 1993 and December 1996, a joint project of the Zarka Government Hospital, Zarka and Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. More than 82% of the patients showed significant improvement in the sense of decreased headache. Cautery of the nasal turbinate could be a novel method for treatment of idiopathic headache

Hearing loss in textile factory

To compare the prevalence rate of hearing loss at different levels of noise in a textile factory and to find out the levels of hearing loss according to duration [years] of employment in the factory. Seventy workers exposed to different levels of noise were matched with 70 persons in the community who were not exposed to occupational noise. Noise levels dB[A] were measured at different locations in the factory. Hearing was assessed in all participants. Few cases were excluded from the study because hearing loss was due to factors other than exposure to noise. The prevalence rate of hearing loss was higher among the exposed group ie. 30% in the exposed group and 8% in the non-exposed group. Hearing loss increased with increasing level of noise reaching 73% in the 95dB[A] area. Average hearing loss was highest amongst those who were employed for 25 years or more, reaching 39% dB[HL]. The findings of this study highlighted the magnitude of the problem, the necessity of the application of preventive measures and the need for more studies in this field

Characteristics of middle ear pressure in children under enflurane and isoflurane anaesthesia

Fourty seven children were selected to study the effect of enflurane and isoflurane on the middle ear pressure and the time required to achieve the pressure changes. The data was recorded by using an Interacoustics impedance audiometer model AZ7. From the results of this study, it appeared that Isoflurane is the least unsatisfactory agent to use in middle ear and tympanic cavity surgery