[Evaluation of vestibular function following cochlear implant surgery]

There are contradictory reports regarding vestibular function after cochlear implant surgery. In this study, we evaluated the influence of cochlear implant surgery on vestibular function by comparing the results of caloric test in both ears of patients who received implants. 24 adult patients who had undergone cochlear implant surgery at least 6 months earlier, were participated in this study. Caloric test with the stimulus of cold and warm water was performed on both ears of each patient and results were compared with each other regarding unilateral weakness, directional preponderance and areflexia. The differences between two ears regarding directional preponderance, unilateral weakness and areflexia were not statistically significant. It seems the pathological cause of deafness is a more influential factor on vestibular dysfunction than the damage following cochlear implant surgery

[Oculomotor function in idiopathic Parkinsonian patients]

Parkinson could be regards the most prevalent degenerative disorder in the central nervous system. In addition to neuromuscular disorders, some degree of oculomotor dysfunction may be observed in these patients. The assessment of oculomotor system function may provide a viewpoint about the balance status of Parkinosonian patients and cold be regarded as an appropriate tool for the extent of movement disorders. The purpose of this study was the evaluation of oculomotor system in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Certainly, better understanding of mechanisms involved in this disorder, may help in designing rehabilitation programs and quality of life increment in these patients. In an analytic cross-sectional study, 30 patients [M:18, F: 12] with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and 30 [M: 20, F: 10] normal subjects, aged 35-70 years, were evaluated. Gain and phase of smooth pursuit eye movements [during horizontal and vertical situations] were recorded in 0.2 Hz velocity for all participants. Independent T and man-Whitney U tests [when the data distributions were not normal] were used for the comparison of mean gain and phase of responses between groups. Data analysis was carried out by SPSS 15. The average of pain, except for horizontal right eye condition, in normal subjects was significantly higher than patients with Parkinson's disease [P < 0.05]. Additionally, the average of phase, except for horizontal right eye condition, in patients with Parkinson's disease was significantly increased compared to normal subjects [P<0.01]. Serious oculomotor system dysfunction, both in horizontal and vertical situations, in idiopathic Parkinsonian patients may representative of dopaminergic control decrement in these patients

Comparison of dizziness, depression, anxiety and mental health of postlingually deaf adults between cochlear implant recipients and cochlear implant candidates

Hearing loss can affect on physical, mental and social health of deaf adults and lead to depression, anxiety, isolation, suspicion and stress of them. Cochlear implantation has positive effects on behavioral and emotional status of postlingually hearing impaired adults. This study is aimed to compare dizziness, depression, anxiety and mental health in adult cochlear implant recipients and candidates. This case- control and comparative study was conducted on 49 patients, 24 cochlear implant recipients [as case group] and 25 severe-profound hearing impaired adults [as control groups] whom were selected by simple and convenient sampling. Beck Depression Inventory, Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory and General Health Questionnaire were completed to determine and compare cochlear implant effects. Data were analyzed by MANOVA. Mean depression and anxiety scores in cochlear implant candidates were more than cochlear implant recipients. This difference was significant in depression [P=0.001]. There was no significant difference between two groups in general health [P=0.415]. The results of this study also showed that dizziness is more in cochlear implanted group [P=0.004]. It seems that cochlear implant use leads to decrease of depression and anxiety. It leads to increase of dizziness