ABSTRACT
Objective: To compare the differences in clinical symptoms and the time required for diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) between older patients and young and middle-aged patients in the structured inquiry of dizziness history. Methods: The medical records of 6 807 patients diagnosed with BPPV from the Vertigo Database of Vertigo Clinical Diagnosis, Treatment, and Research Center of Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, between January 2019 and October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The data included basic demographic information, clinical symptoms in a structured medical history questionnaire, and the time interval from the appearance of BPPV symptoms to diagnosis consultation. The patients were divided into the young and middle-aged group (<65 years old) and the older group (≥65 years old). The differences in clinical symptoms and consultation time were compared between these two groups. Categorical variables were represented by numbers (%), and compared using Chi-squared tests or Fisher's exact probability test for analysis; whereas, continuous variables conforming to normal distribution were represented by mean±standard deviation. Both data groups were compared and analyzed by Student's t-test. Results: The mean age of the older group was 65-92 (71±5) years, while the mean age of the middle-aged group was 18-64 (49±12) years. The incidence of vertigo (42.5% vs. 49.1%, χ2=23.69, P<0.001); vertigo triggered by changes in position of the head or body (52.4% vs. 58.7%, χ2=22.31, P<0.001); and autonomic symptoms (10.1% vs. 12.4%, χ2=7.09, P=0.008) were lower, but hearing loss (11.8% vs. 7.8%, χ2=27.36, P<0.001) and sleep disorders (18.5% vs. 15.2%, χ2=11.13, P=0.001) were higher in the older group than in the young and middle-aged group. The time from the appearance of dizziness to diagnosis was commonly longer in the older patient group than the other group (55.0% vs. 38.5%, χ2=55.95, P<0.001). Conclusions: Older patients with BPPV have more atypical symptoms and complex concomitant symptoms than young and middle-aged patients. For older patients with dizziness, positional testing is needed to confirm the possibility of BPPV even if the clinical symptoms are atypical.
Subject(s)
Middle Aged , Humans , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Adolescent , Young Adult , Adult , Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo/therapy , Dizziness/diagnosis , Retrospective Studies , Patients , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness(PPPD) is the most common chronic vestibular disease, the clinical manifestation is dizziness, unstable and non-rotational dizziness for three months or more. And the symptom is exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive movement, and complex visual stimuli. In addition, PPPD is a functional disease, so routine vestibular function tests and imaging tests are often negative. According to the diagnostic criteria established by the Barany Association, the diagnosis of PPPD often relies on history. This article provides a review of PPPD-related questionnaires.
Subject(s)
Humans , Dizziness/diagnosis , Vertigo/diagnosis , Vestibular Diseases/diagnosis , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
RESUMO Objetivo verificar a relação entre o risco de queda, o nível de confiança nas atividades que envolvem equilíbrio e a idade com os valores de ganho e simetria dos canais semicirculares (CSCs), por meio do Vídeo Teste do Impulso Cefálico (vHIT), em pacientes com disfunção vestibular periférica. Método estudo transversal, composto por 12 indivíduos submetidos à avaliação funcional por meio da Activities-specific Balance Confidance Scale (ABC Scale) e do Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) e avaliação vestibular com o vHIT. Os resultados foram comparados por meio do Coeficiente de Correlação de Spearman. Resultados observou-se predomínio do gênero feminino (75%), com média de idade de 59 anos e 8 meses. A média de escore no DGI foi de 19,70 pontos e 43,65% na ABC Scale, característico de baixo nível de confiança. Observou-se correlação de grau moderado entre os parâmetros idade com o DGI, DGI e ABC Scale com os valores de ganho e simetria dos CSCs do vHIT. Conclusão Observaram-se relações entre o maior risco de queda em pacientes com hipofunção vestibular e idade avançada e entre o baixo nível de confiança para realizar atividades diárias diante da assimetria de ganho dos CSCs.
ABSTRACT Purpose to verify the relationship between the risk of falling, the level of confidence in activities involving balance, and age with the values of gain and symmetry of the semicircular canals (SSCs), using the Head Video Impulse Test (vHIT) in patients with peripheral vestibular dysfunction. Methods Cross-sectional study in 12 individuals submitted to functional evaluation using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC Scale) and the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and vestibular evaluation with vHIT. The results were compared using Spearman's Correlation Coefficient. Results There was a predominance of females (75%), with a mean age of 59 years and 8 months. The mean score in DGI was 19.70 points and on the ABC Scale, 43.65%, which is characteristic of a low confidence level. A moderate correlation was observed between age and DGI and between DGI and ABC Scale and SCC gain and symmetry values with vHIT. Conclusion A relationship was observed between a higher risk of falling in patients with vestibular hypofunction and advanced age and between a low level of confidence to perform daily activities due to asymmetrical SCC gain.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Accidental Falls , Semicircular Canals , Risk Factors , Dizziness/diagnosis , Head Impulse Test/methods , Vestibular Diseases , Cross-Sectional Studies , Postural BalanceABSTRACT
Abstract Introduction: Caloric testing is the most frequently used test to assess peripheral vestibular function since the beginning of the 20th century. However, the video head impulse test, vHIT, has gained prominence in the field of neurotology, as it is a faster examination, easier to perform and less uncomfortable for the patient. Objective: To compare, through systematic review and meta-analysis, the proportion of altered cases between vHIT tests and caloric testing in patients with chronic dizziness, in addition to assessing the sensitivity and specificity of vHIT, with caloric testing as the gold standard. Methods: The literature search was carried out in the PubMed, Scopus, BVS-Bireme, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane and ProQuest indexed databases, with no restrictions regarding the publication period. All articles that contained the results of the two tests were included in the evaluation of patients with dizziness. Two researchers independently conducted data selection and extraction from the studies, strictly following the inclusion and exclusion criteria defined in the research protocol. In case of disagreement during the selection, a discussion was carried out with a third evaluator. Results: Eleven of the 1293 initial articles met the eligibility criteria and were analyzed. 2670 patients were evaluated, of which 1112 (41.6%) were males and 1558 (58.4%) females, with a mean age of 51.6 years. The proportion of altered results in the vHIT was 21% (95%CI 9% --33%), and 55% in the caloric testing (95%CI 43% --67%). Conclusion: The vHIT does not substitute for caloric testing. The tests are complementary in assessing the patient with dizziness, as they describe the tonotopy of the ampullary crest at different frequency ranges of stimulation. In chronic cases, the vHIT has a low sensitivity and high diagnostic specificity in comparison to caloric testing.
Resumo Introdução: A prova calórica é o exame mais usado para avaliação da função vestibular periférica desde os primórdios do século XX. Porém, o vídeo teste de impulso cefálico, vHIT, tem ganhado destaque no campo da otoneurologia por ser um exame mais rápido, de fácil execução e menos desconfortável para o paciente. Objetivo: Comparar, através de revisão sistemática e metanálise, a proporção de casos alterados entre os exames vHIT e prova calórica nos pacientes com tontura crônica, além de avaliar a sensibilidade e especificidade do vHIT, tendo a prova calórica como padrão-ouro. Método: A busca na literatura foi feita nas bases de dados indexadas PubMed, Scopus, BVS-Bireme, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane e ProQuest, sem restrições quanto ao período da publicação. Foram incluídos todos os artigos que tivessem os resultados dos dois exames na avaliação de pacientes com tontura. Dois pesquisadores conduziram de forma independente a seleção e extração de dados dos estudos, obedeceram rigorosamente os critérios de inclusão e exclusão definidos no protocolo de pesquisa. Em caso de discordância na seleção, fez-se discussão com um terceiro avaliador. Resultados: Onze dos 1.293 artigos iniciais preencheram os critérios de elegibilidade e foram analisados. Foram avaliados 2.670 pacientes, 1.112 (41,6%) do sexo masculino e 1.558 (58,4%) do feminino, com média de 51,6 anos. A proporção de exames alterados no vHIT foi de 21% (95% IC 9%-33%) e na prova calórica foi de 55% (95% IC 43%-67%). Conclusão: O vHIT não substitui a prova calórica. Ambos os testes são complementares na avaliação do paciente com tontura, pois descrevem a tonotopia da crista ampular em diferentes faixas de frequência de estimulação. Nos quadros crônicos, o vHIT tem baixa sensibilidade e alta especificidade diagnóstica em relação à prova calórica.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Vestibular Diseases/diagnosis , Head Impulse Test , Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular , Caloric Tests , Dizziness/diagnosis , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Introdução: a avaliação vestibular é realizada tradicionalmente por meio da prova calórica para avaliação do labirinto em indivíduos com tonturas, porém este exame não avalia toda a via vestibular. Os potenciais evocados miogênicos vestibulares (VEMP) consistem em um exame de rápida execução, considerado método de escolha para avaliação dos órgãos otolíticos e do nervo vestibular. Objetivo: analisar as respostas do exame VEMP cervical (cVEMP) e ocular (oVEMP) em indivíduos com doenças vestibulares e compará-las àquelas obtidas em indivíduos de mesma faixa etária e sexo sem queixas de tontura pregressas e atuais. Métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal e analítico. Os participantes foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo com tontura (GT), composto por indivíduos com diversas doenças vestibulares e o grupo sem queixa de tontura (GC). Ambos os grupos foram submetidos à meatoscopia, ao VEMP cervical e ocular. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 45 indivíduos com a idade entre 23 e 68 anos, sendo 27 indivíduos do grupo GC e 18 do grupo GT. No exame cVEMP as latências, amplitudes, índice de assimetria e o índice de assimetria corrigido foram iguais no GT quando comparado com o GC. No exame oVEMP encontrou-se a amplitude esquerda maior e a latência N10 menor estatisticamente no grupo GT quando comparado ao grupo GC. Dentre as doenças do grupo GT os indivíduos com deiscência de canal superior tiveram valores maiores na amplitude esquerda, o que pode ter interferido nos resultados. Conclusão: Não foram evidenciadas diferenças nas respostas do cVEMP entre os grupos neste estudo. Encontrou-se aumento da amplitude esquerda e o valor menor da latência N10 direita no grupo com tontura na análise do exame oVEMP. Acredita-se que a heterogeneidade de doenças vestibulares no grupo com tontura e o reduzido número de participantes em ambos os grupos tenham contribuído para esse desfecho.
Introduction: The vestibular assessment is traditionally carried out with the caloric test to evaluate the labyrinth in individuals with dizziness. However, this examination does not evaluate the entire vestibular pathway. The vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) are a quick test, considered a choice method to assess the otolith organs and the vestibular nerve. Purpose: To analyze the responses of the cervical (cVEMP) and ocular VEMP (oVEMP) examinations in individuals with vestibular diseases and compare them with the results obtained in individuals of the same age group and gender without previous and current complaints of dizziness. Methods: In this observational, cross-sectional, analytical study, the participants were divided into two groups: the dizziness group (DG), composed of individuals with several vestibular diseases, and the group without complaints of dizziness (CG). Both groups underwent meatoscopy, and cervical and ocular VEMP. Results: The sample comprised 45 individuals aged 23 to 68 years 27 individuals in the CG and 18 in the DG. In the cVEMP exam, the latencies, amplitudes, asymmetry index, and the corrected asymmetry index were the same in the GT when compared to the GC. In the cVEMP examination, the latencies, amplitudes, asymmetry index, and corrected asymmetry index were equal in the DG when compared with the CG. In the oVEMP examination, the left amplitude was statistically greater and the N10 latency, smaller in the DG when compared with the CG. Of the diseases in the DG, individuals with superior canal dehiscence had higher left amplitude values, which may have interfered with the results.Conclusion: There were no differences in cVEMP responses between the groups in this study. An increase in the left amplitude and the lower value in the right N10 latency were found in the DG in the analysis of the oVEMP examination. It is believed that the heterogeneity of vestibular diseases in the DG and the small number of participants in both groups have contributed to this outcome.
Introducción: La evaluación vestibular se lleva a cabo tradicionalmente a través de la prueba calórica para evaluar el laberinto en individuos con mareos, sin embargo, este examen no evalúa toda la vía vestibular. Los potenciales miogénicos evocados vestibulares (VEMP) consisten en una prueba de funcionamiento rápido, considerada el método de elección para evaluar los órganos otolíticos y el nervio vestibular. Objetivo: Analizar las respuestas del examen VEMP cervical y ocular en individuos con enfermedades vestibulares y compararlas con las obtenidas en individuos del mismo grupo de edad y sexo sin quejas de mareos previas y actuales. Métodos:Estudio observacional, transversal y analítico. Los participantes se dividieron en dos grupos: grupo con mareos (GT), compuesto por individuos con varias enfermedades vestibulares y el grupo sin quejas de mareos (CG). Ambos grupos se sometieron a meatoscopia, VEMP cervical y ocular. Resultados: La muestra consistió en 45 individuos con edades comprendidas entre 23 y 68 años, 27 individuos del grupo GC y 18 del grupo GT. En el examen cVEMP, las latencias, amplitudes, índice de asimetría y el índice de asimetría corregido fueron los mismos en el GT en comparación con el CG. En el examen oVEMP, la amplitud izquierda fue mayor y la latencia N10 fue estadísticamente menor en el grupo GT en comparación con el grupo CG. Entre las enfermedades en el grupo GT, los individuos con dehiscencia del canal superior tenían valores más altos en la amplitud izquierda, lo que puede haber interferido con los resultados. Conclusión: No hubo diferencias en las respuestas de cVEMP entre los grupos en este estudio. Se encontró un aumento en la amplitud izquierda y un valor más bajo de la latencia N10 derecha en el grupo con mareos en el análisis del examen oVEMP. Se cree que la heterogeneidad de las enfermedades vestibulares en el grupo de mareos y el pequeño número de participantes en ambos grupos contribuyeron a este resultado.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Vestibular Diseases/diagnosis , Dizziness/diagnosis , Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials , Vestibular Function Tests , Cross-Sectional Studies , Age and Sex DistributionABSTRACT
RESUMEN Los trastornos vestibulares funcionales se constituyen como una de las causas más frecuentes de consulta por vértigo y trastornos del equilibrio. El mareo postural perceptual persistente (MPPP) es un síndrome recientemente definido, enmarcado en la categoría de síndromes vestibulares crónicos, que agrupa trastornos vestibulares funcionales crónicos como el vértigo postural fóbico, el malestar con el movimiento espacial, el vértigo visual y el mareo subjetivo crónico. El MPPP se manifiesta por síntomas de mareo, inestabilidad y/o vértigo no rotatorio, persistentes, exacerbados por cambios posturales, movimientos y exposición a distintos estímulos visuales. El tratamiento de este cuadro es más sencillo de lo que parece, basado en psicoeducación efectiva respecto a la patología como primer abordaje, adicionando o no rehabilitación vestibular, uso de inhibidores selectivos de la recaptación de serotonina y/o terapia cognitivo conductual. Se presentan dos casos clínicos de pacientes diagnosticados con MPPP y su respuesta a tratamiento.
ABSTRACT Functional vestibular disorders are one of the most frequent causes of consultation due to vertigo and balance disorders. Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a recently defined syndrome, categorized as a chronic vestibular syndrome, that includes functional vestibular disorders such as phobic postural vertigo, space-motion discomfort, visual vertigo and chronic subjective dizziness. PPPD manifests with dizziness, unsteadiness and/or non-spinning vertigo, which are persistent, exacerbated by postural changes, movements and exposure to various visual stimuli. PPPD treatment is simpler than it may seem initially. It is based on effective psychoeducation related to the pathology in the first place, followed, or not, by vestibular rehabilitation, use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and/or cognitive behavioral therapy. We present two clinical cases of patients diagnosed with PPPD and their response to treatment.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Dizziness/diagnosis , Dizziness/therapy , Posture , Visual Perception , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Vestibular Diseases , Chronic Disease , Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Sertraline/therapeutic use , Dizziness/physiopathologyABSTRACT
El vértigo es definido como la sensación de movimiento ilusorio del cuerpo o de los objetos que le rodean. Es una de las causas más comunes de consulta en los departamentos de emergencia, y 2 a 3% de la población mundial consulta anualmente por este síntoma. De acuerdo al compromiso vestibular en el oído interno o en el sistema nervioso central o ambos, puede clasificarse en vértigo periférico, central o de origen mixto, siendo la principal causa del periférico el vértigo posicional paroxístico benigno. La valoración semiológica y anamnesis es fundamental para el diagnóstico. En el examen físico inicial, la diferenciación de un vértigo de origen central de otro de origen periférico, puede realizarse mediante el análisis del nistagmo, la valoración del impulso cefálico y la desviación ocular, que se integran en un sistema denominado HINTS, por sus siglas en inglés (Head Impulse, Nystamus type, Test of Skew), y por la realización de pruebas que evalúen también la vía vestíbulo-cerebelosa. Además, la realización de una audiometría tonal, aumentaría la sensibilidad diagnóstica de 71 a 89% en la evaluación inicial. El diagnóstico apropiado es la base para el tratamiento y control de esta condición clínica en el mediano y largo plazo.
Vertigo is defined as an abnormal sensation of body motion or of its surrounding objects. It is a common chief complaint in emergency departments comprising 2 to 3% of these consultations worldwide. Vertigo is classified as peripheral or central, according to its origin, and can also be occasionally mixed, the most common cause of peripheral involvement being benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The initial findings on clinical evaluation of patients are the clues for making a correct diagnosis. The differentiation between central and peripheral vertigo can be optimized by analysing nystagmus, by using the skew test and the head impulse test (HINTS), as also by performing the appropriate tests to evaluate the integrity of the vestibular-cerebellar pathway. In addition, tonal threshold audiometry could raise the diagnostic sensibility from 71 to 89% on initial approach. Appropriate diagnosis is the principal key for managing this clinical condition.
Subject(s)
Humans , Vertigo/diagnosis , Vertigo/physiopathology , Vestibular Neuronitis/diagnosis , Vestibular Neuronitis/therapy , Dizziness/diagnosis , Dizziness/physiopathology , Dizziness/therapy , Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo/diagnosis , Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo/physiopathology , Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo/therapy , Meniere Disease/diagnosis , Meniere Disease/physiopathology , Meniere Disease/therapy , Migraine Disorders/therapyABSTRACT
RESUMO Estudo retrospectivo, transversal e descritivo, aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa (CEP), sob o número CAAE 16728013.0.0000.5346. Trata-se de uma série de casos que tem por objetivo investigar a presença de sintomas otoneurológicos e o equilíbrio postural de seis pacientes com tontura após traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE). Foram submetidos a uma anamnese clínica e a avaliações: teste de organização sensorial por meio da posturografia dinâmica foam laser e provas oculomotoras e vestibulares da vectoeletronistagmografia computadorizada (VENG). Os dados foram analisados a partir dos valores de referência para cada avaliação. Na posturografia, observou-se que as maiores diferenças entre o valor obtido e o valor de referência foram nas posições VI, V e III, respectivamente. A análise sensorial indicou alteração, principalmente, nos sistemas de preferência visual e vestibular. Todos os pacientes avaliados apresentaram ao menos uma alteração nas provas da VENG. Cinco pacientes tiveram alteração na prova calórica e nenhum apresentou alteração na prova rotatória pendular decrescente, que avalia a compensação vestibular. Além das queixas vestibulares, quatro pacientes estavam em tratamento com psicotrópicos para depressão. Tais resultados ratificam a presença de alterações vestíbulo-oculares no pós-TCE, os quais devem receber atenção especial devido ao comprometimento central associado.
ABSTRACT It is a retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive, approved by Ethics Research Committee (ERC), under number CAAE 16728013.0.0000.5346. This is a series of cases that aims to investigate the presence of otoneurological symptoms and the postural balance of six patients with dizziness after Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Participants were submitted to a clinical anamnesis and the evaluations: Sensory Organization Test through Foam Laser Dynamic Posturography and oculomotor and vestibular tests of Computerized Vectoelectronystamography (VENG). The data were analyzed from the reference values for each evaluation. In posturography, it was observed that the greatest differences between the value obtained and the reference value were in positions VI, V and III, respectively. Sensory analysis indicated alteration mainly in the visual and vestibular preference systems. All the evaluated patients presented at least one alteration in the VENG tests. Five patients had alterations in the caloric test, and none presented alterations to the rotatory chair test (RCT), which evaluates the vestibular compensation. Considering vestibular complaints, four patients were on psychotropic treatment for depression. These results demonstrate the presence of vestibulo-ocular alterations in post-TBI, which should receive special attention due to associated central impairment.
Subject(s)
Humans , Vertigo , Neurotology , Brain Injuries, Traumatic , Craniocerebral Trauma/diagnosis , Vestibular Function Tests , Nystagmus, Pathologic , Retrospective Studies , Dizziness/diagnosis , Postural BalanceABSTRACT
Abstract Introduction: Health-related quality of life is used to denote that portion of the quality of life that is influenced by the person's health. Objectives: To compare the health-related quality of life of individuals with vestibular disorders of peripheral origin by analyzing functional, emotional and physical disabilities before and after vestibular treatment. Methods: A prospective, non randomized case-controlled study was conduced in the ENT Department, between January 2015 and December 2015. All patients were submitted to customize a 36 item of health survey on quality of life, short form 36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36) and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory for assessing the disability. Individuals were diagnosed with acute unilateral vestibular peripheral disorders classified in 5 groups: vestibular neuritis, Ménière Disease, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, cochlear-vestibular dysfunction (other than Ménière Disease), or other type of acute peripheral vertigo (as vestibular migraine). Results: There was a statistical significant difference for each parameter of Dizziness Handicap Inventory score (the emotional, functional and physical) between the baseline and one month both in men and women, but with any statistical significant difference between 7 days and 14 days. It was found a statistical significant difference for all eight parameters of SF-36 score between the baseline and one month later both in men and women; the exception was the men mental health perception. The correlation between the Dizziness Handicap Inventory and the SF-36 scores according to diagnostics type pointed out that the Spearman's correlation coefficient was moderate correlated with the total scores of these instruments. Conclusion: The Dizziness Handicap Inventory and the SF-36 are useful, proved practical and valid instruments for assessing the impact of dizziness on the quality of life of patients with unilateral peripheral vestibular disorders.
Resumo Introdução: Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde é usada para designar a parte da qualidade de vida que é influenciada pela saúde do indivíduo. Objetivos: Comparar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de indivíduos com distúrbios vestibulares de origem periférica, analisar incapacidades funcionais, emocionais e físicas antes e após o tratamento vestibular. Método: Um estudo de caso-controle prospectivo, não randomizado, foi conduzido no Departamento de Otorrinolaringologia, entre janeiro de 2015 e dezembro de 2015. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a uma pesquisa de saúde personalizada de 36 itens sobre qualidade de vida, ao formulário abreviado de avaliação de saúde 36 (SF-36) e ao Dizziness Handicap Inventory para avaliar a incapacidade. Os indivíduos foram diagnosticados com distúrbios vestibulares periféricos unilaterais agudos, classificados em cinco grupos: neurite vestibular, doença de Ménière, vertigem posicional paroxística benigna, disfunção cócleo-vestibular (exceto Doença de Ménière) ou outro tipo de vertigem periférica aguda (como enxaqueca vestibular). Resultados: Houve uma diferença estatisticamente significante para cada parâmetro de escore no Dizziness Handicap Inventory (emocional, funcional e físico) entre a avaliação basal e depois de um mês, tanto em homens quanto em mulheres, mas sem diferença estatística significativa entre sete dias e 14 dias. Foi encontrada uma diferença estatisticamente significante para todos os oito parâmetros do escore no SF-36 entre a avaliação basal e um mês mais tarde, tanto em homens quanto em mulheres; a exceção foi a percepção de saúde mental nos homens. A correlação entre Dizziness Handicap Inventory e o SF-36 de acordo com o tipo de diagnóstico mostrou que o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman foi moderado quando correlacionado com o escore total desses instrumentos. Conclusão: O Dizziness Handicap Inventory e o SF-36 demonstraram ser instrumentos úteis, práticos e válidos para avaliar o impacto da tontura na qualidade de vida de pacientes com distúrbios vestibulares periféricos unilaterais.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Quality of Life , Vertigo/physiopathology , Vestibular Neuronitis/physiopathology , Disability Evaluation , Reference Values , Time Factors , Severity of Illness Index , Case-Control Studies , Sex Factors , Vertigo/diagnosis , Vertigo/therapy , Prospective Studies , Surveys and Questionnaires , Reproducibility of Results , Analysis of Variance , Statistics, Nonparametric , Vestibular Neuronitis/diagnosis , Vestibular Neuronitis/therapy , Dizziness/diagnosis , Dizziness/physiopathology , Dizziness/therapy , Meniere Disease/diagnosis , Meniere Disease/physiopathology , Meniere Disease/therapyABSTRACT
Abstract INTRODUCTION: A total of 771 cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) were reported in Brazil in 2014. Treatment of MDR-TB with aminoglycosides can produce serious side effects such as permanent and irreversible hearing loss, which occurs in 5-64% of cases, and severely compromise patient quality of life. The goal of this research was to evaluate auditory and vestibular side effects in patients treated for MDR-TB and to identify associations between these complaints and the type of aminoglycoside used. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 599 medical records from patients with MDR-TB who were treated at the Hélio Fraga/Fiocruz Reference Center between 2006 and 2010. Cases without auditory or vestibular complaints and patients who were not treated with aminoglycoside drugs were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Of 164 eligible cases, 55 (33.5%) reported an auditory or vestibular complaint and medication was subsequently suspended, although hearing damage was not confirmed in all cases. Audiometric testing confirmed hearing loss in 11 (21.7%) of 12 cases submitted for evaluation. Hearing loss related to ototoxicity was confirmed in 15 (62.5%) cases. Tinnitus was significantly associated with the use of amikacin and streptomycin. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluations of ototoxicity symptoms were not usually reported in the routine care of patients with MDR-TB. Complaints of tinnitus were associated with amikacin and streptomycin use. These results require confirmation in future studies.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Child , Adolescent , Adult , Young Adult , Audiometry/methods , Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant/drug therapy , Aminoglycosides/adverse effects , Hearing Loss/diagnosis , Hearing Loss/chemically induced , Anti-Bacterial Agents/adverse effects , Time Factors , Tinnitus/diagnosis , Tinnitus/chemically induced , Amikacin/adverse effects , Streptomycin/adverse effects , Vestibular Diseases/diagnosis , Vestibular Diseases/chemically induced , Sex Factors , Retrospective Studies , Age Factors , Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant/complications , Dizziness/diagnosis , Dizziness/chemically induced , Middle AgedABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study compared the results of the caloric test with those of the video head impulse test obtained during the same session and evaluated whether the former can be used to screen for non-acute vestibular dysfunction. METHODS: A total of 157 participants complaining of dizziness with vestibular characteristics of varying durations and clinical courses completed the caloric test and video head impulse test. RESULTS: Significantly more caloric test results than video head impulse test results were abnormal. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the caloric test and video head impulse test are distinct but complement each other. Within our sample, the caloric test was more sensitive for vestibular dysfunction. Therefore, the video head impulse test is not a suitable screening tool of the vestibular system in patients with chronic complaints.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Caloric Tests/methods , Dizziness/diagnosis , Dizziness/physiopathology , Head Impulse Test/methods , Vestibular Diseases/diagnosis , Vestibular Diseases/physiopathology , Chronic Disease , Cross-Sectional Studies , Mass Screening , Reference Values , Reproducibility of Results , Semicircular Canals/physiopathology , Video RecordingABSTRACT
ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Dizziness is among the most common complaints in the elderly population. OBJECTIVE: To determine the sociodemographic and clinical-functional profiles of institutionalized elderly people related to dizziness. METHODS: Cross-sectional prospective study with institutionalized elderly people aged 60 or more years. A questionnaire on sociodemographic and clinical-functional characteristics was applied, and an anamnesis of occurrence of dizziness was held, as well as the Dizziness Handicap Inventory questionnaire. RESULTS: 48.9% of the elderly subjects had dizziness. The mean numbers of diseases and medications associated with dizziness were, respectively, 4.5 diseases and 7.8 medications. We found a significant association between the occurrence of dizziness and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, sub-connective tissue and genitourinary system, as well as the use of medications for the musculoskeletal system. The scores for handicap degree in functional DHI were significantly higher among elderly subjects who needed walking aids, who had suffered falls, and those manifesting anxiety. CONCLUSION: Our sample included subjects of advanced age, primarily women, who were institutionalized less than five years, with multiple diseases and polypharmacy users. They presented long-standing short-duration mixed dizziness, that occurred more than once a month and affected mainly the functional aspect.
RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: A tontura está entre as queixas mais comuns da população idosa. OBJETIVO: Determinar os perfis sociodemográfico e clínico-funcional de idosos institucionalizados com relação à tontura. MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo transversal, com idosos institucionalizados com ≥ 60 anos de idade. Foi aplicado um questionário referente às características sociodemográficas e clínico-funcionais, assim como foi feita anamnese sobre a ocorrência de tontura, e aplicado o questionário Dizziness Handicap Inventory. RESULTADOS: 48,9% dos idosos apresentaram tontura. As médias do número de doenças e medicamentos associados à tontura foram, respectivamente, 4,5 doenças e 7,8 medicamentos. Houve associação significativa entre ocorrência de tontura e doenças do sistema osteomuscular, do tecido subconjuntivo e do aparelho geniturinário, bem como uso de medicamentos para o sistema musculoesquelético. Os escores do grau de handicap no DHI funcional foram significativamente maiores para os idosos que necessitavam de auxílio à marcha, para os que tiveram queda e para os que apresentaram ansiedade. CONCLUSÃO: Amostra caracterizada por mulheres de idade elevada, com menos de cinco anos de institucionalização, com múltiplas doenças e medicamentos. Apresentam tontura mista, de curta duração, com surgimento há anos, manifestando-se mais de uma vez ao mês, prejudicando principalmente o aspecto funcional.
Subject(s)
Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Disability Evaluation , Dizziness/diagnosis , Geriatric Assessment , Homes for the Aged/statistics & numerical data , Cross-Sectional Studies , Dizziness/physiopathology , Prospective Studies , Socioeconomic Factors , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Migraine and vertigo are common disorders, with lifetime prevalences of 16% and 7% respectively, and co-morbidity around 3.2%. Vestibular syndromes and dizziness occur more frequently in migraine patients. We investigated bedside clinical signs indicative of vestibular dysfunction in migraineurs. Objective To test the hypothesis that vestibulo-ocular reflex, vestibulo-spinal reflex and fall risk (FR) responses as measured by 14 bedside tests are abnormal in migraineurs without vertigo, as compared with controls. Method Cross-sectional study including sixty individuals – thirty migraineurs, 25 women, 19-60 y-o; and 30 gender/age healthy paired controls. Results Migraineurs showed a tendency to perform worse in almost all tests, albeit only the Romberg tandem test was statistically different from controls. A combination of four abnormal tests better discriminated the two groups (93.3% specificity). Conclusion Migraine patients consistently showed abnormal vestibular bedside tests when compared with controls.
Enxaqueca e vertigem são desordens comuns, com prevalência de 16% e 7% respectivamente, e comorbidade em torno de 3,2%. Síndromes vestibulares e tonturas ocorrem mais frequentemente em enxaquecosos. Pesquisamos alterações vestibulares utilizando testes de beira-de-leito em enxaquecosos. Objetivo Verificar se as respostas dos reflexos vestíbulo-ocular, vestíbulo-medular e risco de quedas medidas por 14 testes de beira-de-leito são diferentes comparando-se enxaquecosos sem vertigem, e controles. Método Estudo transversal com sessenta pessoas, 30 enxaquecosos; 25 mulheres, 19-60 anos; e trinta controles saudáveis pareados por sexo e idade. Resultados Houve tendência de pior desempenho entre enxaquecosos em quase todos testes, porém apenas o teste de Romberg tandem foi estatisticamente diferente dos controles. Uma combinação de quatro testes anormais discrimina os grupos com especificidade de 93,3%. Conclusão O grupo de enxaquecosos mostrou consistentemente testes vestibulares de beira-de-leito anormais quando comparados a controles.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Migraine Disorders/physiopathology , Reflex, Abnormal/physiology , Vestibular Function Tests , Vestibular Diseases/diagnosis , Accidental Falls , Cross-Sectional Studies , Dizziness/diagnosis , Head Impulse Test , Migraine Disorders/complications , Nystagmus, Physiologic , Point-of-Care Systems , Risk Factors , Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular/physiology , Statistics, Nonparametric , Visual Acuity , Vestibular Diseases/complicationsABSTRACT
RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a confiabilidade dos resultados numa versão adaptada do Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) brasileiro para crianças. Métodos: (1) adaptação semântica do DHI, primeira versão, para população infantil; (2) apreciação do DHI por juízes fonoaudiólogos, para adequação semântica da versão adaptada; (3) aplicação do piloto em 15 indivíduos para ajustes semânticos; (4) aplicação da versão adaptada do DHI, em 119 crianças com relato de tontura; (5) teste-reteste de 34 crianças. Resultados: Com relação ao gênero, verificou-se médias mais elevadas do escore total nas crianças do gênero feminino. Não houve associação entre os escores do Dizziness Handicap Inventory-Child/Adolescent (DHI-CA) e a idade das crianças. Foram constatados índices adequados de consistência interna e estabilidade dos resultados na escala total e nas três subescalas. Conclusão: O Dizziness Handicap Inventory-Child/Adolescent mostrou-se confiável para quantificação do impacto da tontura na qualidade de vida das crianças e adolescentes em fase escolar, sendo a confiabilidade dos resultados uma primeira contribuição para a validação desse instrumento.
ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the reliability of the results in an adapted version of the Brazilian Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) adapted for children. Methods: 1) semantic adaptation of DHI, first version, for child population; 2) appreciation of DHI by speech therapy judges for semantic appropriateness of the adapted version; application of the adapted version of DHI in 119 children with dizziness report; 4) application of DHI, adapted version, in 119 children suffering from dizziness symptoms; 5) test/re-test of 34 children. Results: In the group, there were higher average total scores in girls. There was no association between the scores of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory-Child/Adolescent (DHI-CA) and the age of the children. Adequate levels of internal consistency and stability of the results were verified in the full scale and the three subscales. Conclusion: DHI-CA appeared to be capable of reliably quantifying the impact of dizziness on quality of life of school-age children and adolescents, and the reliability of results is a first contribution to the validation of this instrument.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Child , Adolescent , Dizziness/diagnosis , Dizziness/therapy , Postural Balance , Vestibular Diseases/diagnosis , Child Health , Cross-Sectional Studies , Learning Disabilities , Quality of Life , Sensation DisordersABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness is the dizziness that lasts for over three months with no clinical explanation for its persistence. The patient's motor response pattern presents changes and most patients manifest significant anxiety. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with persistent postural and perceptual dizziness. METHODS: statistical analysis of clinical aspects of patients with persistent postural-perceptual dizziness. RESULTS: 81 patients, average age: 50.06 ± 12.16 years; female/male ratio: 5.7/1; main reasons for dizziness: visual stimuli (74%), body movements (52%), and sleep deprivation (38%). The most prevalent comorbidities were hypercholesterolemia (31%), migraine headaches (26%), carbohydrate metabolism disorders (22%) and cervical syndrome (21%). DHI, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - Trait, Beck Depression Inventory, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaires were statistically different (p < 0.05) when compared to controls. 68% demonstrated clinical improvement after treatment with serotonin reuptake inhibitors. CONCLUSION: Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness affects more women than men, with a high associated prevalence of metabolic disorders and migraine. Questionnaires help to identify the predisposition to persistent postural-perceptual dizziness. The prognosis is good with adequate treatment. .
INTRODUÇÃO: A denominação tontura postural-perceptual persistente (TPPP) é atribuida à tontura que se mantém por mais de 3 meses em pacientes, sem que exista justificativa clínica para a sua persistência. A maioria dos pacientes possui perfil ansioso ou experimenta alto grau de ansiedade no início dos sintomas. O padrão de resposta motora apresenta-se alterado, com hipervigilância e hipersensibilidade a estímulos visuais e de movimento. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as características clínicas de pacientes com diagnóstico de TPPP. MÉTODO: Análise dos aspectos clínicos de pacientes do ambulatório de TPPP e quantificação do perfil ansioso ou depressivo. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 81 pacientes, com média de idade de 50,06 ± 12,16 anos; relação mulher/homem de 5,7/1; principais gatilhos para tontura: estímulos visuais (74%), movimentos corporais (52%) e privação de sono (38%). As comorbidades mais prevalentes foram hipercolesterolemia (31%), migrânea (26%), distúrbios do metabolismo do açúcar (22%) e síndrome cervical (21%). Os questionários DHI, STAI-Traço, Beck para depressão e HADS foram estatisticamente diferentes (P < 0,05) entre pacientes e controles. 68% de melhora clínica com o uso de inibidores da recaptação da serotonina. CONCLUSÃO: TPPP acomete principalmente as mulheres, sendo alta a associação com distúrbios metabólicos e migrânea. Os questionários auxiliam na identificação da predisposição à TPPP. Há bom prognóstico com o tratamento adequado. .
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adolescent , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Young Adult , Dizziness/physiopathology , Vertigo/physiopathology , Age Factors , Comorbidity , Dizziness/diagnosis , Dizziness/drug therapy , Postural Balance , Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Sex Factors , Surveys and Questionnaires , Vertigo/diagnosis , Vertigo/drug therapy , Vestibular Diseases/physiopathology , Vestibular Diseases/psychologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: One of the most common complaints physicians face is dizziness. Patients with dizziness may have an array of conditions, from benign vertigo to potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias, and including diverse conditions such as Parkinson`s disease and hyponatremia. This is a systematic review of the classification of dizziness, aiming at a more efficient and comprehensive clinical management of the condition, prompted from the presentation of an actual clinical case. METHODS: A 63-year-old man, with a 1-year history of dizziness predominantly on walking, was presented. The complaint prompted a search of the Pubmed and Scielo databases, for flow-charts and systematizations of the approach to the condition. RESULTS: Some approaches were identified that were useful in primary care, chiefly Drachman`s 4-type classification, which minimizes diagnostic biases. The clinical case was then discussed according to the information found, and a sequence of physical examination maneuvers, to beimplemented whenever a patient with dizziness is seen, waspresented. CONCLUSION: Approaching a patient complaining of dizziness and making its differential diagnosis is a huge intellectual challenge to any physician. There are tools that allow for correct classification of the patients, reduce diagnostic biases, discourage incorrect treatments and reduce expenses...
JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Uma das queixas mais prevalentes e que mais confunde médicos é a tontura. Esses pacientes podem ter desde vertigens benignas até arritmias cardíacas potencialmente fatais, passando ainda por condições tão diversas quanto a doença de Parkinson e a hiponatremia. Este estudo tem por objetivo apresentar uma revisão sistemática sobre as classificações das tonturas, de forma a permitir uma abordagem clínica mais eficiente e abrangente, a partir da apresentação de um caso clínico real. MÉTODOS: é apresentado um paciente de 63 anos com queixa de tontura há cerca de 1 ano, principalmente para caminhar. A partir do quadro, foi feita revisão sistemática da literatura no Pubmed e Scielo, buscando os fluxogramas e sistematizações disponíveis para a abordagem da tontura. RESULTADOS: foram encontradas algumas formas de abordagem da tontura, muito úteis em atenção primária e clínica médica, especialmente a classificação nas 4 categorias de Drachman, a qual minimiza os vieses diagnósticos. Por fim, foi exposto o desfecho e a discussão do caso, juntamente com uma sugestão de sequência de exame físico a ser realizada em todo paciente com tontura. CONCLUSÃO: Saber abordar essa queixa e realizar seu diagnóstico diferencial é um grande desafio intelectual ao médico de qualquer especialidade. Há ferramentas disponíveis que permitem enquadrar o paciente em categorias, evitando vieses diagnósticos, tratamentos incorretos e gastos desnecessários...
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Dizziness/classification , Dizziness/diagnosis , Dizziness/etiologyABSTRACT
To study cases with positional vertigo who met criteria of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo BPPV in audiology unit Assiut university and determine the canal involvement, the type of BPPV whether canalithiasis or cupulolithiasis and evaluate the efficacy of different canalith repositioning maneuvers. Study group consists of 42 patients were diagnosed with BPPV, underwent history taking, ontological examination, neurological examination, basic audiological assessment, also patients underwent Dix-Hallpike and roll tests by infra red goggles video camera, and Electronystagmography. There were 42 patients were diagnosed with BPPV, 39 patients of them had PC-BPPV, three had HC-BPPV no AC-BPPV was found in the study group. The PC-BPPV were subdivided into canalithiasis and cupulolithiasis, it was found that 30 cases were canalithiasis and nine cases were cupulolithiasis, where all cases of HC-BPPV were canalithiasis. BPPV is the most common cause of positional vertigo and dizziness. The present study consisted of 42 BPPV patients. They are complaining of positional vertigo, which met the criteria of positional vertigo, with the characteristic positional provoked nystagmus. There were 39 patients of the 42 had posterior canal BPPV [92.86%], three cases had horizontal canal BPPV [7.14%]. The 30 patients with PC-BPPV canalithiasis were corrected with Epley's maneuver. The success rate was 86.6% after the 1[st] session of the Epley's maneuver. Eight patients of the PC-BPPV were cupulolithiasis, the success rate after the first Semont maneuver's was 55.6%, it's 77.8% after the 2[nd] session and its 88.9% after the 3[rd] session. The success rate of canalith repositioning maneuvers varies according the pathogenesis; it was very high in Eply's [96%] for canalithiasis than in Semont's for cupulolithiasis [88%]
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Dizziness/diagnosis , Prospective Studies , Hospitals, UniversityABSTRACT
A Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale (VADL) avalia o impacto da tontura e desequilíbrio corporal nas atividades cotidianas de indivíduos vestibulopatas. A escala contempla 28 atividades divididas em três dimensões (funcional, locomoção e instrumental). OBJETIVO: Traduzir, adaptar transculturamente e verificar a confiabilidade da VADL para o português do Brasil. MÉTODO: Pesquisa metodológica de tradução de questionário. Foram recrutados 80 idosos (> 65 anos) com tontura crônica de origem vestibular, dos quais 40 participaram do pré-teste e 40 da análise de confiabilidade. A confiabilidade foi testada pelo Coeficiente de Correlação de Concordância (CCC) e a consistência interna pelo Alfa de Cronbach (α). RESULTADOS: No pré-teste, houve 15% de incompreensão em duas atividades da versão brasileira da VADL, sendo necessária adaptação desses itens. A VADL-Brasil apresentou valor semelhante de confiabilidade intra e inter-examinadores para o escore total com concordância substancial (CCC = 0,79). A consistência interna apresentou valor excelente para o escore total (α = 0,92), bom para as dimensões funcional (α = 0,89) e locomoção (α = 0,86), e fraco para a instrumental (α = 0,56). CONCLUSÃO: A versão brasileira da VADL mostrou-se adequada, com boa confiabilidade e consistência interna, sendo, assim, uma alternativa para avaliar a capacidade funcional de vestibulopatas.
The Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale (VADL) assesses the impact of dizziness and body imbalance on the everyday activities of patients with vestibulopathy. The scale encompasses 28 activities divided into three sub-scales (functional, ambulation and instrumental). OBJECTIVE: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the VADL to the Brazilian Portuguese language and verify its reliability. METHOD: Questionnaire translation methodological research. Eighty elderly subjects (age > 65 years) with chronic dizziness arising from vestibular disorders were enrolled, of which 40 participated in the pre-testing stage and 40 in reliability analysis. Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC) analysis was used to assess reliability. Internal consistency was estimated using Cronbach's alpha (α). RESULTS: Pre-test analysis revealed 15% of incomprehension on two activities; these items had to be adapted. The VADL-Brazil had similar levels of test-retest and inter-rater reliability for total score and presented substantial agreement (CCC = 0.79). Internal consistency was excellent for total score (α = 0.92), good for the functional (α = 0.89) and locomotion (α = 0.86) sub-scales, and poor for the instrumental subscale (α = 0.56). CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of the VADL was proven adequate, with good levels of reliability and internal consistency. It might be thus considered as an alternative to assess the functional capacity of vestibulopathy patients.
Subject(s)
Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Activities of Daily Living , Dizziness/diagnosis , Surveys and Questionnaires , Vestibular Diseases/diagnosis , Brazil , Cultural Characteristics , Dizziness/etiology , Reproducibility of Results , Translating , Vestibular Diseases/complicationsABSTRACT
Pacientes após Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC) podem apresentar sintomas otoneurológicos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a função vestibular de pacientes com antecedente pessoal de AVC no território carotídeo. Desenho científico: estudo de coorte histórica com corte transversal. MÉTODO: Quarenta pacientes foram submetidos à anamnese, exame otorrinolaringológico, Dizziness Handicap Inventory e vectoeletronistagmografia. RESULTADOS: Anormalidades discretas dos movimentos sacádicos foram encontradas em 20 pacientes (50,0%); nove referiram desequilíbrio e um tontura. O ganho do rastreio pendular foi anormal em 17 casos (42,5%); seis referiram desequilíbrio e um tontura. Preponderância direcional anormal do nistagmoperrotatório ocorreu em dois casos (5,0%), que referiram desequilíbrio. A prova calórica identificou três casos (7,5%) com predomínio labiríntico anormal e dois (5,0%) com preponderância direcional anormal do nistagmo; os cinco casos relataram desequilíbrio. Dos 11 pacientes que não referiram manifestações de alteração do equilíbrio corporal, 10 apresentaram alterações nos movimentos sacádicos e no rastreio pendular e um apresentou exame vestibular normal. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com antecedente pessoal de AVC no território carotídeo podem apresentar tontura ou desequilíbrio corporal e sinais de comprometimento da motilidade ocular e da função vestibular.
Stroke patients may present otoneurological symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To assess the vestibular function of subjects with a history of carotid territory stroke. METHOD: This historical cohort cross sectional study enrolled 40 patients; subjects answered the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, were interviewed and submitted to ENT examination and vectorelectronystagmography. RESULTS: Mild saccadic movement anomalies were seen in 20 patients (50.0%); nine complained of imbalance and dizziness. Abnormal smooth pursuit gain was seen in 17 cases (42.5%); six subjects reported imbalance and one complained of dizziness. Abnormal directional preponderance during rotational nystagmus was seen in two cases (5.0%), who also reported imbalance. Three patients (7.5%) and two subjects (5.0%) were found to have abnormal labyrinthine predominance and abnormal nystagmus directional preponderance respectively; all five individuals reported imbalance. Ten of the 11 patients without complaints of disordered balance had altered saccadic and smooth pursuit eye movements, while one had unaltered vestibular function. CONCLUSION: Patients with a history of carotid territory stroke may suffer from dizziness or imbalance and present signs of compromised eye motility and vestibular function.