Tumarkin-like phenomenon as a sign of therapeutic success in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo / Fenômeno Tumarkin-like como sinal de sucesso terapêutico na vertigem posicional paroxística benigna

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe an unusual patient reaction to maneuvers used in the treatment of posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (PC-BPPV) that we termed the "Tumarkin-like phenomenon". Methods: At a private practice, 221 outpatients were diagnosed and treated for PC-BPPV. The treatment consisted of performing the Epley or Semont maneuvers. At the end of these maneuvers, when assuming the sitting position, the patients' reactions were recorded. Results: Thirty-three patients showed a Tumarkin-like phenomenon described by a self-reported sensation of suddenly being thrown to the ground. In the follow-up, this group of patients remained without PC-BPPV symptoms up to at least 72 hours after the maneuvers. Conclusion: The occurrence of a Tumarkin-like phenomenon at the end of Epley and Semont maneuvers for PC-BPPV may be linked with treatment success.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever uma reação incomum dos pacientes às manobras utilizadas no tratamento da vertigem posicional paroxística benigna do canal posterior (VPPB-CP), a qual denominamos de fenômeno Tumarkin-like. Métodos: Em uma clínica privada, 221 pacientes ambulatoriais foram diagnosticados e tratados para VPPB-CP. O tratamento consistiu em realizar as manobras de Epley ou de Semont. Ao término da manobra, ao serem colocados na posição sentado, as reações dos pacientes foram filmadas. Resultados: Trinta e três pacientes apresentaram o fenômeno de Tumarkin-like, descrito como uma sensação súbita de ser jogado no chão. O acompanhamento mostrou que todos eles permaneceram sem sintomas de VPPB até pelo menos 72 horas após as manobras. Conclusão: A ocorrência do fenômeno Tumarkin-like no final das manobras de Epley e Semont para VPPB-CP pode estar associado ao sucesso terapêutico.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo of the Horizontal Semicircular Canal / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common disease of the peripheral vestibular disorders. Canalithiasis theory of the posterior semicircular canal is widely accepted as the pathophysiologic mechanism of BPPV. Recently, some authors reported that geotropic direction-changing horizontal nystagmus is attributed to the BPPV of the horizontal semicircular canal. The purpose of this study is to aid in the understanding and diagnosis of this disease through the analysis of the clinical features and electronystagmographic (ENG) results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients who showed geotropic direction-changing horizontal nystagmus were included in this study. Supine head turning test was performed to induce positional nystagmus. Various findings of the nystagmus were recorded with ENG. Other ENG tests (visual tracking tests and bithermal caloric test) and MRI (4 cases) were checked to exclude the possibility of the central origin. RESULTS: All patients showed geotropic direction-changing horizontal nystagmus in supine head turning test. The nystagmus had a short latency, no fatigabilily and long duration (>1 min). The nystagmus was more intense in diseased ear of down position and changed its direction spontaneously (secondary nystagmus) in 7 cases. CONCLUSION: All patients complaining of paroxysmal positional vertigo should undergo two positional tests: Dix-Hallpike test and supine head turning test. Characteristics of nystagmus can be explained by canalithiasis theory of the horizontal semicircular canal.