Effects of Meteorological Factors on the Onset of Vestibular Neuritis / 대한평형의학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of meteorological factors on the onset of vestibular neuritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Meteorological data from 2004 to 2009 were obtained from the web-based 'Monthly Weather Reports of the Meteorological Administration' database. Patients with vestibular neuritis who visited Incheon St. Mary's Hospital during this same period and presented the precise day on which the symptoms appeared were included in this study involving a retrospective chart review. Twelve meteorological factors were analyzed between the days when vestibular neuritis onset was observed and the days when vestibular neuritis did not occur. Time lags (D-1-D-7) which mean 1-7 days before the onset were included to assess a possible delayed meteorological effect in relation to the onset of vestibular neuritis. Seasonal incidence of vestibular neuritis and a relationship with seasonal patterns of weather parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean values for the meteorological parameters of the days when vestibular neuritis occurred were not significantly different from the days on which vestibular neuritis onset was not observed. At time lag of 3-5 days, mean and maximal wind velocities were significantly higher for the days when vestibular neuritis occurred than the days without vestibular neuritis onset. The incidence of vestibular neuritis was highest in spring, when the wind velocity was higher compared to other seasons. CONCLUSION: Wind speed and the spring season showed significant relationships with vestibular neuritis occurrence.