ABSTRACT
The slow-phase velocity of nystagmus is one of the most sensitive parameters of vestibular function and is currently the standard for evaluating the caloric test. However, the assessment of this parameter requires recording the response by using nystagmography. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether frequency and duration of the caloric nystagmus, as measured by using a clinical test with Frenzel glasses, could predict the result of the recorded test. The retrospective analysis of 222 caloric test results recorded by means of electronystagmography has shown a good association between the 3 parameters for unilateral weakness. The asymmetry observed in the velocity can be predicted by a combination of frequency and duration. On the other hand, no relationship was observed between the parameters for directional preponderance. These results indicate that a clinical caloric test with frequency and duration as parameters can be used to predict the unilateral weakness, which would be obtained by use of nystagmography. We propose an evaluation of the caloric test on the basis of diagrams combining the 3 response parameters.
Subject(s)
Caloric Tests , Vestibular Diseases/diagnosis , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Electronystagmography , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nystagmus, Pathologic/diagnosis , Severity of Illness IndexABSTRACT
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is often isolated in infections of the ear cleft. In some circumstances, this organism can cause serious petrous or peri-petrous lesions. Two pictures are seen: Malignant external otitis with severe headaches, signs of external otitis, and usually pseudomonas aeruginosa is isolated. This is usually seen in an elderly diabetic patient. Nerve paralysis is the main risk. The other complications, very grave in the past, are rare nowadays with the use of selective antibiotic treatment. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is also the causative organism in extensive osteitis of the skull base. Diagnostic problems are seen in case of specific infections or tumoral lesions. The treatment includes the same medications as for the malignant external otitis, as well as complete surgical excision.
