Association between Third Mobile Window Disorders and Symptom Reduction Using a Noise Cancelling Device: Inverse Tullio Phenomena.

Identifying a vestibular source of pathology in patients complaining of post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) dizziness can be difficult. We describe a possible new method utilizing a reduction in post-TBI symptoms (including dizziness) with the use of a noise cancellation device (NCD). This retrospective case series included patients with TBI and dizziness presenting to a binocular vision specialty clinic, who were diagnosed with a vertical heterophoria (VH). If they did not respond adequately to microprism lenses and/or if they experienced hyperacusis, they were evaluated with an NCD. If there was marked reduction in TBI symptoms (including dizziness), the patients were referred to a neuro-otologist for vestibular diagnostic evaluation and treatment. Fourteen patients were identified and found to have abnormalities on vestibular testing consistent with third mobile window disorder (TMWD). All were treated with a 6-week medical protocol (diuretics, no straining, low sodium/no caffeine diet). Five responded positively, requiring no further treatment. Nine required surgical intervention and responded positively. In conclusion, in 14 patients with post-concussive dizziness and VH, a positive response to NCD was associated with abnormal vestibular testing, a diagnosis of TMWD, and symptom reduction/resolution with a medical or surgical approach. The removal of sound resulting in reduction or resolution of vestibular symptoms represents an inverse Tullio phenomenon.

Visual disorders and mal de debarquement syndrome: a potential comorbidity questionnaire-based study.

Aim: Mal de debarquement syndrome (MdDS) is a neurological condition characterized by a constant sensation of self-motion; onset may be motion-triggered (MT) or non-motion-triggered/spontaneous (NMT/SO). People with MdDS experience similar symptoms to those with vertical heterophoria, a subset of binocular visual dysfunction. Hence, we aimed to explore potential visual symptom overlaps. Methods: MdDS patients (n = 196) and controls (n = 197) completed a visual health questionnaire. Results: Compared with controls, the MdDS group demonstrated higher visual disorder scores and visual complaints. NMT/SO participants reported unique visual symptoms and a higher prevalence of mild traumatic brain injury. Conclusion: Our findings suggest visual disorders may coexist with MdDS, particularly the NMT/SO subtype. The difference in visual dysfunction frequency and medical histories between subtypes, warrants further investigation into differing pathophysiological mechanisms.

Validation of the Binocular Vision Dysfunction Questionnaire (BVDQ).

OBJECTIVE: Among patients presenting with dizziness, visual dysfunction must be considered, including vertical heterophoria (VH), a frequently under-identified form of binocular vision dysfunction where there is vertical discrepancy between the lines of sight of the eyes when at physiologic rest. Current self-rated screening measures do not account for complex VH symptomatology including dizziness/ambulation difficulties, nausea, headache, anxiety, neck pain, and reading impairment. VH must be differentiated from vestibular/otolithic etiologies, as their treatment frequently provides inadequate relief, yet treatment of the VH can reduce/eliminate symptoms. The objective of this study is to create a valid measurement tool (binocular vision dysfunction questionnaire) to assist in identifying VH among dizzy patients to aid in appropriate referral. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: One hundred twenty-six patients presenting to an optometric binocular vision subspecialist diagnosed with VH. INTERVENTION: Psychometric study. The measurement tool's internal consistency and test-retest reliability was assessed. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses were performed. Validity was estimated through correlations with a visual analog scale and validated instruments for headaches, dizziness, and anxiety. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES/RESULTS: Excellent reliability demonstrated including Cronbach's alpha of 0.91 and high test-retest reliability. Statistical correlations with established measurements established sound convergent/content validity. Analysis of participants who underwent treatment indicated change in BVDQ score correlates with perception of change in symptom burden. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest the BVDQ is a valid, reliable screening tool to assist otologists in identifying VH among their dizzy patients. The BVDQ may also be useful for measuring changes with various treatments, and in identifying diverse symptoms associated with BVD/VH.

Treatment of vertical heterophoria ameliorates persistent post-concussive symptoms: A retrospective analysis utilizing a multi-faceted assessment battery.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of neutralizing prismatic lenses for reduction of headache, dizziness and anxiety in patients with persistent post-concussive symptoms and vertical heterophoria (VH). BACKGROUND: Approximately 5-10% of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) develop persistent post-concussive symptoms. Many rehabilitation/treatment modalities are tried, but are largely unsuccessful, indicating a need for more effective treatment. DESIGN AND METHOD: This retrospective study included 38 patients with persistent post-concussive symptoms, who were diagnosed by an optometric binocular vision sub-specialist with VH (a sub-set of binocular vision dysfunction [BVD] that manifests as vertical eye and image misalignment). Data was collected both before and after prism application and included validated survey instruments for headache, dizziness, anxiety and BVD symptom burden; subjective rating (0-10 scale) of headache, dizziness and anxiety severity; and a sub-analysis of the BVD survey instrument questions that pertain specifically to headache, dizziness and anxiety. Upon conclusion of treatment, subjective assessment of overall improvement of heterophoria symptoms was obtained utilizing a 10 cm visual analogue scale. OUTCOMES: Results demonstrated marked reduction in all measures of headache, dizziness and anxiety (19.1-60.8%) and an overall subjective improvement of VH symptoms of 80.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Neutralizing prismatic lenses are an effective treatment of headache, dizziness and anxiety in patients with persistent post-concussive symptoms and VH.

Identification of binocular vision dysfunction (vertical heterophoria) in traumatic brain injury patients and effects of individualized prismatic spectacle lenses in the treatment of postconcussive symptoms: a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify a form of binocular vision dysfunction (vertical heterophoria) in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) population and to assess the effect of individualized prismatic spectacle lenses on postconcussive symptoms. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Private physical medicine and rehabilitation practice and private optometric practice. PATIENTS: A subset of TBI patients who were initially evaluated by a single physiatrist and who received standard treatments and medications yet had persistent postconcussive symptoms. These patients were then assessed by a single optometrist, and those found to have vertical heterophoria were treated with individualized prismatic spectacle lenses. A total of 83 patients were referred for testing; 77 were positive for vertical heterophoria on screening, of which 43 had complete data sets and were included for analysis. INTERVENTIONS: All patients were treated with individualized prismatic spectacle lenses to correct for vertical heterophoria. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes were measured by the difference in score before and after intervention of an objective, self-administered vertical heterophoria symptom burden instrument (Vertical Heterophoria Symptom Questionnaire [VHS-Q], presently undergoing validation) and by subjective improvement in symptoms as expressed by the patient at the end of intervention. RESULTS: There was a 71.8% decrease in subjective symptom burden when compared with preintervention baseline. There was a mean 16.7 point absolute reduction in the VHS-Q score on a 75-point scale, which represents a relative reduction in VHS-Q score of 48.1%. CONCLUSION: Vertical heterophoria was identified in a group of TBI patients with postconcussive symptoms and treatment of the vertical heterophoria with individualized prismatic spectacle lenses resulted in a 71.8% decrease in subjective symptom burden and a relative reduction in VHS-Q score of 48.1%. It appears that vertical heterophoria can be acquired from TBI.