O ensino de cuidados de saúde no Brasil entre os séculos XVI e XIX / The teaching health care in Brazil between the 16 th and 19 th centuries

Resumo Introdução: Entre os anos de 1500 e 1822, o Brasil esteve sob o domínio colonial de Portugal, e apenas em 1808 as duas primeiras escolas oficiais de Medicina foram abertas em seu território. Por mais de três séculos após o descobrimento, a falta de instituições locais para formar profissionais de saúde foi um problema diante de uma população vulnerável tanto às doenças tropicais quanto às enfermidades importadas. Nesse contexto, predominava a disseminação de conhecimentos, crenças e práticas dos padres jesuítas, pajés indígenas e africanos escravizados, frequentemente com perspectivas conflitantes. Desenvolvimento: Este ensaio tem como objetivos abordar o ensino dos cuidados de saúde no Brasil colonial e refletir sobre esse período histórico e suas influências para a formação de médicos no país. Conclusão: A educação médica tem enfrentado atualmente muitos desafios, e entendemos que os avanços pedagógicos, científicos e tecnológicos devem ser adotados, sem desconsiderar os contextos histórico e cultural, e a pluralidade da população e do sistema de saúde nacional. Mais de 500 anos se passaram desde a chegada dos portugueses, e ainda hoje o Brasil continua sendo um país com complexidades territorial, étnica, cultural, econômica e religiosa ímpares.

Abstract Introduction: Between 1500 and 1822, Brazil was under the colonial rule of Portugal, and it was only in 1808 that the first two official medical schools were opened in its territory. For more than three centuries after the European discovery of Brazil, the lack of local institutions to train health professionals was a problem for a population vulnerable to both tropical and imported diseases. In this context, the knowledge, beliefs and practices of Jesuit priests, indigenous shamans and enslaved Africans predominated, often with conflicting perspectives. Development: This essay aims to address the teaching of health care in colonial Brazil and reflect on this historical period and its influences on the training of doctors in the country. Conclusion: Medical education is currently facing many challenges, and we understand that pedagogical, scientific and technological advances must be adopted, but without disregarding the historical and cultural context and the plurality of the population and the national health system. More than five hundred years have passed since the arrival of the Portuguese, and to this day Brazil remains a country with unique territorial, ethnic, cultural, economic and religious complexity.

Uma estratégia para avaliação da percepção de docentes e discentes acerca dos métodos de ensino / A strategy to assess the perception of teachers and students about teaching methods

Resumo: Introdução: As atuais Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais (DCN) dos cursos de graduação em Medicina visam atualizar e transformar a escola médica brasileira incentivando currículos interdisciplinares e o uso de métodos ativos de ensino. O desafio de reduzir a adoção de aulas expositivas tende a impactar tanto discentes quanto docentes, que podem ser resistentes às mudanças quando estas não são apoiadas em pesquisas com a devida reflexão crítica. Desenvolvimento: Neste artigo, apresentamos um protocolo desenvolvido pela equipe do Núcleo de Apoio Pedagógico e Experiência Docente da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Brasília em que se utilizam dois questionários para a realização de estudos quali-quantitativos que visem avaliar a motivação e a percepção de docentes e discentes em relação aos distintos métodos de ensino e aprendizagem. O protocolo foi criado para auxiliar a compreensão da dinâmica, dos desafios e das expectativas acerca do processo de ensino e aprendizagem. Conclusão: Coletar, analisar, descrever, interpretar e divulgar dados sobre a motivação e a percepção de docentes e discentes relacionadas aos distintos métodos é importante para fundamentar ações que visem promover a melhoria do ensino. O protocolo apresentado neste artigo pode ser aplicado em cenários diversos e poderá contribuir para o processo de desenvolvimento de um ensino médico mais alinhado às DCN.

Abstract: Introduction: The latest Brazilian National Curriculum Guidelines (DCN) for the undergraduate medicine course aim to update and transform the country's medical training by encouraging interdisciplinary curricula and the use of active teaching methods. Reducing the focus on lectures and expanding learning through investigation is a challenge that can impact both students and teachers, who may be resistant to changes that are not supported by research and due critical analysis. Development: This study reflects on the importance of assessing how teachers and students view diverse teaching and learning methods. Furthermore, we share a protocol developed by the Pedagogical Support and Teaching Experience Team at the University of Brasília Medical School, which comprises the use of two questionnaires for conducting qualitative and quantitative studies. The protocol aims at understanding the dynamics, challenges and expectations regarding the teaching and learning process. Conclusion: Collecting, analyzing, describing, interpreting, and disseminating data on teacher and student views of the use of different methods is paramount to support teaching quality improvement actions. The protocol published in this article can be used in different settings and can contribute to the development of a medical education system that is more aligned with the DCN.

Neurotology: definitions and evidence-based therapies - Results of the I Brazilian Forum of Neurotology / Otoneurologia: definições e terapias baseadas em evidências - Resultados do I Fórum Brasileiro de Otoneurologia

Abstract Introduction: Neurotology is a rapidly expanding field of knowledge. The study of the vestibular system has advanced so much that even basic definitions, such as the meaning of vestibular symptoms, have only recently been standardized. Objective: To present a review of the main subjects of neurotology, including concepts, diagnosis and treatment of Neurotology, defining current scientific evidence to facilitate decision-making and to point out the most evidence-lacking areas to stimulate further new research. Methods: This text is the result of the I Brazilian Forum of Neurotology, which brought together the foremost Brazilian researchers in this area for a literature review. In all, there will be three review papers to be published. This first review will address definitions and therapies, the second one will address diagnostic tools, and the third will define the main diseases diagnoses. Each author performed a bibliographic search in the LILACS, SciELO, PubMed and MEDLINE databases on a given subject. The text was then submitted to the other Forum participants for a period of 30 days for analysis. A special chapter, on the definition of vestibular symptoms, was translated by an official translation service, and equally submitted to the other stages of the process. There was then a in-person meeting in which all the texts were orally presented, and there was a discussion among the participants to define a consensual text for each chapter. The consensual texts were then submitted to a final review by four professors of neurotology disciplines from three Brazilian universities and finally concluded. Based on the full text, available on the website of the Brazilian Association of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervical-Facial Surgery, this summary version was written as a review article. Result: The text presents the official translation into Portuguese of the definition of vestibular symptoms proposed by the Bárány Society and brings together the main scientific evidence for each of the main existing therapies for neurotological diseases. Conclusion: This text rationally grouped the main topics of knowledge regarding the definitions and therapies of Neurotology, allowing the reader a broad view of the approach of neurotological patients based on scientific evidence and national experience, which should assist them in clinical decision-making, and show the most evidence-lacking topics to stimulate further study.

Resumo Introdução: A otoneurologia é uma área de conhecimento que tem se expandido muito rapidamente. O estudo do sistema vestibular tem avançado tanto que mesmo definições básicas, como o significado dos sintomas vestibulares, foram apenas recentemente padronizadas. Objetivo: Apresentar uma revisão dos principais assuntos da otoneurologia, inclusive conceitos, diagnóstico e tratamento da otoneurologia, definir a evidência científica atual para facilitar a tomada de decisões e demonstrar as áreas mais carentes de evidência para estimular novas pesquisas. Método: Este texto é fruto do I Fórum Brasileiro de Otoneurologia, que reuniu os principais pesquisadores brasileiros dessa área para uma revisão da literatura. Serão feitos três trabalhos de revisão a serem publicados. Este primeiro abordou as definições e as terapias, o segundo abordará as ferramentas diagnósticas e o terceiro definirá os principais diagnósticos. Cada autor fez um levantamento bibliográfico na base de dados da Lilacs, SciELO, Pubmed e Medline de um determinado assunto. O seu texto foi então submetido aos demais participantes do Fórum por 30 dias para análise. Um capítulo especial, da definição dos sintomas vestibulares, foi traduzido por serviço de tradução oficial e igualmente submetido às demais etapas do processo. Houve então uma reunião presencial em que todos os textos foram apresentados oralmente e houve uma discussão entre os participantes para a definição de um texto consensual para cada capítulo. Os textos consensuais foram então submetidos a uma revisão final por quatro professores de otoneurologia de três universidades brasileiras e, por fim, finalizado. A partir do texto completo, publicado no site da Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial, foi escrita esta versão-resumo como artigo de revisão. Resultado: O texto apresenta a tradução oficial para o português da definição dos sintomas vestibulares propostos pela Barany Society e agrupa as principais evidências científicas para cada um das principais terapias existentes para as doenças otoneurológicas. Conclusão: Este texto agrupou de forma racional os principais tópicos de conhecimento a respeito das definições e terapias da otoneurologia, permite ao leitor uma visão ampla da abordagem dos pacientes otoneurológicos baseada em evidências científicas e experiência nacional, que deverá auxiliá-lo na tomada de decisões clínicas, e mostra os assuntos mais carentes de evidência para estimular novos estudos.

Neurotology: definitions and evidence-based therapies - Results of the I Brazilian Forum of Neurotology.

INTRODUCTION: Neurotology is a rapidly expanding field of knowledge. The study of the vestibular system has advanced so much that even basic definitions, such as the meaning of vestibular symptoms, have only recently been standardized. OBJECTIVE: To present a review of the main subjects of neurotology, including concepts, diagnosis and treatment of Neurotology, defining current scientific evidence to facilitate decision-making and to point out the most evidence-lacking areas to stimulate further new research. METHODS: This text is the result of the I Brazilian Forum of Neurotology, which brought together the foremost Brazilian researchers in this area for a literature review. In all, there will be three review papers to be published. This first review will address definitions and therapies, the second one will address diagnostic tools, and the third will define the main diseases diagnoses. Each author performed a bibliographic search in the LILACS, SciELO, PubMed and MEDLINE databases on a given subject. The text was then submitted to the other Forum participants for a period of 30 days for analysis. A special chapter, on the definition of vestibular symptoms, was translated by an official translation service, and equally submitted to the other stages of the process. There was then a in-person meeting in which all the texts were orally presented, and there was a discussion among the participants to define a consensual text for each chapter. The consensual texts were then submitted to a final review by four professors of neurotology disciplines from three Brazilian universities and finally concluded. Based on the full text, available on the website of the Brazilian Association of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervical-Facial Surgery, this summary version was written as a review article. RESULT: The text presents the official translation into Portuguese of the definition of vestibular symptoms proposed by the Bárány Society and brings together the main scientific evidence for each of the main existing therapies for neurotological diseases. CONCLUSION: This text rationally grouped the main topics of knowledge regarding the definitions and therapies of Neurotology, allowing the reader a broad view of the approach of neurotological patients based on scientific evidence and national experience, which should assist them in clinical decision-making, and show the most evidence-lacking topics to stimulate further study.

Tinnitus and sound intolerance: evidence and experience of a Brazilian group / Zumbido e intolerância a sons: evidência e experiência de um grupo brasileiro

Abstract Introduction Tinnitus and sound intolerance are frequent and subjective complaints that may have an impact on a patient's quality of life. Objective To present a review of the salient points including concepts, pathophysiology, diagnosis and approach of the patient with tinnitus and sensitivity to sounds. Methods Literature review with bibliographic survey in LILACS, SciELO, Pubmed and MEDLINE database. Articles and book chapters on tinnitus and sound sensitivity were selected. The several topics were discussed by a group of Brazilian professionals and the conclusions were described. Results The prevalence of tinnitus has increased over the years, often associated with hearing loss, metabolic factors and inadequate diet. Medical evaluation should be performed carefully to guide the request of subsidiary exams. Currently available treatments range from medications to the use of sounds with specific characteristics and meditation techniques, with variable results. Conclusion A review on tinnitus and auditory sensitivity was presented, allowing the reader a broad view of the approach to these patients, based on scientific evidence and national experience.

Resumo Introdução Zumbido e intolerância a sons são queixas frequentes e subjetivas que podem ter impacto na qualidade de vida do paciente. Objetivo Apresentar uma revisão dos principais pontos, inclusive conceitos, fisiopatologia, diagnóstico e abordagem do paciente com zumbido e sensibilidade a sons. Método Revisão da literatura com levantamento bibliográfico na base de dados da LILACS, SciELO, Pubmed e MEDLINE. Foram selecionados artigos e capítulos de livros sobre zumbido e sensibilidade a sons. Os diversos tópicos foram discutidos por um grupo de profissionais brasileiros e as conclusões, descritas. Resultado A prevalência de zumbido tem aumentado ao longo dos anos, muitas vezes associado a perda auditiva, fatores metabólicos e erros alimentares. A avaliação médica deve ser feita minuciosamente no sentido de orientar a solicitação de exames subsidiários. Os tratamentos disponíveis atualmente variam de medicamentos ao uso de sons com características específicas e técnicas de meditação, com resultados variáveis. Conclusão Foi apresentada uma revisão sobre os temas que permitindo ao leitor uma visão ampla da abordagem dos pacientes com zumbido e sensibilidade auditiva baseada em evidências científicas e experiência nacional.

Tinnitus and sound intolerance: evidence and experience of a Brazilian group.

INTRODUCTION: Tinnitus and sound intolerance are frequent and subjective complaints that may have an impact on a patient's quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To present a review of the salient points including concepts, pathophysiology, diagnosis and approach of the patient with tinnitus and sensitivity to sounds. METHODS: Literature review with bibliographic survey in LILACS, SciELO, Pubmed and MEDLINE database. Articles and book chapters on tinnitus and sound sensitivity were selected. The several topics were discussed by a group of Brazilian professionals and the conclusions were described. RESULTS: The prevalence of tinnitus has increased over the years, often associated with hearing loss, metabolic factors and inadequate diet. Medical evaluation should be performed carefully to guide the request of subsidiary exams. Currently available treatments range from medications to the use of sounds with specific characteristics and meditation techniques, with variable results. CONCLUSION: A review on tinnitus and auditory sensitivity was presented, allowing the reader a broad view of the approach to these patients, based on scientific evidence and national experience.

The chemopreventive effect of Ginkgo biloba extract 761 against cisplatin ototoxicity: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate, by using distortion product otoacoustic emission test, the action of Ginkgo biloba extract 761, which has a known antioxidant property, as a possible otoprotective against cisplatin induced hearing loss. This prospective and double blinded study was conducted on individuals that were to begin cisplatin treatment in a tertiary university center. They were randomized and allocated in two groups: control group (CG) (n = 07) receiving placebo and cisplatin and study group (SG) (n = 08) receiving Ginkgo biloba extract 761 (240 mg/day) and cisplatin. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on individuals that were treated by cancer with cisplatin (CDDP) in a tertiary University center. Both groups were instructed to ingest the either placebo or Ginkgo biloba extract 761 before the first cisplatin dose. They were rated and followed up for approximately 90 days. The maximum cumulative cisplatin dosage was 300 mg/m(2). The ototoxic effect was measured with distortion product otoacoustic emissions. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions were recorded before the first cisplatin cycle, 30, 60 and 90 days after the treatment. The average of the amplitude of the signals were calculated and used for comparisons between the groups. RESULTS: Comparisons were made between baseline measurements and those recorded after maximum cumulative CDDP dose. The control group showed smaller distortion product otoacoustic emissions mean amplitudes and smaller signal/noise ratio than the study group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ginkgo biloba extract 761 probably has antioxidant properties, and might play otoprotective effect against cisplatin ototoxicity in these patients.

Nasal involvement in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Numerous studies have reported an association between nasal obstruction and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), but the precise nature of this relationship remains to be clarified. This paper aimed to summarize data and theories on the role of the nose in the pathophysiology of sleep apnea as well as to discuss the benefits of surgical and medical nasal treatments. A number of pathophysiological mechanisms can potentially explain the role of nasal pathology in OSAS. These include the Starling resistor model, the unstable oral airway, the nasal ventilatory reflex, and the role of nitric oxide (NO). Pharmacological treatment presents some beneficial effects on the frequency of respiratory events and sleep architecture. Nonetheless, objective data assessing snoring and daytime sleepiness are still necessary. Nasal surgery can improve the quality of life and snoring in a select group of patients with mild OSAS and septal deviation but is not an effective treatment for OSA as such. Despite the conflicting results in the literature, it is important that patients who are not perfectly adapted to CPAP are evaluated in detail, in order to identify whether there are obstructive factors that could be surgically corrected.

Hearing preservation in cochlear implant surgery.

In the past, it was thought that hearing loss patients with residual low-frequency hearing would not be good candidates for cochlear implantation since insertion was expected to induce inner ear trauma. Recent advances in electrode design and surgical techniques have made the preservation of residual low-frequency hearing achievable and desirable. The importance of preserving residual low-frequency hearing cannot be underestimated in light of the added benefit of hearing in noisy atmospheres and in music quality. The concept of electrical and acoustic stimulation involves electrically stimulating the nonfunctional, high-frequency region of the cochlea with a cochlear implant and applying a hearing aid in the low-frequency range. The principle of preserving low-frequency hearing by a "soft surgery" cochlear implantation could also be useful to the population of children who might profit from regenerative hair cell therapy in the future. Main aspects of low-frequency hearing preservation surgery are discussed in this review: its brief history, electrode design, principles and advantages of electric-acoustic stimulation, surgical technique, and further implications of this new treatment possibility for hearing impaired patients.

The mismatch negativity test in ears with and without tinnitus-a path to the objectification of tinnitus.

INTRODUCTION: The mismatch negativity (MMN) test evaluates neural responses to unexpected sounds, providing objective data on the neural plasticity of the auditory system. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we assessed whether the MMN test could identify failure of neural habituation of the auditory pathway in patients with severe tinnitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with normal hearing were compared to tinnitus patients, via the MMN test. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and a visual analog scale (VAS) were used to evaluate tinnitus-derived annoyance. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale was used to assess anxiety and depression. RESULTS: The average MMN amplitudes in the tinnitus group were -0.88 uV in the right ear (RE), and -1.13 uV in the left ear (LE), while in control group the corresponding amplitudes were 1.01 uV and -1.19 uV. Mean latencies in the tinnitus group were 208.34 ms in the RE, and 209.92 ms in the LE, while in the control group the corresponding latencies were 217.38 ms and 215.69 ms. The differences in mean latencies between the groups were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The MMN test may be useful for evaluating the habituation process of the central auditory pathways in tinnitus patients.

Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR) changes in children treated with high doses cisplatin.

INTRODUCTION: Cisplatin can cause cochlear damage by oxidative stress in hair cells, but there are few studies regarding toxicity in the central auditory pathways. OBJECTIVE: To study cisplatin neurotoxicity in the central auditory pathways in children treated with high doses cisplatin for solid malignant tumors. METHODS: Thirteen children (Group S) aged 3-19 years who had been treated with cisplatin (60-120 mg/m(2)/cycle) were studied using evoked otoacoustic emissions (EOA), conventional auditory evaluation and auditory brainstem response (ABR). Thirteen normal children matched for age and sex composed the control group (Group C). RESULTS: Group S - 7.5% percent of ears showed enlargement of latencies of waves I and V, and 3.8% of wave III. Six ears (23%) showed enlarged interpeak intervals. Four ears showed increased interpeak I-III and two showed increased interpeak III-V. The results were compared using the Mann-Whitney test. Interpeak III-V differed significantly between groups S and C when only the left ears were considered. EOA results were normal in both groups. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Abnormal values in the interpeak I-III associated with normal distortion product OEA suggest neurotoxicity in the brainstem pathways. The statistical significance reached only in the left ear may be due to small number of cases studied.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: diagnosis and treatment.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a common disorder in Neurotology. This vestibular syndrome is characterized by transient attacks of vertigo, caused by change in head position, and associated with paroxysmal characteristic nystagmus. The symptoms result from movement of the free floating otoconia particles in the endolymph or their attachment to the cupulae of the semicircular canal. The diagnosis is essentially clinical and should be confirmed by performing diagnostic maneuvers. Treatment is based on the identification of the affected semicircular canal and performance of liberatory maneuvers or repositioning of free floating particles of otoliths. The effectiveness varies from 70 to 100%.

Group therapy for patients with tinnitus at the University of Brasilia Medical School.

UNLABELLED: Although group therapy for tinnitus is a well documented field in the international literature, as far as we know it has never been held in Brazil. This study represents a successful experience of a group therapy for tinnitus based on the tinnitus retraining therapy associated with behavioral cognitive techniques. The goal of the present study is to assess patients with tinnitus before and after the group therapy based on the tinnitus retraining therapy and the behavioral cognitive therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective cohort study: 27 subjects signed in for the study, and answered the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and the Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scale (HAD), before and after the treatment. We held six structured sessions according to the principles of tinnitus retraining therapy associated with behavioral cognitive techniques. RESULTS: 27 patients started and 19 finished the treatment (8 were taken off). 47.4% men, mean age of 47.6. THI results before and after treatment were respectively: functional: 29 and 14, emotional 24 and 10 and catastrophic 12 and 5 and the HAD scale: anxiety 2 and 9 and depression 10 and 6. CONCLUSION: The treatment described is effective in improving tinnitus symptoms.

Sucesso no tratamento do zumbido com terapia em grupo / Group therapy for patients with tinnitus at the University of Brasilia Medical School

Embora os tratamentos em grupos para o zumbido sejam uma área bem documentada na literatura internacional, até onde sabemos nunca foram realizados no Brasil. Este estudo apresenta uma experiência bem-sucedida de um tratamento em grupo para zumbido baseado na terapia de retreinamento do zumbido aliada com as técnicas cognitivo-comportamentais. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar pacientes com zumbido antes e depois do tratamento em grupo estruturado baseado da terapia de retreinamento do zumbido e na terapia cognitivo comportamental. Material e método: Estudo coorte prospectivo: 27 sujeitos aplicaram-se para a pesquisa. Responderam ao inventário do Handicap do Zumbido (THI) e à escala da Ansiedade e Depressão Hospitalar (HAD),antes e depois do tratamento. Foram realizadas 6 sessões estruturadas segundo os princípios da terapia de retreinamento do zumbido associada com técnicas cognitivo-comportamentais. Resultados: 27 pacientes iniciaram e 19 terminaram o tratamento (8 excluídos). 47,4 por cento homens, média das idades 47.6. O resultado do THI antes e depois do tratamento foi respectivamente: funcionais, 29 e 14; emocional, 24 e 10; e catastrófico, 12 e 5; a escala HAD: ansiedade, 12 e 9 e depressão, 10 e 6. Conclusão: O tratamento descrito é efetivo na melhora do zumbido.

Although group therapy for tinnitus is a well documented field in the international literature, as far as we know it has never been held in Brazil. This study represents a successful experience of a group therapy for tinnitus based on the tinnitus retraining therapy associated with behavioral cognitive techniques. The goal of the present study is to assess patients with tinnitus before and after the group therapy based on the tinnitus retraining therapy and the behavioral cognitive therapy. Materials and methods: Prospective cohort study: 27 subjects signed in for the study, and answered the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and the Hospital Depression and Anxiety Scale (HAD), before and after the treatment. We held six structured sessions according to the principles of tinnitus retraining therapy associated with behavioral cognitive techniques. Results: 27 patients started and 19 finished the treatment (8 were taken off). 47.4 percent men, mean age of 47.6. THI results before and after treatment were respectively: functional: 29 and 14, emotional 24 and 10 and catastrophic 12 and 5 and the HAD scale: anxiety 2 and 9 and depression 10 and 6. Conclusion: The treatment described is effective in improving tinnitus symptoms.

Vestibulo-ocular reflex as predictor of cerebral death in comatose patients.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to establish the role of VOR - vestibular ocular reflex - in predicting cerebral death in comatose patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prognosis study based on three concurrent cohorts of comatose patients of known etiology followed until the ultimate outcomes: recovery, vegetative state or death. Sixty comatose patients (Glasgow scale 8 or less) with known causes were studied: 49 males and 11 females; 7 to 83 years old. The cold water vestibular stimulation was performed at the bedside by irrigation with 0o Celsius saline in the external auditory canal during one minute. The reflex was considered present when both eyes deviated toward the stimulated side (19 patients group 1); present but abnormal for irregular unconjugated eye movements (11 patients group 2) or absent (30 patients, group 3). RESULTS: Group 1 had total recovery in 42%, partial recovery in 37% and cerebral death in 21%. These results were 9%, 18% and 73% for group 2, respectively and group 3 had 100% cerebral death. The difference was statistically significant between groups 1 and 2, 3 (p<0,05 Fischer exact test and X2 test). CONCLUSION: Absence of VOR predicted 100% of cerebral death and VOR present normal predicted 21% of cerebral death in the comatose patients we studied.

Vestibular rehabilitation exercises in acute vertigo.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the effect of vestibular rehabilitation exercises in the early stages of peripheral vestibular disorders. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized trial. Patients were blinded to assignment groups. METHODS: The study group (45 patients) performed exercises for adaptation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex; the control group (42 patients) performed placebo exercises. Both groups were instructed to use dimenhydrinate (up to 150 mg/d) if symptomatic, irrespective of exercises. Patients were evaluated by visual analogue scale, physical examination, and need to use the medication. All patients were adults and symptomatic for less than 5 days. RESULTS: The study and control groups were comparable in terms of demographics data and duration and intensity of symptoms. Study group patients recovered faster than controls and used less medication. By 10 to 14 days after the intervention, 43% of study group and 5% of control group patients had no significant symptoms (P < .001), and 67% of study group and 3% of control group patients needed no medication (P < .001). Although both groups had no significant symptoms by the end of the follow-up period (21 days), 14% of the study group patients were still using medication, compared with 83% of the placebo group patients (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Vestibular exercises are effective in reducing the duration of symptoms and the need of medication of patients in the early stages of peripheral vestibular disorders.

Benzodiazepines and GABAergics in treating severe disabling tinnitus of predominantly cochlear origin.

Severe disabling tinnitus (SDT) refers to a symptom severe enough to disrupt affected patients' routine and keep them from performing their daily activities. SDT of a predominantly central origin has been treated successfully with benzodiazepines and GABAergic drugs. Our aim was to test the control of SDT of predominantly cochlear origin by benzodiazepines and GABAergic drugs. We followed the format of a prospective, randomized, single-blind clinical trial at an academic tertiary-care hospital. We studied 30 patients, all with SDT of clear cochlear origin. We treated 10 patients with placebo (group 1), 10 with benzodiazepine drugs (group 2), and 10 with benzodiazepine and GABAergic drugs (group 3). We recorded a decrease in the annoyance and intensity of SDT as measured by a visual analog scale ranging from 1 (negligible) to 10 (unbearable). We found statistically significant improvement in comparing groups 2 and 3 with group 1 but found no significant difference when groups 2 and 3 were compared. Addition of GABAergic to benzodiazepine drugs does not modify the treatment results in SDT of a predominantly cochlear origin.

Eficácia dos exercícios de adaptação do reflexo vestíbulo-ocular no tratamento da vertigem aguda / Efficacy of vestibulo-ocular reflex exercises in the treatment of acute vertigo

Com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos de exercícios para adaptação do reflexo vestíbulo-ocular na fase inicial de recuperação dos distúrbios do sistema vestibular periférico foram estudados prospectivamente 87 pacientes, aleatoriamente divididos em um grupo de estudo e outro controle, com início de sintomas até no máximo cinco dias. Avaliou-se a intensidade dos sintomas, quantidade de medicação utilizada e testes de equilíbrio. O grupo que realizou exercícios de reabilitação vestibular apresentou recuperação mais rápida e fez uso de medicação sintomática em menor quantidade que o grupo controle / In order to study the effectiveness of exercises that induce adaptation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex in the early stage of recovering from peripheral vestibular disorders we studied 87 patients, symptomatic for less than 5 days, randomly allocated in an intervention group and a control one. Initial and follow-up appointments included Intensity of symptoms, need for medication and otoneurological tests evaluation. Intervention group patients recovered faster than controls and used less medication...