Abstract
Bilateral vestibular dysfunction (BVD) refers to hypofunction of the vestibular nerves
or labyrinths on both sides. Patients with BVD present with dizziness, oscillopsia,
and unsteadiness, mostly during locomotion, which worsen in darkness or on uneven
ground. Although aminoglycoside ototoxicity, Meniere's disease, infection, and genetic
disorders frequently cause BVD, the etiology remains undetermined in up to 50% of
the patients. The diagnosis of BVD requires both symptoms and documentation of deficient
vestibulo-ocular reflex function using head-impulse, bithermal caloric, and rotatory
chair tests. Since various neurologic and systemic disorders may present with BVD,
clinicians should be cautious not to overlook the symptoms and signs of central nervous
system and systemic involvements. Vestibular rehabilitation, application of vibrotactile
and auditory feedbacks, and vestibular prosthesis can aid the patients with BVD along
with the correction of the underlying causes.
Keywords
dizziness - vertigo - oscillopsia - bilateral vestibulopathy
