Diagnostics of all partial labyrinth structures in acute vestibular neuritis

Background Vestibular neuritis (VN) is a common disease in acute medicine. In the absence of central signs, the bedside HINTS examination can detect a VN with a specificity of 85 % . The VN can only be objectified with otoneurological equipment-based diagnostics. The aim of this study is to examine the spectrum of diagnostic findings from all balance sensors in patients with acute VN and their clinical significance.

Methods In this prospective study 20 patients with acute VN were evaluated. In addition to the clinical bedside examination, otoneurological diagnostics (caloric examination, cervical/ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (c/oVEMPs), video head impulse test (vKIT) and rotatory pendulum test (RPT)) were carried out in those patients.

Results The patient group consists of 11 men and 9 women and the mean age was 54.8 years (range 31-83 years). Disorders of the horizontal (h) semicircular canal (SC) were recorded in all patients with the caloric test. The vKIT showed functional deficits isolated in the hSC in 4 cases and in the anterior semicircular canal (aSC) in 2 cases, combined in the h/aSC in 5 cases, in all SCs in 3 cases and no disorders in all SCs in 6 cases. The RPT showed asymmetrical findings in 18 patients. Disorders of oVEMPs occurred more frequently than those of cVEMPs.

Discussion In the differentiated otoneurological diagnostics of patients with acute VN, various deficits of the individual angle and linear acceleration sensors occurred. The differentiated diagnostics could help to provide individualized recommendations for sensor-specific rehabilitation concepts.

Poster-PDF A-1617.pdf

Publication History

Article published online:
13 May 2021