Prevalence of "Reversal Nystagmus" in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of reversal nystagmus in individuals with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). STUDY DESIGN: Prevalence of reversal nystagmus was assessed in 28 subjects with unilateral posterior canal BPPV, canalithiasis type. Six trials of Dix-Hallpike testing were completed for each subject. RESULTS: Reversal nystagmus was present in 129 out of 167 Dix-Hallpike maneuvers that were performed (77.2%). In 19 trials where nystagmus was absent with the dependent position of Dix-Hallpike testing, reversal nystagmus was nonetheless demonstrated in 11 trials (57.9%). CONCLUSION: Reversal nystagmus is commonly demonstrated in individuals with posterior canal BPPV, canalithiasis type. It is frequently evoked even when there is no nystagmus with the dependent position of Dix-Hallpike testing. Observation of reversal nystagmus may enhance the identification of BPPV during Dix-Hallpike testing.

Optimizing Testing for BPPV - The Loaded Dix-Hallpike.

OBJECTIVES: Although the Dix-Hallpike testing is generally considered as the gold standard for the identification of the posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), we investigated a modification of the maneuver termed the "loaded Dix-Hallpike." STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients participated in this prospective study comparing the standard Dix-Hallpike (S-DH) to the loaded Dix-Hallpike (L-DH) test. Each patient underwent repeated testing with the S-DH and the L-DH. The patients were placed into two groups. Fourteen patients underwent 3 rounds of S-DH testing followed by 3 rounds of L-DH testing. The other fourteen patients underwent 3 rounds of L-DH testing followed by 3 rounds of S-DH testing. The duration of nystagmus and the latency prior to the onset of nystagmus were measured for each test. Additionally, the patients were asked to rate the severity of their symptoms following each test. RESULTS: The duration of nystagmus of the L-DH was significantly longer than that of the S-DH (p<0.0001). The patients reported a higher severity score with L-DH as compared to with S-DH (p<0.001). The L-DH was found to be more sensitive than the S-DH (p=0.0131). CONCLUSION: The L-DH produces significantly longer duration of nystagmus, stronger symptoms, and improved sensitivity when compared to the S-DH.

Sphenoid Sinus Giant Cell Tumor: A Case Report and Literature Review.

We describe a 27-year-old female with a giant cell tumor of her sphenoid sinus, presenting with nasal obstruction and cranial neuropathies. Both the surgical and subsequent medical management are reviewed. Additionally, we review the overall presentation, pathophysiology, and management of giant cell tumors of the skull base. Current treatment recommendations are presented.

Awake thyroidectomy.

OBJECTIVE: In this article, we present a series of 28 patients who underwent thyroid surgery using local anesthesia. We describe our technique, report outcomes, and assess how well the procedure was tolerated from a patient perspective. METHODS: Three surgeons performed awake thyroidectomies and recorded data, including the patient's age and gender, surgery being performed, operative time, weight of the surgical specimen, quantity and type of local anesthetic used, additional medications, patient-reported pain assessment, and any complications. RESULTS: Twenty-seven of 28 patients (96%) successfully underwent awake thyroidectomy. One patient had to be converted to general anesthesia due to airway concerns. There were no complications; however, one patient had a panic attack. Based on a 0 to 10 scaled pain score, the average amount of pain reported was 3.4. The amount of pain the patient reported was significantly dependent on the amount of experience the operating surgeon had with this technique. Seventy-one percent of patients tolerated surgery with local anesthesia only and did not require additional medications. CONCLUSION: Awake thyroidectomy is a well-tolerated and safe procedure in appropriately selected patients, with many potential benefits over general anesthesia. In most cases, only local anesthesia is required. Increased experience with this technique may be associated with increased patient comfort. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 130:685-690, 2020.