Post-traumatic camel-related benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

INTRODUCTION: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common form of dizziness. The causes of BPPV are not yet known but a relationship between the onset of vertigo and head trauma has been found. Among the causes of head injury related to BPPV, dropping off a camel has not been reported in literature yet. CASE REPORT: We describe two cases of persons that fell off a camel during a safari in Middle East countries. After the fall they reported vertigo symptoms that were not interpreted as BPPV. When they returned to Italy, due to symptoms persistence, they were referred to our ENT practice: we found evidence of BPPV. In a case it was a bilateral BPPV (bBPPV). DISCUSSION: Falling off a camel may be a relevant cause of BPPV. We suggest a correct evaluation of the labyrinth for BPPV with the appropriate diagnostic maneuvers and, if necessary, a treatment with repositioning maneuvers.

Short ribosomal prophylaxis in the prevention of clinical recurrences of chronic otitis media in children.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and the safety of a short oral ribosomal immunotherapy (Immucytal) in the prevention of chronic otitis media in children. Seventy-two patients were enrolled in this study, 41 males and 31 females, aged between 6 and 14 years, with an history of recurrent otitis media. Patients were randomised to receive Immucytal (group A) or placebo (group B) according to the following protocol: one tablet daily in the morning 8 days per month for three consecutive months. Immucytal and placebo were identical in shape and size, in order to maintain double-blind conditions. The efficacy parameters were (evaluated before, at the end and 6 months after the beginning of the therapy): clinical score; changes in immunological parameters; patient's parents assessment of symptoms on a scale from 0 (much worse) to 4 (much improved) and hearing tests. Patients of group A, had an improvement of clinical items measured, serum concentrations of immunoglobulins, subjective patient's parents assessment of symptoms and hearing tests. For all evaluations, a significant difference between treatment groups was found. Using this dosage and posology (shorter than others) the beneficial effects of Immucytal were maintained until the end of the 6-month study period.