Expert Consensus on Clinical Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine：Aural Vertigo / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Aural vertigo frequently encountered in the otolaryngology department of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） mainly involves peripheral vestibular diseases of Western medicine， such as Meniere's disease， benign paroxysmal positional vertigo， vestibular neuritis， and vestibular migraine， being a hot research topic in both TCM and Western medicine. Western medical therapies alone have unsatisfactory effects on recurrent aural vertigo， aural vertigo affecting the quality of life， aural vertigo not relieved after surgery， aural vertigo with complex causes， and children's aural vertigo. The literature records and clinical practice have proven that TCM demonstrates unique advantages in the treatment of aural vertigo. The China Association of Chinese medicine sponsored the "17th youth salon on the diseases responding specifically to TCM： Aural vertigo" and invited vertigo experts of TCM and Western medicine to discuss the difficulties and advantages of TCM diagnosis and treatment of aural vertigo. The experts deeply discussed the achievements and contributions of TCM and Western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of aural vertigo， the control and mitigation of the symptoms， and the solutions to disease recurrence. The discussion clarified the positioning and advantages of TCM treatment and provided guidance for clinical and basic research on aural vertigo.

Comparação do nível de confiança para realização de atividades diárias pré e pós reabilitação vestibular em pacientes com disfunção vestibular / Comparison of the level of confidence to perform daily activities before and after vestibular rehabilitation in patients with vestibular dysfunction / Comparación del nivel de confianza para la realización de actividades diarias antes y después de la rehabilitación vestibular en pacientes con disfunción vestibular

Introdução: A reabilitação vestibular (RV) surge como uma opção terapêutica em casos de tontura e desequilíbrio postural. O The Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC Scale) é um questionário utilizado para avaliar a interferência destes sintomas vestibulares por meio do nível de confiança dos indivíduos em realizar atividades diárias que envolvem o equilíbrio postural. Objetivo: comparar o nível de confiança na realização de atividades diárias relacionadas ao equilíbrio corporal, pré e pós reabilitação vestibular (RV) em pacientes com disfunção vestibular. Método: Estudo primário, intervencional, clínico, longitudinal, prospectivo, analítico, não controlado. Participaram 14 indivíduos, do sexo feminino e masculino, portadores de vestibulopatia periférica. Foi aplicado o Activities-specific Balance Confidance Scale (ABC Scale) nas condições pré e pós RV. Os dados foram analisados de forma descritiva e inferencial, pelos testes Exato de Fisher, t-Sudent e o modelo linear de efeitos mistos. Resultados: A amostra se caracterizou por 78.57% do sexo feminino e 21.43% do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 59.21 anos. Observou-se diferença estatística quando comparados os resultados do ABC Scale nas condições pré e pós RV (p<0.0001). Não foi verificada diferença estatística entre os escores deste instrumento com as variáveis sexo, idade e número de sessões terapêuticas. Conclusão: Foi possível concluir que o nível de confiança dos pacientes dessa amostra modificou de baixo, na fase pré reabilitação, para alto, na fase final da intervenção, o que consolida a ocorrência do aumento no nível de confiança que acarretou melhoria na qualidade de vida. (AU)

Introduction: Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) appears as a therapeutic option in cases of dizziness and postural imbalance. The Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC Scale) is a questionnaire used to assess the interference of these vestibular symptoms with the individuals' level of confidence to carry out daily activities involving postural balance. Objective: to compare the level of confidence to carry out daily activities related to body balance, before and after VR, in patients with vestibular dysfunction. Method: Primary, interventional, clinical, longitudinal, prospective, analytical, and noncontrolled study. The sample comprised 14 male and female individuals with peripheral vestibulopathy. The ABC Scale was applied before and after VR. Descriptive and inferential data analysis were performed, using Fisher's Exact test, Student's t-test, and the linear mixed-effects model. Results: The sample had 78.57% females and 21.43% males, with a mean age of 59.21 years. There was a statistical difference in ABC Scale results before and after VR (p < 0.0001). There was no statistical difference between its scores and sex, age, or the number of therapy sessions. Conclusion: It was concluded that this study patients' confidence level changed from low in the pre-rehabilitation phase, to high in the final phase of the intervention, which consolidates the increase in confidence level that led to an improvement of quality of life. (AU)

Introducción: La rehabilitación vestibular (RV) aparece como una opción terapéutica en casos de mareos y desequilibrio postural. La Escala de Confianza en el Equilibrio Específica de Actividades (Escala ABC) es un cuestionario utilizado para evaluar la interferencia de estos síntomas vestibulares a través del nivel de confianza de los individuos en la realización de actividades diarias que involucran el equilibrio postural. Objetivo: comparar el nivel de confianza en la realización de actividades cotidianas relacionadas con el equilibrio corporal, pre y post rehabilitación vestibular (RV) en pacientes con disfunción vestibular. Método: Estudio primario, intervencionista, clínico, longitudinal, prospectivo, analítico, no controlado. Participaron 14 individuos, hombres y mujeres y con vestibulopatía periférica. La Escala de Confianza del Equilibrio Específica de Actividades (Escala ABC) se aplicó en condiciones previas y posteriores a la RV. Los datos fueron sometidos a análisis descriptivo e inferencial mediante la prueba exacta de Fisher, t-Sudent y el modelo lineal de efectos mixtos. Resultados: La muestra se caracterizó por 78,57% del sexo femenino y 21,43% del masculino, con una edad media de 59,21 años. Hubo diferencia estadística al comparar los resultados de la Escala ABC en condiciones pre y post RV (p<0,0001). No hubo diferencia estadística entre los puntajes de este instrumento con las variables sexo, edad y número de sesiones terapéuticas. Conclusión: Fue posible concluir que el nivel de confianza de los pacientes de esta muestra pasó de bajo, en la fase de pre-rehabilitación, a alto, en la fase final de la intervención, lo que consolida la ocurrencia del aumento en el nivel de confianza que llevó a una mejora en la calidad de vida. (AU)

Vértigo en gestantes: presentación clínica, impacto en la calidad de vida y factores asociados / Vertigo in pregnancy: clinical presentation, impact on quality of life and associated factors

OBJETIVO: Evaluar las características clínicas, el impacto en la calidad de vida y los factores asociados con vértigo en gestantes hospitalizadas en una institución de alta complejidad. MÉTODO: Estudio transversal. Se realizó una encuesta dirigida a la presencia de vértigo y sus características clínicas en 2020-2021. La calidad de vida se evaluó con el cuestionario Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). El análisis estadístico incluyó un modelo lineal generalizado. RESULTADOS: De 103 mujeres, el 19,4% indicaron vértigo principalmente en el segundo trimestre de gestación (60%), con una mediana de 3,5 (rango intercuartil: 1,5-7,5) episodios. Fueron referidos vértigos episódicos asociados con cambios posicionales (40%), acompañados de inestabilidad (60%), cefalea (60%), fotopsias (55%) y tinnitus (45%). Las mujeres con vértigo presentaron mayor frecuencia de discapacidad moderada a grave en las dimensiones del DHI emocional (30 vs. 2,4%; p = 0,001), funcional (40 vs. 2,4%; p < 0,001) y física (55 vs. 2,4%; p < 0,001) en comparación con las mujeres sin la patología. La hospitalización durante el embarazo Razón de proporción (RP): 4,02; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 1,64-9,85; p = 0,002) y la presencia de vértigo pregestacional (RP: 2,37; IC95%: 1,15-4,88; p = 0,019) se identificaron como factores asociados. CONCLUSIONES: La alta frecuencia de vértigo en las gestantes sugiere la importancia de estudiar esta condición durante el embarazo, para lograr un manejo integral y generar acciones de prevención y control efectivas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical characteristics, impact on quality of life and factors associated with vertigo in pregnant women hospitalized in a highly complex institution. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021-2022. One focused survey including Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) was performed. The statistical analysis was performed using a generalized lineal regression. RESULTS: 103 patients were included, 19.4% indicated vertigo mostly during the second semester (60%). A median of 3.5 episodes was obtained (RIC: 1.5-7.5). Positional and episodic vertigos (40%) associated with unsteadiness (60%), headache (60%), photopsia (55%) and tinnitus (45%) were described. DHI in pregnant females with vertigo compared to those without vertigo, presented higher rates of moderate to severe disability in the emotional (30 vs. 2.4%: p = 0.001), functional (40 vs. 2.4%; p < 0.001) and physical (55 vs. 2.4%; p < 0.001) dimensions. Hospitalizations during the pregnancy (RP: 4.02; 95%CI: 1.64-9.85; p = 0.002) and previous episodes before pregnancy (RP: 2.37; 95%CI: 1.15-4.88; p = 0.019) were identified as associated factors with current vertigo episodes. CONCLUSIONS: The high frequency of vertigo in pregnant women suggests the importance of studying this condition during pregnancy, to achieve comprehensive management and generate effective prevention and control actions.

Investigation of coronavirus anxiety, health anxiety, and anxiety symptom levels in vertigo patients during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects the mental health of vertigo patients. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of coronavirus anxiety, health anxiety, anxiety symptom levels, and demographic variables on vertigo and its severity in vertigo patients during the pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from May 15 to November 15, 2021. In total, 118 patients with vertigo and 82 healthy controls participated in the study. Besides demographic and clinical data, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale-Anxiety Subscale (HAD-A), and Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI) were applied to all participants. Additionally, Vertigo Symptom Scale-Short Form (VSS-SF) was administered to vertigo patients. Results: According to the findings, vertigo patients experienced higher levels of coronavirus anxiety, health anxiety, and anxiety disorder compared to the healthy controls. In vertigo patients, the rate of coronavirus anxiety was 20.3%, and the rate of anxiety disorder was 32.2%. Majority of the patients (80.5%) were found to have severe-level vertigo. Additionally, most of the patients (82.1%) reported that the severity of vertigo during the pandemic was higher than before the pandemic. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic causes serious mental health problems in vertigo patients, and pathological levels of these problems increase the discomfort of vertigo. Therefore, psychological assessment should be considered in these patients, and required psychological support and guidance services should be provided.

Intratympanic Gentamicin Injection in Ménière’s Disease: Our Ten Years’ Experience and Outcomes

Objective: The aim of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness of intratympanic gentamicin injection (ITG) on vertigo control with reduced doses and its hearing effects. Materials and Method: The study was conducted at Otolaryngology Department of AORN “S.G. Moscati” between January 2005 and January 2015 on 72 patients with disabling unilateral Meniere’s disease. We use 0.2-0.3 mL of gentamicin sulfate at a concentration of 40mg/ml, injected into the affected ear through the posterior-inferior quadrant of the tympanic membrane. The procedure was carried out for three following days. Main outcome measures: vertigo control and hearing threshold changes after ITG treatment. Results: In 98.6% of the patients(n=71) the ITG produced the full remission of the vertiginous symptoms. In 91.6% of cases(n=66) a single treatment (three consequent injections) was sufficient to control vertigo, in 5.5% of cases(n=4) two treatments were necessary to control vertigo and in 1.3% of patients(n=1) three treatments were necessary to control vertigo. In no case we have had hearing loss after ITG procedure. The pre-treatment pure tone average was 48db. The post-treatment pure tone average was 49.2db. This difference was no statistical difference. Conclusion: In this study we reported high vertigo control, long follow-up and no case of significant hearing worsening. We consider the three injections in the following three days with low doses of gentamicin a safe and valid treatment for Meniere’s disease.

Fisioterapia vestibular na síndrome de Arnold-Chiari com uso da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF): relato de caso / Vestibular physiotherapy in Arnold-Chiari syndrome using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF): case report

Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos de um protocolo de Fisioterapia Vestibular (FV), baseado no modelo da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF) em um paciente com sequelas da síndrome de Arnold-Chiari do tipo I nas queixas de tontura, alterações oculomotoras, desequilíbrio e impacto da tontura na qualidade de vida. Método: Trata-se da descrição do caso de um paciente de 40 anos que realizou um protocolo de FV em 44 sessões, uma a duas vezes por semana, envolvendo exercícios de estabilização do olhar, oculomotores, habituação, equilíbrio estático e dinâmico, tanto em ambiente clínico presencial, quanto remoto e domiciliar. Foram realizadas avaliações da intensidade da tontura e desequilíbrio, do sistema oculomotor, do equilíbrio estático e dinâmico, bem como da qualidade de vida. As informações coletadas na avaliação inicial foram convertidas para os domínios da CIF. Resultados: Houve redução no relato da intensidade da tontura e desequilíbrio, na distância do ponto próximo de convergência, melhora no equilíbrio postural estático e início da prática de atividade física regular, porém manteve o risco de queda no teste de equilíbrio dinâmico e deficiência grave quanto à qualidade de vida. Conclusão: O protocolo de FV, planejado a partir do uso da CIF, mostrou resultados positivos quanto à intensidade da queixa de tontura e desequilíbrio, convergência ocular e equilíbrio estático, com manutenção dos resultados quanto ao equilíbrio dinâmico e à qualidade de vida em um paciente com sequelas da síndrome de Arnold-Chiari. Os resultados deste estudo podem direcionar a conduta clínica e pesquisas futuras relacionadas a esta população

Objective: To investigate the effects of a Vestibular Physiotherapy (VP) protocol, according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model, in a patient with Arnold-Chiari syndrome type I sequelae on complaints of dizziness, oculomotor disorders, imbalance and the impact of dizziness on quality of life. Method: This is the case description of a 40-year-old patient who underwent a VP protocol into 44 sessions, up to twice a week. The protocol involved eye stabilization, oculomotor, habituation, static and dynamic balance exercises, which were performed through face-to-face clinical setting, remote assistance and home-based exercises. Assessments of the intensity of dizziness and imbalance, oculomotor system, static and dynamic balance and the impact of dizziness on quality of life were performed. The information collected in the initial assessment was converted into the ICF domains. Results: There was a reduction in the report of the intensity of dizziness and imbalance, in the distance from the near point of convergence, improvement in static postural balance, and started the practice of physical activities. However, the risk of falling was maintained in the dynamic balance test and also severe impairment on quality of life. Conclusions: The VP protocol, planned according to ICF, demonstrated positive results regarding the intensity of dizziness and imbalance, ocular convergence and static balance, with maintenance of the results regarding dynamic balance and quality of life in a patient with sequelae of Arnold-Chiari syndrome. The results of this study may guide clinical management and future research related to this population

Assessment of Saudi Physicians and Physical Therapists' Adherence to the Updated Clinical Practice Guideline for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Introduction Variations in clinical practice regarding the management of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) among clinicians have been noted in previous studies. Such variations might be related to the different adherence to clinical practice guidelines. Objective To evaluate clinicians' adherence to BPPV guidelines and investigate the variations in the adherence between different specialties and qualifications. Methods This is a cross-sectional study with a vignettes-based survey conducted between June and August, 2020. We included clinicians engaged in managing BPPV that had at least one year of clinical experience. We excluded students, and clinicians who were not involved in the management of individuals with BPPV. Participants were asked to make their management choices based on four hypothetical patient vignettes. The sample ranged from 77 participants for the first vignette to 45 participants for the last vignette. Results We included 77 clinicians in the study, with the majority being Otolaryngologists (31.2%). The respondents' mean adherence to the guideline was of 63.3%. Result showed that Otolaryngologists' adherence was higher than that of clinicians from different specialties (p = 0.006, d = 0.72). Furthermore, clinicians with a postgraduate degree were more likely to adhere than those with a bachelor's degree only (p = 0.014, d = 0.58) and participants who were aware of the guideline were more likely to adhere to it (p < 0.001, d = 1.05). Lastly, regression analysis exhibited that adherence was affected by postgraduate degree and guideline awareness. Conclusion Otolaryngologists were more likely to adhere to the guideline than other specialties. Among all specialties, higher adherence was associated with guideline awareness and postgraduate degrees.

Achados neurológicos e vestibulares em três casos de Esclerose Múltipla / Neurological and vestibular findings in three cases of Multiple Sclerosis

RESUMO A Esclerose Múltipla (EM) é uma doença autoimune crônica e inflamatória que afeta o sistema nervoso central (SNC). A disfunção do equilíbrio corporal também é um sintoma comum e pode estar relacionada às lesões neurológicas decorrentes desta doença. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar os achados neurológicos e vestibulares de três casos clínicos com diagnóstico de EM. Dados sobre a avaliação neurológica e do exame de ressonância magnética de crânio foram coletados dos prontuários. Os pacientes responderam a uma entrevista inicial e foram submetidos à avaliação clínica do equilíbrio corporal e ao Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT). Observou-se presença de sintomas vestibulares e alterações em pelo menos uma das provas clínicas do equilíbrio corporal e função cerebelar. No vHIT, obteve-se alterações em testes oculomotores, como presença de nistagmo semi-espontâneo e em parâmetros do teste sacádico, e ganho reduzido em um ou mais canais verticais. Foram verificadas lesões, na ressonância magnética de crânio, em áreas centrais que processam as informações vestibulares, como cerebelo e tronco encefálico. A associação destes achados sugere a presença de disfunção vestibular central, compatível com as lesões detectadas nos exames de imagem.

ABSTRACT Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). Dysfunction of body balance is also a common symptom and may be related to neurological injuries resulting from this disease. The aim of this study was to characterize the neurological and vestibular findings of three clinical cases diagnosed with MS. Data on the neurological evaluation and the magnetic resonance imaging of the skull were collected from the medical records. The patients responded to an initial interview and underwent clinical assessment of body balance and Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT). Vestibular symptoms and alterations were observed in at least one of the clinical tests of body balance and cerebellar function. In vHIT, changes were obtained in oculomotor tests, such as the presence of semi-spontaneous nystagmus and in parameters of the saccade test, and reduced gain in one or more vertical channels. Lesions were found on MRI of the skull in central areas that process vestibular information, such as the cerebellum and brainstem. The association of these findings suggests the presence of central vestibular dysfunction, compatible with the lesions detected in imaging exams.

A new treatment for cervical dizziness

Abstract Objectives: To verify the rates of heat effectiveness generated by Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) in the resolution of dizziness in individuals diagnosed with Cervical Dizziness (CD). Methods: Randomized clinical trial was performed and samples from volunteers diagnosed with CD, divided into a Study Group (SG) and Control Group (CG). Patches containing CNT with thermotherapeutic effect were used in SG and inert patches in the CG. Treatment was performed over 30 days and measures of pain, dizziness and asymmetry of cervical muscle tension were evaluated over 60 days. Results: Pain, dizziness and asymmetry of cervical muscle tension were reduced in the SG. The variables analyzed in this study did not change in the CG. Conclusion: Our results show that the therapeutic effect of heat was effective in the treatment of patients diagnosed with CD. We could also observe a clear interrelationship between pain and dizziness symptoms with the asymmetry of cervical muscle tension. Level of evidence: 1B.

Análise de validação e confiabilidade do Questionário Emocional da Vertigem-CIEV em versão traduzida para o Português-Brasileiro / Validation and reliability analysis of the Questionnaire on the Emotional Impact of Vertigo-CIEV version translated to the Brazilian Portuguese language

RESUMO Objetivo Determinar a consistência interna e confiabilidade do "Questionário de Impacto Emocional da Vertigem-CIEV" e validar o instrumento em relação ao Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), em uma amostra de pacientes com distúrbio do equilíbrio corporal. Método Participaram 38 sujeitos, idades entre 23 e 85 anos, ambos os sexos, com queixas relacionadas à tontura, desequilíbrios e/ou quedas, atendidos em um ambulatório de Otoneurologia do Hospital Universitário. Foram excluídos sujeitos com queixas auditivas e/ou zumbido sem tontura associada, comorbidades psiquiátricas prévias e/ou comprometimento cognitivo que impedisse a compreensão dos questionários. Foi realizada anamnese, levantamento de prontuário para caracterização da amostra e aplicados os questionários de autopercepção, DHI e CIEV. O alfa de Cronbach verificou a consistência interna do CIEV e a confiabilidade e validade do CIEV em relação ao DHI foram calculadas pelo Índice de Correlação intraclasse (ICC) e teste de Correlação de Pearson, respectivamente. Resultados Houve correlação estatisticamente significante entre os escores obtidos, tanto à análise de confiabilidade quanto de validação (p<0,001). O ICC médio demonstrou moderada correlação para o escore total (0,695) e forte correlação com os domínios físico, emocional e funcional do DHI (0,706 a 0,869) sendo o maior grau para o domínio emocional (0,869). A Correlação de Pearson demonstrou grau forte para o escore total (r=0,820) e variação de moderado a forte para os domínios, com melhor resultado também para o domínio emocional do DHI (r=0,788). Conclusão Os achados representam parâmetros importantes de contribuição para a validação do CIEV para uso clínico na população brasileira, direcionado para a identificação de aspectos emocionais em pacientes com distúrbios do equilíbrio corporal.

ABSTRACT Purpose To determine the internal consistency and reliability of the "Questionário de Impacto Emocional da Vertigem (CIEV)" and to validate the instrument with respect to the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) in a sample of individuals with balance disorders. Methods 38 subjects participated in the study, males and females, aged from 23 to 85 years, who presented dizziness, vertigo, and/or falls complaints and attended to the Vestibular Disorders clinic at the University Hospital. Individuals with hearing complaints and/or tinnitus unrelated to dizziness, previous psychiatric comorbidities, and/or cognitive impairments were excluded. We performed an anamnesis and collected complementary data from the medical records. After that, the self-perception questionnaires, DHI, and CIEV, were applied. Statistical analysis was performed in which the Cronbach's alpha verified the internal consistency of the CIEV. Reliability and validity of the CIEV related to the DHI were calculated using Intraclass Correlation Index (ICC) and Pearson's correlation test, respectively. Results There was a statistically significant correlation between the scores obtained, for both reliability and validation analysis (p<0.001). The mean ICC showed a moderate correlation between the total scores (0.695) and a strong correlation with the physical, emotional, and functional DHI domains (0.706 to 0.869), being the emotional aspect the highest degree (0.869). Pearson's correlation showed strong correlation between the total scores (r=0.820) and varied from moderate to strong, with strongest correlations to the DHI emotional domain (r=0.788). Conclusion The outcomes illustrate important contribution to validation parameters to consider clinical use of the CIEV in the Brazilian population, aiming to identify emotional aspects in patients with balance disorders.

Speech Perception in Ménière Disease

Abstract Introduction Ménière disease (MD) affects the inner ear, comprising the cochlea and semicircular canals. Symptoms include severe incapacitating vertigo, nausea, vomit, aural fullness, and sensorineural hearing loss - in which speech discrimination and intelligibility are impaired and can be quantified with speech audiometry. Objective To investigate the influence of the stimuli presentation level in speech audiometry and the quality of life in adults with and without a diagnosis of MD. Method Two groups were formed with nine individuals each - one with and the other without MD. The Speech Recognition Percentage Index was researched with stimuli presented above the self-reported comfort level or 5 dB below the discomfort level. Dizziness Handicap and Tinnitus Handicap Inventories were administered to individuals with tinnitus and vertigo complaints. Results Speech recognition was better in the study group with higher presentation levels, as 75% of the sample improved their performance. The presence of vertigo significantly impacted the quality of life of individuals in the study group. Conclusion Speech recognition improves with higher presentation levels. Also, MD impacts the quality of life, especially regarding limitations caused by vertigo.

Effects of COVID-19 on auditory and vestibular function in an adult patient: a longitudinal case study / Efeitos da COVID-19 na função auditiva e vestibular em paciente adulta: um estudo de caso longitudinal

ABSTRACT COVID-19 is a viral infection that mainly affects the lower respiratory tract and with the affinity of the Spike protein to the Angiotensin 2 converter enzyme, inducing a prothrombotic state which may lead to compromising of the cardiovascular, central nervous, auditory, and vestibular systems. Viral infections knowingly affect vestibular and auditory systems. This study aimed to present the auditory and vestibular findings of a woman without otoneurological complaints, before the infection with SARS-CoV-2. This is a longitudinal case report, presenting the evolution of the otoneurological clinical picture accompanied by the results of a battery of tests. The results evidenced a unilateral, permanent, cochlear sensorineural hearing loss through altered otoacoustic emissions albeit with normal tonal thresholds, accompanied by peripheral vestibular hypofunction which worsened with time, without any other factor that could justify these findings. This study shows the importance of the complete protocol of tests performed over time for a better understanding of long-time implications of the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

RESUMO A COVID-19 é uma infecção viral que afeta, principalmente, a via respiratória inferior e, com a afinidade da proteína Spike com a Enzima Conversora de Angiotensina 2, gerando estado protrombótico, pode haver comprometimento dos sistemas cardiovasculares, nervoso central e renal. As infecções virais são capazes, também, de causar alterações nos sistemas auditivo e vestibular. O presente estudo teve por finalidade apresentar os achados auditivos e vestibulares de uma mulher sem queixas otoneurológicas, previamente à infecção pela SARS-CoV-2. Trata-se de um relato de caso longitudinal, com apresentação da evolução do quadro clínico otoneurológico acompanhado de uma bateria de exames. Os resultados evidenciaram o aparecimento de uma perda auditiva neurossensorial unilateral prevista por emissões otoacústicas alteradas na presença limiares tonais normais. Com a sequência de exames, observou-se piora dos limiares auditivos e alteração da função vestibular, de maneira permanente, sem qualquer outro histórico que pudesse justificar a instalação do quadro. Em quadros infecciosos faz-se importante a longitudinalidade de avaliação com uso de protocolo completo de exames para melhor compreensão dos efeitos tardios.

Terapia de rehabilitación vestibular en alteración mixta (central y periférica). Reporte de un caso / Vestibular rehabilitation therapy in mixed (central and peripheral) disorder. A case report

La terapia de rehabilitación vestibular es el tratamiento con mayor evidencia en la recuperación para la mayoría de los trastornos de equilibrio. En los casos que presentan una alteración estable del procesamiento central del equilibrio, o mixta, es decir, acompañada de una alteración a nivel del sistema nervioso periférico, la terapia de rehabilitación vestibular no se excluye como tratamiento. No obstante, los progresos suelen ser limitados y requieren de una mayor cantidad de sesiones. En este trabajo analizaremos un caso mixto, un paciente con síndrome de núcleo fastigial y el vértigo posicional paroxístico benigno (VPPB), desde la pesquisa y evaluación hasta el tratamiento y alta, en el Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile.

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is the treatment with the greatest evidence of recovery for most balance disorders. In the cases that have a loss of central balance processing, or mixed, that is, stable accompanied by a disorder of the peripheral nervous system the vestibular rehabilitation therapy is not excluded as a treatment; however, progress is usually limited and requires a greater number of sessions. In this work we will analyse a mixed case, a patient with nucleus fastigial syndrome and a benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, from the investigation and evaluation to the treatment and discharge, at the Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile.

ZHANG Zhiyuan's Experience in Using Baizhu （Atractylodes macrocephala） in Clinical Practice / 中医杂志

Professor Zhang Zhiyuan， a master of Chinese medicine， made good use of Baizhu （Atractylis macrocephala （Koidz.））. Except for defecation in clinical practice， he usually prescribed processed Baizhu after stir-frying with soil. Baizhu is good at excreting water and removing dampness， so applied it in the formula series with Fuling （Poria cocos） and Guizhi （Cassia Twig） or self-made decoction for diarrhea. High-dose Baizhu could be used for edema by treating obstructive syndrome with tonics， so Baizhu were added in self-made Shugan Qushui Decoction （疏肝祛水汤） or modified Lizhong Decoction （理中汤） for liver cirrhosis ascites. It was emphasized that Baizhu could eliminate phlegm， so added it in modified Zexei Decoction （泽泻汤） for excess syndrome of vertigo. It was also acknow-ledged that Baizhu could strengthen the spleen and stomach， and was suitable for deficiency or excess syndrome of abdominal distension， so applied it in Burun Decoction （补润汤） for abdominal distension with deficiency-excess in complexity， and applied it in Zhizhu Decoction （枳术汤） or self-made Tiaozhong Decoction （调中汤） for deficient abdominal distention.

Outcome Indicators in Randomized Controlled Trials on Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Vertigo / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveThis study analyzed the outcome indicators in randomized controlled trials （RCTs） on traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） treatment of vertigo， aiming to provide a reference for clinical trial protocol design and the establishment of core indicator sets for vertigo treatment. MethodCNKI， Wanfang， VIP， SinoMed， PubMed， Embase， and Web of Science were searched for the RCTs on TCM treatment of vertigo， and data extraction was conducted. ResultA total of 375 RCTs involving 33 593 patients were included， from which 482 outcome indicators were extracted， with a frequency of 2 715 and an average of seven outcome indicators used for each RCT. In addition， there were some differences in outcome indicators reported by different study groups. According to the functional properties， the reported outcome indicators were classified into nine domains： clinical symptoms and signs， TCM symptom efficacy， physical and chemical examinations， quality of life， mental health， safety events， patients’ satisfaction degree， long-term prognosis， and economic evaluation. The outcome indicators with higher frequency were clinical total effective rate， total TCM symptom score， occurrence of adverse reactions， dizziness handicap inventory （DHI） score， average flow velocity of the basilar artery， incidence of adverse reactions， average flow velocity of the left vertebral artery， average flow velocity of the right vertebral artery， plasma viscosity， and vertigo score. ConclusionThe outcome indicators reported by RCTs of TCM treatment of vertigo mainly have two problems： lack of unified standards and norms and insufficient attention to outcome indicators that can reflect the characteristics of TCM. The construction of the core indicator set for TCM treatment of vertigo should fully highlight the characteristic advantages of TCM and unify the standards and norms for the outcome indicators on this basis， so as to improve the quality of clinical research and the value of secondary research.

Clinical characteristics of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in the oldest old / 中华全科医师杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) in the oldest old.Method:The clinical data of elderly patients (≥60 years old) with BPPV diagnosed in the Clinical Center for Vertigo and Balance Disturbance of Capital Medical University between January 2019 and October 2021 was collected, including basic information, clinical symptoms in a structured medical history questionnaire and the time interval from the appearance of symptoms to medical consultation. According to the age, patients were divided into elderly group (60-74 years old) and the oldest old group (≥75 years old), and the demographic information, clinical symptoms and consultation time were compared between the two groups.Results:A total of 3 019 patients with BPPV were included in analysis; there were 415 patients in the oldest-old group with the age of (79.54±3.62) years, and 2 604 patients in the elderly group with the age of (65.59±3.88) years. The incidence of vertigo, dizziness or vertigo triggered by position changes of head or body, headache and autonomic symptoms in the eldest-old group were less common than that in the elderly group (all P<0.05). But hearing loss and other types of dizziness (unable to determine the nature of dizziness or vertigo, or without typical symptoms such as dizziness, balance disorders, or instability) were more common in the eldest-old group than those in the elderly group (all P<0.05). Among 3 019 patients, 1 137 had definite time from symptom onset to diagnosis (1 004 in the elderly group and 133 in the oldest-old group), the proportion of patients with the time from the onset to diagnosis>7 days in the oldest-old group was higher than that in the elderly group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The oldest old patients with BPPV have more atypical symptoms than the younger elderly patients.

Isolated vascular vertigo: diagnosis and evaluation / 国际脑血管病杂志

Patients with vascular vertigo usually present acute vestibular syndrome. Although vertigo caused by posterior circulation ischemic stroke is often accompanied by other neurological symptoms and signs, small infarcts in the cerebellum or brainstem can lead to vertigo without other focal neurological symptoms and signs. This article reviews the diagnosis and evaluation of isolated vascular vertigo.

Humanistic Care in Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Elderly Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Patients / 中国医学伦理学

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a peripheral vestibular disease with the highest incidence rate, and the elderly are the high incidence population. Particle repositioning maneuver, simple and practicable, and has good clinical effects, is recognized as the preferred treatment method for BPPV. However, the elderly patients have a higher prevalence rate, often suffer from multiple chronic diseases, and their various bodily functions have entered a declining stage, with poor response to treatment and a tendency to recur. Based on these, medical staff should continuously improve their professional abilities, and pay attention to and implement some comprehensive and multi-dimensional humanistic care measures from physiological to psychological aspects such as verbal encouragement, behavioral support, and spiritual integration during the diagnosis and treatment process, to improve the quality of life of elderly BPPV patients, reduce medical disputes, and save medical resources.

The Short-term Effectiveness of Three Manipulations for Atlantoaxial Joint Disorders and the Effects on Surface Electromyography of Sternocleidomastoid Muscle / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo compare the short-term effectiveness of the three different manipulations for atlantoaxial joint disorders and their effects on surface electromyography of sternocleidomastoid muscle. MethodsNinty patients with atlantoaxial joint disorders were randomly divided into the tendon relaxing manipulation group， the tendon relaxing plus rehabilitation manipulation group， and the conventional manipulation group， with 30 cases in each group， and each group of patients received the corresponding manipulation treatment for 2 weeks. The changes of visual analogue score （VAS） of occipital neck pain， evaluation scale for cervical vertigo （ESCV）， and averaged electromyography （AEMG） of surface electromyography of bilateral sternocleidomastoid muscles before and after the treatment were observed， and the clinical effectiveness and safety of the patients were compared among groups. ResultsThe VAS scores of patients in each group decreased， and the ESCV scores increased after treatment （P＜0.01）， and the tendon relaxing manipulation group and the tendon relaxing plus rehabilitation manipulation group were significantly better than the conventional manipulation group （P＜0.01）. The AEMG of the bilateral sternocleidomastoid muscles of the three groups increased after treatment （P＜0.01）； when compared among the three groups， the AEMG of the bilateral sternocleidomastoid muscles of the tendon relaxing plus rehabilitation manipulation group was higher than that of the tendon relaxing manipulation group， and the tendon relaxing manipulation group was higher than that of the conventional manipulation group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The cure and markedly effective rates of the tendon relaxing manipulation group， the tendon relaxing plus rehabilitation manipulation group， and the conventional manipulation group were 56.67%， 86.67%， and 36.67% respectively， showing statistically difference （K=10.21， P＜0.01）. ConclusionThe tendon relaxing manipulation and tendon relaxing plus rehabilitation manipulation can effectively improve the symptoms of vertigo， headache， and neck pain for patients with atlantoaxial joint disorders， and can improve the contraction function of sternocleidomastoid muscle， whose effectiveness are better than that of conventional manipulation.

Episodic syndromes that may be associated with migraine / 中风与神经疾病杂志

Episodic syndromes that may be associated with migraine@#Episodic syndromes that may be associated with migraine are commonly seen in children and are likely to evolve into migraine in the subsequent course of the disease， including several subtypes such as benign paroxysmal torticollis， benign paroxysmal vertigo， and recurrent gastrointestinal disturbance. Understanding the above syndromes has an important clinical significance in the diagnosis of migraine in children.