Fifteen-minute consultation: The dizzy child.

Vestibular disorders are often overlooked in children and may cause significant morbidity. About a third of children presenting with problems in balance show a vestibular pathology and the overall prevalence of paediatric vertigo is about 5%. Appropriate diagnosis and holistic management can have a significantly positive impact on a child's quality of life and can be very rewarding. We present a structured approach to the assessment and management of a child presenting with dizziness in a general, non-neurological specialty or community paediatric outpatient setting.

Migrainous Vertigo, Tinnitus, and Ear Symptoms and Alternatives.

Migraine headaches frequently coexist with vestibular symptoms such as vertigo, motion sickness, and gait instability. Migraine-related vasospasm can also damage the inner ear, which results in symptoms such as sudden sensorineural hearing loss and resultant tinnitus. The pathophysiology of these symptoms is not yet fully understood, and despite their prevalence, there is no universally approved management. This review summarizes the data on complementary and integrative medicine in treating patients with migrainous ear disorders.

[Micro-needle knife in treatment of cervical vertigo and its effect on vertebral artery hemodynamics].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of micro-needle knife therapy and betahistine mesilate tablets in the treatment of cervical vertigo (CV) and the influence on the mean blood flow velocity (Vm) of vertebral artery. METHODS: A total of 200 patients with CV were randomly divided into a micro-needle knife group (100 cases, 5 cases dropped off) and a medication group (100 cases, 3 cases dropped off). In the micro-needle knife group, micro-needle knife was performed on the suboccipital triangle of the atlantoaxial segment of the posterior neck, once every other day, for a total of 7-time treatment. The medication group received oral betahistine mesilate tablets, 6 mg each time, three times a day, for 14 consecutive days. The dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) scores of the two groups were observed before treatment, after treatment and during follow-up 3 months after treatment; the Vm of vertebral artery was compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and the clinical effect was evaluated during follow-up. RESULTS: After treatment and during follow-up, the DHI scores of the two groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.001), and those in the micro-needle knife group were lower than the medication group (P<0.001). After treatment, the Vm of bilateral vertebral arteries in both groups was higher than that before treatment (P<0.05), and that in the micro-needle knife group was higher than the medication group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the micro-needle knife group was 96.8% (92/95), which was higher than 67.0% (65/97) of the medication group (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Micro-needle knife therapy can improve vertigo symptoms and balance dysfunction, increase the mean blood flow velocity of vertebral artery in CV patients, and its clinical efficacy is better than oral betahistine mesilate tablets.

Effectiveness and safety of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE50) in the treatment of dizziness caused by cerebral arteriosclerosis: a multi-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE50) in the treatment of dizziness caused by cerebral arteriosclerosis. METHODS: This was a multi-center, double-blind, double-dummy, positive-controlled, parallel randomized controlled clinical trial with 1? allocation. We recruited 404 patients with dizziness caused by cerebral arteriosclerosis (blood stasis symptom pattern) in 10 hospitals in China. GBE50 group received GBE50 and Naoxinqing tablet (NXQ) of mimetic agent, control group received NXQ and GBE50 of mimetic agent. The main outcome was Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) symptom pattern score of blood stasis after 6 weeks. The secondary outcomes were changes in the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) score, vertigo visual analogue scale (VAS) score, the university of California vertigo questionnaire (UCLA-DQ) score and single-item symptom score of TCM from baseline to 2, 4 and 6 weeks. Safety indicators included the incidence of adverse events, severe adverse events and laboratory examination including blood routine, liver function, renal function, and so forth. RESULTS: The total effective rate of TCM symptom pattern score in the GBE50 group after 6 weeks of treatment was higher than that in the control group, the difference in rate was statistically significant (92.67% vs 83.07%, P = 0.004). Compared with the control group, there was no difference in the incidence of adverse reactions (9.95% vs 14.85%, P = 0.136). CONCLUSION: The treatment of dizziness caused by cerebral arteriosclerosis with GBE50 is effective, safe and reliable.

Nutraceuticals for Peripheral Vestibular Pathology: Properties, Usefulness, Future Perspectives and Medico-Legal Aspects.

Vestibular disorders may generate complex signs and symptoms, which may alter patients' balance and the quality of life. Dizziness and vertigo can strongly affect daily activities and relations. Despite the presence of conventional drugs, maneuvers, and surgery, another interesting therapeutic opportunity is offered by nutraceuticals. These molecules are often used in the treatment of dizziness and vertigo, but the rationale of their application is not always solidly demonstrated by the scientific evidence. Several substances have shown a variable level of efficacy/usefulness in this field, but there is lack of important evidence for most of them. From a medico-legal point of view, specific information must be provided to the patient regarding the efficacy and possibilities that the use of these preparations can allow. Administering the right nutraceutical to the proper patient is a fundamental clinical skill. Integrating conventional drug treatment with nutraceutical administration seems to be easy, but it may be difficult considering the (in part unexplored) pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of nutraceuticals. The aim of the scientific community should be to elevate nutraceuticals to the same law and technical dignity of conventional drugs.

Effects of transtympanic intermittent pressure therapy using a new tympanic membrane massage device for intractable Meniere's disease and delayed endolymphatic hydrops: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The retrospective study showed that the effect of the middle ear pressure treatment by the tramstympanic membrane massage (TMM) device was similar to that of the Meniett device. OBJECTIVES: The new TMM device named EFET device was prospectively evaluated in patients with Meniere's disease (MD) and delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH) and we compared the effects to the Meniett device. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 23 ears of 19 patients were treated with an EFET device, and 17 ears of 15 patients were treated with the Meniett device. All patients suffering from intractable MD and DEH were treated for 4 months. The insertion of a transtympanic ventilation tube was necessary for the Meniett device, but not the EFET device. RESULTS: In patients treated by the EFET and Meniett devices, the frequency of vertigo significantly improved after treatment. The distribution of vertigo outcomes at 4 months after treatment did not differ between patients treated with the both devices. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Middle ear pressure treatment by the EFET device is effective and provides minimally invasive options for intractable MD and DEH like the Meniett device.

Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for posterior circulation ischemic vertigo: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Posterior circulation ischemic vertigo (PCIV) is one of the most complaint symptoms in clinical, and is associated with high risk of recurrence. Current studies show that acupuncture has therapeutic effect on releasing symptom as well as improving the blood flow of posterior circulation. In this review, we aim to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for PCIV. METHODS: Literature of clinical randomized control trials regarding acupuncture for PCIV published before August of 2020 will be searched in databases, including 5 English databases and 4 Chinese databases. For the included studies, methodological quality will be assessed according to Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and evidence quality will be evaluated with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines. Data analysis will be performed using Review Manager Software. RESULTS: The primary outcomes involve changes of PCIV symptoms and blood flow velocity of vertebrobasilar. The secondary outcomes include Barthel Index, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, clinical effectiveness, and adverse reactions. CONCLUSION: Based on current clinical studies, this systematic review and meta-analysis will provide evidence-based basis for the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in treating PCIV. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol for this review has been registered in the INPLASY network (Registration number: INPLASY202070116).

[Clinical observation of the therapeutic effect on posterior circulation ischemic vertigo treated with "xiao xingnao kaiqiao" acupuncture].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the short-term and long-term clinical effect on posterior circulation ischemic vertigo treated with "xiao xingnao kaiqiao" acupuncture (minor regaining consciousness and opening orifice) and explore its effect mechanism. METHODS: Ninety patients with posterior circulation ischemic vertigo were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, 45 cases in each group. The patients of the two groups were all treated on the base of neurological medicine. In the control group, Flunarizine Hydrochloride was prescribed for oral administration (5 mg, once daily, for 21 days totally). In the treatment group, acupuncture of "xiao xingnao kaiqiao" was provided at Yintang (EX-HN3), bilateral Neiguan (PC6), bilateral Sanyinjiao (SP6), Baihui (GV20), bilateral Fengchi (GB20), bilateral Wangu (GB12) and bilateral Tianzhu (BL10). The needles were retained for 30 min, once daily for 21 days totally. The changes in vertigo score of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) were observed, and the changes in the mean blood velocity (Vm) of the left vertebral artery (LVA), the right vertebral artery (RVA) and the basilar artery (BA) as well as the vascular pulsatility index (PI) were monitored and determined by transcranial Doppler (TCD). Additionally, the recurrence rate was followed up after 3 months to evaluate the long-term clinical effects. RESULTS: After treatment, the total effective rate of the treatment group was 91.11% (41/45) and 75.56% (34/45) in the control group. The total effective rate in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with their own pre-treatment, the vertigo scores of TCM were reduced in either the treatment group or the control group after treatment (P<0.05) and the score in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with their own pre-treatment, Vm and PI were all improved after treatment in either group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the improvements in Vm and PI of LVA、RVA and BA in the treatment group were better than those in the control group (P<0.05). In the follow-up after 3 months, the recurrence rate was 19.51% (8/41) in the treatment group and was 50.00% (17/34) in the control group. The recurrence rate in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: "Xiao xingnao kaiqiao" acupuncture obviously relieves the clinical symptoms of posterior circulation ischemic vertigo. The mechanism of acupuncture is potentially related with its effects in improving Vm and PI of LVA,RVA and BA, as well as improving blood supply of brain tissue.

Adverse events related to electroacupuncture: a systematic review of single case studies and case series.

OBJECTIVE: Electroacupuncture (EA) is used in the treatment of various diseases through the use of electrical stimulation. Reports of adverse events (AEs) associated with acupuncture are relatively consistent, but the safety of EA has been less well reported. In this systematic review, we provide a summary of the types of AEs related to EA in clinical practice. METHODS: Twelve electronic databases, including those in English (PubMed, Ovid-EMBASE, CENTRAL), Korean (KMbase, KISS, NDSL, KISTI, OASIS), Chinese (CNKI, Wanfang, Weipu) and Japanese (J-STAGE), were systematically searched for single case studies and case series through April 2018. There were no language restrictions. We included clinical studies in which EA was used as a key intervention and in which AEs that may have been causally related to EA were reported. RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies, including 27 single case studies and 10 case series, were evaluated. The most frequently reported AEs were pallor (eight cases), skin pigmentation (eight cases), vertigo (seven cases), chest tightness (six cases), vomiting (six cases) and unconsciousness (five cases). Thirty-one cases (62%) achieved full recovery and three cases (6%) achieved partial recovery. There were also three cases of death (6%). CONCLUSION: AEs related to EA included acupuncture-related AEs and serious AEs induced by electrical stimulation. Currently, specific stimulation conditions associated with EA-specific AEs are not identifiable due to inappropriate reporting. However, skin pigmentation, syncope or spasm, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shock, cardiac emergencies, electrical burns, and potential internal organ injury are potential EA-specific AEs regarding which physicians should be cautious in clinical practice.

[Effects of fast-twisting long-retaining acupuncture therapy on apoptosis and expression of related proteins in vestibular nucleus in rats with vertigo induced by posterior circulation ischemia].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of fast-twisting long-retaining (FTLR) acupuncture therapy on apoptosis of vestibular nucleus and expression of Caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax in rats with vertigo induced by posterior circulation ischemia. METHODS: A total of 70 healthy SD rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, a medication group, a regular acupuncture group and a FTLR acupuncture group, 14 rats in each group. The rats in the model group, medication group, regular acupuncture group and FTLR acupuncture group were intervented with surgical ligation of the right common carotid artery (CCA) and the right subclavian artery (SCA) to establish the model of vertigo induced by posterior circulation ischemia; in the sham operation group, the right CCA and the right SCA were separated without ligation. The rats in the medication group were treated with gavage of flunarizine hydrochloride suspension (10 mL/kg). "Baihui" (GV 20), "Shuaigu" (GB 8) and "Fengchi" (GB 20) were selected in the two acupuncture groups. The rats in the regular acupuncture group were treated with routine acupuncture and the needles were retained for 30 min, while the rats in the FTLR acupuncture group were treated with quick twist (200-300 times/min) for 1 min and the needles were retained for 60 min. The rats in the sham operation group and the model group received no intervention. All the intervention was provided once a day for 10 days. The decline rate of local blood flow in vestibular nucleus was observed; the apoptosis of vestibular nucleus was observed by TUNEL method; the expression of Caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operation group, the decline rate of local blood flow in the right vestibular nucleus was significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01), and the apoptosis index (AI) of vestibular nucleus was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the decline rates of local blood flow in the right vestibular nucleus in the two acupuncture groups and medication group were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the AIs of vestibular nucleus cells were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The decline rate of local blood flow in the right vestibular nucleus in the FTLR acupuncture group was lower than those in the medication group and the regular acupuncture group (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the AI of vestibular nucleus was lower than those in the regular acupuncture group and the medication group (P<0.05). Compared with the sham operation group, the expression of Bcl-2 in the vestibular nucleus was significantly decreased in the model group (P<0.01), and the expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expressions of Bcl-2 in the vestibular nucleus were significantly increased in the two acupuncture groups and medication group (P<0.01), and the expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The expression of Bcl-2 in the vestibular nucleus in the FTLR acupuncture group was higher than those in the regular acupuncture group and the medication group (P<0.05), and the expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 were lower than those in the regular acupuncture group and the medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The FTLR acupuncture therapy could effectively inhibit the apoptosis of vestibular nucleus in rats with vertigo induced by posterior circulation ischemia, and its mechanism may be related to improving the blood supply of vestibular nucleus and regulating the expressions of Caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax proteins.

Clinical long-term effects of surgical treatment for intractable Meniere's disease: a more than 13-year follow-up after pressure treatment and further surgical treatment for intractable vertigo.

Background: Meniere's disease appears to be a complex inner ear disorder and also remains a controversial and often difficult disease as regards determination of diagnosis, pathogenesis and especially optimal treatment.Aims/objectives: To investigate the long-term effects of progressive surgical treatment in the management of the vertigo attacks of intractable Meniere's disease.Material and methods: Eighteen patients with medically intractable and active Meniere's disease were opted to try Meniett pulse generator (Meniett), endolymphatic sac decompression (ESD) and triple semicircular canal occlusion (TSCO) in order to control the attacks of vertigo. Patients were indicated on the symptom report card the maximum level of vertigo, activity and stress.Results: Of 18 patients with medically intractable and active Meniere's disease during mean 165-month follow-up, the attacks of vertigo were effectively controlled in 14 patients by Meniett (77.78%), 2 patients by Meniett and ESD (11.11%), 2 patients by Meniett, ESD and TSCO (11.11%).Conclusions and significance: It is of great importance for intractable Meniere's disease to select surgically combined treatment process including Meniett, ESD and TSCO to effectively control the attacks of vertigo and a long-term follow-up.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders with vertigo as the initial symptom: A case report.

RATIONALE: Brain abnormalities have frequently been reported in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders patients, but vertigo as an initial manifestation has rarely been described. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 64-year-old woman who initially presented with vertigo, then accompanied with other brainstem manifestations and spinal cord involvement. DIAGNOSES: MRI revealed medulla oblongata, cervical and thoracic spinal cord lesions. NMO-IgG antibody was seropositive. Taken her previous medical history and clinical manifestations into consideration, the patient was eventually diagnosed as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. INTERVENTIONS: Before diagnosis, symptomatic treatment and acupuncture were adopted, whereas after diagnosis, steroid, intravenous immunoglobulin, and immunosuppressant were supplemented. OUTCOMES: Her dizziness, nausea and vomiting were gradually relieved by symptomatic treatment and acupuncture before the confirmed diagnosis and immunotherapy. After added treatment with steroid, immunosuppressant, especially intravenous immunoglobulin, diplopia and nystagmus disappeared, and superficial sensation was improving. She was fully recovered six months after admission. LESSONS: Vertigo as a rare prodrome of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders deserves attention. The symptoms and signs were improved by a combined treatment of steroid, immunosuppressant, acupuncture, and particularly intravenous immunoglobulin.

Vertigo caused by longus colli tendonitis: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Tendinitis of the longus colli muscle is an aseptic inflammatory process leading to acute posterior neck pain, neck stiffness, and dysphagia or odynophagia. We present a patient exhibiting an infrequent symptom, vertigo. This is the first description of the occurrence of vertigo symptoms caused by longus colli tendinitis. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 38-year-old man was diagnosed with vertigo, presenting with a 1-month history of dizziness, palpitations, and numbness in the hands. DIAGNOSIS: Longus colli tendinitis. The diagnosis was established using magnetic resonance imaging fat-suppression sequences. INTERVENTIONS: Treatment with corticosteroid injections and acupotomy. OUTCOMES: The symptoms relieved immediately after the treatment and complete resolution of the symptoms was observed after 1 week. LESSONS: Longus colli tendinitis with vertigo is an under-reported condition in the literature and physicians should be aware of its existence. A lack of familiarity with the anatomy of the prevertebral space and its variable radiographic appearance makes the diagnosis of longus colli tendinitis clinically difficult. Misdiagnosis of this condition may lead to unnecessary interventions in vertigo.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as Concurrent Treatment with Systemic Steroids for Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Comparison of Three Different Steroid Treatments.

We analyzed 356 patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and systemic steroids (n = 161), systemic steroids alone (n = 160), or intratympanic and systemic steroids (n = 35). The main outcome measure was the hearing recovery rate. The effect of other variables, including the initial averaged 5-frequency hearing level, patient age, interval between the onset of symptoms and treatment, presence of vertigo as a complication, presence of diabetes mellitus, smoking history, and presence of hypertension, on the hearing recovery rate was also evaluated. The overall hearing recovery rate was significantly higher for the patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and systemic steroids than for those treated with systemic steroids alone (p < 0.001) or systemic and intratympanic steroids (p < 0.001). The presence of vertigo negatively affected hearing recovery. Our findings suggest that hyperbaric oxygen therapy confers a significant additional therapeutic benefit when used in combination with steroid therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Combined exercise training reduces climacteric symptoms without the additive effects of isoflavone supplementation: A clinical, controlled, randomised, double-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Exercise and supplementation with isoflavones are therapies used to prevent and treat climacteric symptoms. AIM: To verify the effects of 10 weeks of combined aerobic and resistance training and isoflavone supplementation on climacteric symptoms in postmenopausal women. METHODS: A randomised, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was performed. A total of 32 postmenopausal women, aged 54.4 ± 5.4 years, with a body mass index of 26.6 ± 3.0 kg/m2 and 5.6 ± 4.6 years after menopause, were randomly assigned to groups: placebo and exercise (PLA + EXE, n = 15) or 100 mg of isoflavone and exercise (ISO + EXE, n = 17). At the beginning and after 10 weeks of aerobic + resistance (20 min each, moderate intensity) training, climacteric symptoms were evaluated using the Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index, Cervantes Scale and Menopause Rating Scale. ANCOVA was used for analysis between groups and at different times, with the covariate adjusted by the pre-value. The level of significance considered was p < 0.05. RESULTS: A reduction in climacteric symptoms was observed in both groups, without differences between the interventions. The reductions were 45% and 50% for the Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index, 41% and 52% for the MRS and 39% and 39% for the Cervantes Scale in the ISO + EXE and PLA + EXE groups, respectively. In the descriptive analysis of the Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index values, there was an increase in the absence of symptoms from 48-77% in the ISO + EXE group and 24-58% in the PLA + EXE group. CONCLUSIONS: A period of 10 weeks of combined training was effective in improving climacteric symptoms in post-menopausal women. However, isoflavone supplementation did not promote additional effects in improving symptoms.

Treatment of peripheral vestibular dysfunction using photobiomodulation.

Gentamicin, which is still used in modern medicine, is a known vestibular toxic agent, and various degrees of balance problems have been observed after exposure to this pharmacologic agent. Photobiomodulation is a candidate therapy for vertigo due to its ability to reach deep inner ear organs such as the cochlea. Previous reports have suggested that photobiomodulation can improve hearing and cochlea function. However, few studies have examined the effect of photobiomodulation on balance dysfunction. We used a rat model to mimic human vestibulopathy resulting from gentamicin treatment and evaluated the effect of photobiomodulation on vestibular toxicity. Slow harmonic acceleration (SHA) rotating platform testing was used for functional evaluation and both qualitative and quantitative epifluorescence analyses of cupula histopathology were performed. Animals were divided into gentamicin only and gentamicin plus laser treatment groups. Laser treatment was applied to one ear, and function and histopathology were evaluated in both ears. Decreased function was observed in both ears after gentamicin treatment, demonstrated by low gain and no SHA asymmetry. Laser treatment minimized the damage resulting from gentamicin treatment as shown by SHA asymmetry and recovered gain in the treated ear. Histology results reflected the functional results, showing increased hair cell density and epifluorescence intensity in laser-treated cupulae.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as Adjuvant Treatment for Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss after Failure of Systemic Steroids.

We evaluated the outcomes of and prognostic factors for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) treated with adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). A retrospective review of clinical data was performed for 167 patients with ISSNHL who failed to respond to systemic steroids and were treated by adjuvant HBOT at Shizuoka Saiseikai General Hospital. We analysed the clinical outcomes, the averaged 5-frequency hearing level after systemic steroids, patient age, the interval between post-steroids and pre-HBOT, vertigo as a complication, the presence of diabetes mellitus, smoking history, and hypertension. Overall, after HBOT, complete recovery occurred in 16 (9.6%) of the patients, with definite improvement in 16 (9.6%) and slight improvement in 45 (26.9%). The overall rate of hearing improvement was higher in the study group (77/167 cases, 46.1%) than in the control group (52/160 cases, 32.5%; p = 0.021). If performed appropriately, HBOT should be able to improve hearing in many cases unresponsive to initial therapy.

Otological complications associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

The objective of the present study was to clarify the features of otological complications for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and the risk factors for these complications. We enrolled 1115 patients (776 males and 339 females; age 5-89 years) who underwent HBOT. All otological symptoms experienced during HBOT sessions were evaluated, and risk factors were analysed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Otoscopic findings and interventions for otological complications were assessed in 58 symptomatic patients who visited the Otolaryngology Department. Otological symptoms were experienced by 165 (14.8 %) of the 1115 patients. The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified ages of >60 years and female sex as independent risk factors, whereas patients with sports injuries were at lower risk than those with other primary diseases, except for severe infectious disease. Eighty-two patients (49.7 %) suffered from symptoms at the first HBOT session. The most prevalent symptoms were otalgia (157/165), followed by ear fullness (13/165), hearing loss (12/165) and tinnitus (3/165). One patient experienced vertigo and deterioration of the bone-conduction pure-tone thresholds, suggesting inner ear barotrauma. In 116 ears of the 58 symptomatic patients, abnormal otoscopic findings were recognized in 58 ears (50.0 %). Twenty-seven of the 58 ears required myringotomy or tube insertion, and HBOT was stopped in eight ears in four patients. Of the remaining 58 ears with normal otoscopic findings, 51 received no treatment. Physicians should be aware of both middle and inner ear barotrauma as potential complications of HBOT.

Frequency preference in cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential of idiopathic otolithic vertigo patients. Does it reflect otolithic endolymphatic hydrops?

CONCLUSION: Idiopathic otolithic vertigo (IOV) with relatively long duration of attacks might be caused by endolymphatic hydrops in the otolith organ. OBJECTIVES: To clarify the pathophysiology underlying IOV, episodic tilting or translational sensation attacks by unknown causes, especially the possibility of endolymphatic hydrops in the otolith organ. METHODS: Sixteen patients (6 men and 10 women) diagnosed with having IOV were enrolled. In these subjects, frequency preference in cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) was studied. The subjects underwent cVEMP testing using 500 Hz and 1000 Hz short tone bursts (STB) (125 dB SPL, air-conducted sound). The 500-1000 Hz cVEMP slope was calculated and assessed in comparison with data from healthy subjects in the preceding study. RESULTS: Twelve of the 16 examined patients had a significant preference of 1000 Hz to 500 Hz, which was suggestive of endolymphatic hydrops in the saccule. Patients with frequency preference of 1000 Hz to 500 Hz showed a tendency for longer vertigo attacks than patients without preference of 1000 Hz.

Recent advances in superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to review the current advances in superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome and to ascertain its aetiology, whether dehiscence size correlates with symptoms, signs and investigation results, the best investigations, and its surgical management. METHODS: A literature search using the key words 'superior semicircular canal dehiscence' was performed using the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database and the Embase, Health Management Information Consortium, Medline, PsycINFO, British Nursing Index, Cinahl and Health Business Elite databases for the period January 2009 to May 2014. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomised controlled trials, prospective and retrospective case series, case reports, and observational studies were included. RESULTS: Of the 205 papers identified, 35 were considered relevant. CONCLUSION: The aetiology of superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome is unclear. Dehiscence size significantly affects the air-bone gap and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential thresholds. Computed tomography evaluation has a high false positive rate. The middle cranial fossa approach is the surgical standard for treating this syndrome; however, the transmastoid approach is gaining popularity.