The therapeutic effect and mechanism of Chinese medicine Xuan-Yun-Ding on posterior circulation ischemia with vertigo in a rabbit model.

The aim of research is to unveil the mechanisms of the beneficial effects of XYD on PCIV in a rabbit model. 40 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups,including normal control group (NC), model control group (MC), low-dose of XYD group (LXYD), high-dose of XYD group (HXYD) and Yang-Xue-Qin-Nao group (YXQN). PCIV rabbit model was established by feeding high-fat diet companied with paravertebral sclerotherapy and rotation exercise. The general observation, step-down test, rheoencephalogram, blood tests, histopathological detection and the plasma concentration of the effective component of XYD were investigated. After pharmacological intervening, the step-down time, REG, PL, IPL, blood viscosity, the levels of blood lipids, CRGP were significantly improved. Moreover, the vertebral artery showed the reduced stenosis of arterial lumen and less proliferation of fibrous tissue in the arterial wall in the LXYD, HXYD and YXQN group. Based on the LC-MS detection, the blood concentrations of puerarin in the LXYD and HXYD group were significantly increased after pharmacological intervening. XYD could ameliorate the symptoms of vertigo, Qi-deficiency and blood stasis in PCIV rabbits via effectively regulating the levels of blood lipids and vasoactive substances, decreasing blood viscosity, increasing CBF and protecting vestibular function.

Efficacy of Yokukansan, a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, in patients with dizziness and irritability.

OBJECTIVE: Irritability is an emotional stress symptom that causes or exacerbates dizziness. Antidepressants may be helpful for some conditions that are accompanied by irritability; however, they do not completely inhibit irritability. Yokukansan (YKS), a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, has been used for neurosis, insomnia, and children's irritability and night crying. The study investigated the efficacy of YKS in nystagmus in patients with chronic dizziness and irritability. METHODS: Twenty-two cases with chronic dizziness and irritability were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups: control patients (0-7 days of treatment) and YKS-treated patients (YKS cases; >7 days of treatment). Dizziness before and during (after, in the controls) YKS treatment was evaluated by scoring the nystagmus intensity on a 5-point scale. The average scores were calculated within a maximum of 6 months before and during or after treatment. The normalized scores were also calculated. The optimal treatment regimen was calculated via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: There were six control cases (1 male, 5 females; mean age: 59.5 years). There were 16 YKS cases (3 males, 13 females; mean age: 61.8 years). While the group mean nystagmus intensity scores significantly decreased from 1.18 to 0.73 in the YKS cases, it did not change in the control cases. The group mean of the normalized nystagmus intensity scores during treatment was 0.73 in the YKS cases. The results of the ROC curve analysis indicated the optimal cut-off period of the YKS treatment was 10 days. CONCLUSION: The oral administration of YKS for more than 10 days was optimal. The treatments with YKS could be a good option for the treatments of vertigo.

Clinical characteristics and correlation between hearing outcomes after different episodes of recurrent idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

OBJECTIVES: Recurrent idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is a rare disease. In this study, we evaluated the correlations between hearing recovery after the first and recurrent episodes of ISSNHL and characterized the clinical features of different episodes of ISSNHL. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted by reviewing medical records pertaining to the period 2008-2018. A total of 30 patients (16 male, 14 female) who had experienced at least two episodes of ISSNHL were included. All patients were had received steroid therapy (including systemic and IT) and/or hyperbaric oxygen therapy within 2 weeks after the onset of disease. The SDRG's criteria was used for the grading of hearing recovery. RESULTS: The median age at the first and second episode of ISSNHL was 48 and 53.5 years, respectively; a total of 30% of patients presented with vertigo in the first episode and 40% presented with vertigo in the second episode. The hearing outcomes of both episodes showed significant improvement after treatment. The rate of complete recovery after the first and second episodes was 46.67% and 33.33%, respectively. A significant positive correlation was observed between the treatment outcomes of the first and second episodes (r = 0.721, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In ISSNHL, hearing recovery after a recurrent episode is significantly correlated with the hearing outcome after the initial episode (p = 0.042). The treatment outcome of the first episode is a prognostic factor for the outcomes of recurrent episodes.

Tuina for cervical vertigo: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cervical vertigo (CV), one of the most common causes of vertigo, makes patients feel dizzy, which seriously affects patients' lives. As a traditional Chinese bone-setting manipulation, Tuina is widely used to treat CV. This article aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Tuina for CV. METHODS: Nine databases were searched. Methodological quality was evaluated with the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was applied to determine confidence in the effect estimates. Stata 12.0 software was used to carry out the meta-analysis, and a trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed with TSA 0.9. RESULTS: Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Low-quality evidence suggested that Tuina showed a significantly higher effectiveness rate compared to massage therapy (risk ratio (RR) = 1.11, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.05 to 1.17, p < 0.0001) and cervical traction (RR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.72, p = 0.007; I2 = 0%, p = 0.826). Two trials reported that Tuina was better than acupuncture (RR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.83) or betahistine mesilate (RR = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.37) based on an improved effectiveness rate. Low-quality evidence showed that Tuina was superior to massage therapy in improving scores on the evaluation scale for cervical vertigo (ESCV) (weighted mean differences (WMD) = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.11 to 3.94, p < 0.0001). Adverse events were tolerable. TSA revealed that an improved effectiveness rate was indicated. CONCLUSION: Tuina might improve the effectiveness rate and ESCV scores in patients with CV. However, the level of all the available evidence was low, and larger-scale and well-designed RCTs should be encouraged.

Shi-Style Cervical Mobilizations Versus Massage for Cervical Vertigo: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial.

Objectives: Large sample and high-quality evidence to evaluate the preliminary safety of the mobilizations and massage for cervical vertigo are not yet available. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the comparative effectiveness and preliminary safety of Shi-style cervical mobilizations (SCM) compared with traditional massage (TM) in cervical vertigo patients. Design: A prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled clinical trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Settings: Five academic medical centers. Subjects: A total of 360 adult patients with a diagnosis of cervical vertigo. Interventions: The patients were randomly allocated to either an SCM (n = 180) or TM (n = 180) group. The patients were treated during six sessions over 2 weeks. The primary outcome was the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) total scale score, and secondary outcomes included the DHI subscales, Chinese version of the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (CSF-36), and adverse events (AEs). Outcomes were assessed in the short term at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months, and in the intermediate term at 6 months after randomization. Results: Significant changes were observed from the baseline in the DHI total scale and subscales at 2 weeks and 1, 3, and 6 months in both groups (all p < 0.05). However, the differences between the two groups were not significant (all p > 0.05). Furthermore, we noted significant changes from the baseline in SF-36 scores at 2 weeks in both groups (all p < 0.05), whereas CSF-36 scores were not significantly higher in the SCM group (all p > 0.05) compared with the TM group. No serious AEs were reported in either of the two groups. Conclusions: No differences in outcomes were detected between the SCM and TM groups in terms of treatment of cervicogenic dizziness. Efficacy trials are required to determine whether the improvement observed for each treatment was causally related to the interventions.

Acute vestibular migraine treatment with noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the benefits of noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) on acute vestibular migraine (VM) treatment. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of patients with VM treated with nVNS in a single tertiary referral center between November 2017 and January 2019. Eighteen patients (16 women) were identified (mean age 45.7 [±14.8] years); 14 were treated for a VM attack and 4 for bothersome interictal dizziness consistent with persistent perceptual postural dizziness (PPPD). Patients graded the severity of vestibular symptoms and headache using an 11-point visual analog scale (VAS; 0 = no symptoms, 10 = worst ever symptoms) before and 15 minutes after nVNS. RESULTS: In those with acute VM, vertigo improved in 13/14 (complete resolution in 2, at least 50% improvement in 5). The mean vertigo intensity before nVNS was 5.2 (±1.6; median 6), and 3.1 (±2.2; median 3) following stimulation; mean reduction in vertigo intensity was 46.9% (±31.5; median 45%). Five experienced headache with the VM attack; all reported improvement following nVNS. Mean headache severity was 6 (±1.4; median 6) prior to treatment and 2.4 (±1.5; median 3) following nVNS; mean reduction in headache intensity was 63.3% (±21.7; median 50). All 4 treated with nVNS for interictal PPPD reported no benefit. CONCLUSION: Our study provides preliminary evidence that nVNS may provide rapid relief of vertigo and headache in acute VM, and supports further randomized, sham-controlled studies into nVNS in VM. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class IV evidence that for patients with acute VM, nVNS rapidly relieves vertigo and headache.

Impact of lian gong on the quality of life of individuals with dizziness in primary care / Impacto do lian gong na qualidade de vida de indivíduos com tontura na atenção primária

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of the lian gong practice as a rehabilitation strategy in primary health care on the quality of life and functional capacity of people with dizziness. METHODS Randomized controlled clinical trial. Thirty-six people, who were complaining of dizziness or vertigo without the presence of central signs and were referred by the physician of primary health care participated in the study. The individuals were randomly allocated to the three experimental conditions: lian gong group (n = 11), vestibular rehabilitation group (n = 11) and control group (n = 14). The interventions were weekly, in group, with duration of 12 sessions. The participants were evaluated before and after the intervention regarding quality of life by the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey and the functional capacity by the Short Physical Performance Battery. RESULTS The scores of all domains of the Short Form Health Survey increased after intervention in the lian gong group. This variation was higher than that observed in the control group for the domains functional capacity, limitation by physical aspects and general health status, and also higher than that found after the intervention in the Vestibular Rehabilitation Group regarding pain. No differences were found in the Short Physical Performance Battery. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results presented, lian gong improves the quality of life of individuals with dizziness, without altering the functional capacity.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar os efeitos da prática do lian gong como estratégia de reabilitação na atenção primária à saúde sobre a qualidade de vida e capacidade funcional de pessoas com tontura. MÉTODOS Trata-se de ensaio clínico randomizado-controlado. Participaram 36 voluntários, com queixa de tontura ou vertigem sem a presença de sinais centrais, encaminhados pelo médico da atenção primária à saúde. Os indivíduos foram aleatoriamente alocados para as três condições experimentais: grupo lian gong (n = 11), grupo reabilitação vestibular (n = 11) e grupo controle (n = 14). As intervenções foram semanais, em grupo, com duração de 12 sessões. Os participantes foram avaliados antes e após a intervenção quanto à qualidade de vida pelo 36-Item Short Form Health Survey e quanto à capacidade funcional pelo Short Physical Performance Battery. RESULTADOS Observou-se aumento dos scores de todos os domínios do Short Form Health Survey após intervenção no grupo lian gong. Essa variação foi maior que a observada no grupo controle para os domínios capacidade funcional, limitação por aspectos físicos e estado geral de saúde, e também superior à encontrada após a intervenção grupo reabilitação vestibular no domínio dor. Não houveram diferenças no Short Physical Performance Battery. CONCLUSÕES Com base nos resultados apresentados, o lian gong melhora a qualidade de vida de indivíduos com tontura, sem alterar a capacidade funcional.

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.

[The diagnostic significance of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in different types of vertigo]. / Diagnosticheskoe znachenie vestibuliarnykh miogennykh vyzvannykh potentsialov pri raznykh tipakh golovokruzheniia.

AIM: To study the parameters of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) in different types of vertigo. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-seven patients, 35 men and 42 women, aged 43.7±12.5 years, with vestibular vertigo and unsteadiness were examined. The activity of the stemocleidomastoid muscle in response to auditory stimulation of the ipsilateral ear was recorded using surface electromyography. RESULTS: There were a trend towards the increase in the N2 latency, the significant reduction of the P1-N2 amplitude (p<0,005) on both sides and significant changes in the coefficient of asymmetry. Compared to healthy people, the P1 latency and asymmetry in P1 latency were significantly increased in patients with peripheral type of vertigo (p<0,005 and р=0,0007, respectively). There were no differences in the P1 latency and N2 in patients with unsteadiness. CONCLUSION: In patients with peripheral vertigo, central vertigo and unsteadiness, vestibular-spinal reflex was disturbed at different levels of vestibular analyzer.

Bone Metabolic Markers in the Clinical Assessment of Patients with Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence.

BACKGROUND: Superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) is a bony defect in the osseous shell of the petrous temporal bone. The pathophysiological association between osteoporosis and SSCD remains poorly understood. We investigated the relationship between bone metabolic markers and symptoms in patients with SSCD. METHODS: We collected patient demographics and clinical parameters for adult patients diagnosed with SSCD on high-resolution computed tomography scans. We used point-biserial correlation analysis to investigate the relationship between bone metabolic markers and symptoms in patients with SSCD. We compared clinical symptoms before and after surgical repair of SSCD through a middle fossa craniotomy using McNemar's test for paired comparisons of binary measures. RESULTS: We included a total of 99 patients (64 females and 35 males; average age 52 years; 118 surgeries). The level of serum calcium correlated with the need for a second surgery (rpb = -0.35, P = 0.001). Postoperative calcium supplementation negatively correlated with improvement in dizziness (rpb = -0.36, P = 0.01). The level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D correlated with preoperative hyperacusis (rpb = -0.98, P = 0.02) and postoperative autophony (rpb = 0.96, P = 0.04). Postoperative vitamin D supplementation positively correlated with hearing decline (rpb = 0.04, P = 0.04) The level of thyroid stimulating hormone correlated with preoperative autophony, amplification, and tinnitus (rpb = -0.71, rpb = -0.75, rpb = -0.70, all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Bone metabolic markers could be important in the clinical assessment of SSCD patients and could be potential targets for symptom management.

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.

EMBalance - validation of a decision support system in the early diagnostic evaluation and management plan formulation of balance disorders in primary care: study protocol of a feasibility randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Balance problems are caused by multiple factors and often lead to falls and related fractures, bringing large socio-economic costs. The complexity of balance control mechanisms, the lack of medical expertise, and the absence of specialised equipment contribute to the delayed or incorrect diagnosis and management ofthese patients. Advances in computer science have allowed the development of computer systems that support clinical diagnosis and treatment decisions based on individualised patient data. The aim of the EMBalance decision support system (DSS) is to support doctors facing this clinical challenge, to make a definitive diagnosis and implement an effective management plan. The EMBalance study will determine the accuracy of this supportive tool when used by non-specialist doctors. This study is funded by the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme. METHODS/DESIGN: EMBalance is a proof-of-concept study designed as a non-commercial, international, multi-centre, single-blind, parallel-group randomised controlled trial to be carried out at four clinical sites in the United Kingdom, Germany, Greece and Belgium. The study is comprised of three stages: internal pilot, phase I (diagnosis) and stage II (management). For this purpose, 200 patients presenting with persistent dizziness (>3 months' duration) to primary care services will be randomised to either the intervention group (diagnostic assessment with the DSS) or a control group (diagnostic assessment without the DSS). Patients allocated to the intervention group will be assessed by a doctor with the support of the EMBalance DSS, while patients allocated to the control group will receive a visit as per standard practice. Ultimately, all patients' diagnoses and management plans will be certified by a consultant in neuro-otology. DISCUSSION: EMBalance is the first trial to test the accuracy of a DSS in both the diagnosis of and the management plan for vestibular disorders across the healthcare systems of four different countries. The EMBalance study is the result of a combined effort of engineers and physicians to develop an accurate tool to support non-specialist doctors, with no risk for the patient. This trial will provide reliable information about the benefits of implementing DSSs in primary care while supporting the feasibility of testing the EMBalance algorithms in further research. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02704819 . Registered 29 February 2016.

Postural stability in patients with decompression sickness evaluated by means of Quantitative Romberg testing.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to retrospectively evaluate the use of quantitative Romberg's testing on postural stability during the course of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy in patients presenting with decompression sickness (DCS). METHODS: The Quantitative Romberg test was used to evaluate postural stability in 33 patients with DCS treated between May 2009 and August 2014. Postural stability was assessed before and after each session of HBO2 therapy. Patients were allocated into groups according to whether they presented with vertigo or not. RESULTS: Significantly higher sway values obtained with the Quantitative Romberg test were observed in the group of DCS with vertigo relative to DCS without vertigo and healthy controls. A stepwise improvement in postural instability for DCS patients with vertigo was found following HBO2 therapy. After three treatments of HBO2, postural stability was found to be within the normal range of healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: The Quantitative Romberg test offers the the clinician a fast, reliable and objective set of parametrical data to document postural instability in patients with either confirmed or suspected DCS.

Analysis of Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials and Electrocochleography in Noise Induced Hearing Loss.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to analyze the electrocochleography (ECoG) and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) results of patients with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 20 patients with NIHL. Pure-tone audiometry, tympanic membrane ECoG, and cVEMP were performed on all patients. The patients were divided into two groups based on averaged thresholds at 4, 6, and 8 kHz; whereby, group 1 comprised patients who had a threshold higher than 68.3 dB HL, whereas group 2 comprised patients with a threshold lower than 68.3 dB HL. RESULTS: Group 2 had a significantly higher number of patients with abnormal cVEMP values (63% versus 28%) (p=0.028). There was no significant difference in the incidence of ECoG abnormality between the groups (p>0.05), but there was a significant difference in the incidence of recognizable ECoG potentials between the groups (p<0.05). When only patients with vertigo/dizziness were considered, the group with vertigo and a lower degree of hearing loss (group 2) showed a higher incidence of abnormal cVEMP (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Although the anatomical proximity of the sacculus to the cochlea leads to the consideration of a common involvement of these structures in NIHL, our results did not support the idea of a common and proportional involvement of the vestibular and auditory systems. Our study shows that saccular involvement is disproportionate to auditory involvement in NIHL.

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.

The quantity-effect relationship and physiological mechanisms of different acupuncture manipulations on posterior circulation ischemia with vertigo: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Recent experiments have demonstrated that different needling manipulations may induce variable effects via diverse physiological mechanisms. A previous study indicated that needling at Fengchi (GB 20) improved cerebral blood flow in patients with vertigo induced by posterior circulation ischemia (PCI). In this study, we aim to explore the quantity-effect relationship and the physiological mechanisms underlying different acupuncture manipulations in PCI patients with vertigo. METHODS/DESIGN: We propose a pragmatic randomized and controlled trial. All participants, outcome assessors, and statisticians will be blinded. A total of 144 eligible participants will be randomized into one of four treatment groups receiving acupuncture at Fengchi (GB 20) with different one-minute manipulation parameters. Group 1 will receive twirling at a frequency of 60 times per minute toward the contralateral outer canthus at a depth of 0.5 to 0.8 cun. Group 2 will receive twirling at a frequency of 60 times per minute toward the Adam's apple at a depth of 0.5 to 0.8 cun. Group 3 will receive twirling at a frequency of 120 times per minute toward the contralateral outer canthus at a depth of 0.5 to 0.8 cun. Group 4 will receive twirling at a frequency of120 times per minute toward the Adam's apple at a depth of 0.5 to 0.8 cun. Additional points will be added based on individualized pattern diagnoses. The participants will receive 14 acupuncture sessions over 3 to 4 weeks. The subjects will be assessed at two time points: baseline and post-treatment. The primary outcome measurements will include subjective measurements (Vertebrobasilar System Ischemic Neurological Impairment Scale, UCLA Dizziness Questionnaire, Activities of Daily Living Scale, and Psychological and Social Adaptation Scale) and objective measurements (Transcranial Doppler, carotid ultrasonography and changes in cerebral oxygenation) to reduce bias arising from the placebo effect. We will use metabolomics to investigate the mechanisms underlying the different manipulation parameters. DISCUSSION: This trial aims to explore the quantity-effect relationship between different acupuncture manipulations and their clinical effects. The results from this study may help explain the contradictory results found in acupuncture studies that practice different manipulations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-RTRCC-12002675 (registered on 14 November 2012).

Ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in response to air-conducted 500 Hz short tones: Effect of stimulation procedure (monaural or binaural), age and gender.

BACKGROUND: The ocular vestibular myogenic potentials (oVEMP) can be elicited by monaural air-conducted sound stimulation, and are usually recorded from the contralateral eye. In clinical setting a binaural stimulation would save time and require less effort from the subjects. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the differences between monaural and binaural stimulation, and the possible effect of age and gender on oVEMP parameters. METHODS: Air-conducted oVEMP were recorded by binaural and by monaural stimulation in a group of 54 normal subjects, aged from 12 to 83 years, and in 50 vestibular patients. From each side, we measured the latency of the N1 component, and the peak-to-peak N1-P1 amplitude. For both parameters we also computed the asymmetry ratio. RESULTS: In normal subjects binaural stimulation produced slightly larger responses than monaural stimulation; detectability, latency and amplitude ratio were the same for the two techniques. We found no differences related to gender, and the age-induced amplitude decline was likely to be negligible.oVEMP recorded not in an acute phase of their disorder, proved to be abnormal in about 20% of the patients, and the normal or abnormal findings obtained either with monaural or with binaural stimulation were always concordant. CONCLUSIONS: The oVEMP obtained after binaural and monaural stimulation are very similar, and they are largely independent from age and gender.

Voluntary eardrum movement: a marker for tensor tympani contraction?

HYPOTHESIS: Voluntary eardrum movement (VEM) and resultant tympanometric changes reflect tensor tympani (TT) contraction. BACKGROUND: TT contraction has been hypothesized to cause symptoms of aural fullness, tinnitus, clicking, and even vertigo despite the lack of understanding of how it functions or what causes it to contract. Identifying tympanometric changes unique to TT contraction can provide a diagnostic tool for identifying its role in pathologic conditions. METHODS: Various tympanometric measurements were performed on human subjects who could voluntarily move their eardrums. These were compared with similar tympanometric measurements performed on cadaveric temporal bones while manually tensing the TT and stapedius muscles individually. RESULTS: Eight subjects (14 ears) who could cause VEM were identified. Compared with baseline, VEM resulted in significantly decreased middle ear compliance (p < 0.01) and middle ear pressure (p < 0.01) measurements. The compliance changes seen with VEM were larger than those seen with acoustically stimulated stapedius contraction. Finally, the direction of compliance change with VEM was dependent on the pressure applied to the external auditory canal (EAC), with compliance increasing with positive EAC pressure. This was not seen with stapedius contraction. These findings were reproduced using the cadaveric temporal bone model: larger compliance changes with pull on TT as compared with stapedius with neutral EAC probe pressure; change in direction of compliance changes with varying EAC probe pressure with TT pull, not with stapedius pull. CONCLUSION: TT contraction produces distinctive tympanometric findings that can be used to support its abnormal contraction in ears with symptoms compatible with TT syndrome.