Clinical diagnoses of patients showing caloric inversion.

OBJECTIVES: When air irrigation is used for caloric stimulation in patients with a perforated ear, warm irrigation may elicit a nystagmus that initially beats in the opposite direction of what is expected for warm irrigations, which is referred to as "caloric inversion". This study aimed to investigate the disease group in which caloric inversion appeared in patients who underwent caloric testing and to classify the patterns of caloric inversion. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of bithermal caloric test results that were collected in our dizziness clinic between 2005 and 2022. Caloric inversion was defined when nystagmus induced by caloric stimulation appeared in the opposite direction to that expected. The incidence of caloric inversion among all patients who underwent bithermal caloric tests was calculated. To confirm the clinical diagnoses of the patients with caloric inversion, their clinical records were reviewed. RESULTS: Out of 9923 patients who underwent bithermal caloric tests, 29 patients (0.29%) showed a caloric inversion. The most common clinical diagnosis was chronic otitis media (21 of 29, 72%). Of the 21 patients with chronic otitis media, 20 patients showed a caloric inversion by warm air irrigation and one patient showed caloric inversion by cold air stimulation. Patients with clinical diagnoses other than chronic otitis media such as sudden sensorineural hearing loss, benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood and recurrent vestibulopathy showed caloric inversion by warm air irrigation. Caloric inversion by warm water irrigation was observed in patients with lateral semicircular canal cupulopathy and recurrent vestibulopathy. Two patients (one with Meniere's disease and one with age-related dizziness) showed caloric inversion by cold water irrigation. CONCLUSION: Caloric inversion can be observed in various diseases other than chronic otitis media with tympanic membrane perforation. Special care should be taken in the interpretation of caloric test results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.

COVID-19 and Vestibular Symptoms and Assessment: A Review.

BACKGROUND: The current pandemic of COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality primarily associated with respiratory failure. However, it has also been reported that COVID-19 can evolve into a nervous system infection. The direct and indirect mechanisms of damage associated with SARS-CoV-2 neuropathogenesis could affect our sensory functionality, including hearing and balance. SUMMARY: In order to investigate a possible association between SARS-CoV-2 viral infection and possible damage to the vestibular system, this review describes the main findings related to diagnosing and evaluating otoneurological pathologies. KEY MESSAGES: The clinical evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 causes acute damage to the vestibular system that would not leave significant sequelae. Recovery is similar to vestibular pathologies such as vestibular neuronitis and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Further basic science, clinical, and translational research is needed to verify and understand the short- and long-term effects of COVID-19 on vestibular function.

Prevalencia de hipofunción vestibular en el vértigo postural paroxístico benigno post traumatismo craneoencefálico / Prevalence of vestibular hypofunction in benign paroxysmal postural vertigo after head trauma

Introducción: El traumatismo craneoencefálico (TCE) puede generar vértigo, mareo e inestabilidad. Posibles causas otorrinolaringológicas son el vértigo postural paroxístico benigno (VPPB) que constituye el diagnóstico más frecuente, y la hipofunción vestibular. Objetivo: Describir la prevalencia de hipofunción vestibular en un grupo de pacientes con VPPB asociado a TCE. Material y Método: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con VPPB asociado a TCE que requirieron maniobra de reposición (MRP) entre los años 2017 y 2021. La información clínica, características clínico-demográficas, hallazgos en pruebas de función vestibular y número de MRP fueron evaluados. Resultados: Se incluyeron 48 pacientes con una edad promedio de 60,8 ± 16,5 años, siendo un 52% mujeres. La prevalencia de pacientes con paresia vestibular concomitante correspondió al 35,4%. Al comparar al grupo con y sin paresia se observó: (1) en el grupo con paresia fue, significativamente, más frecuente presentar contusión cerebral asociada, 47,1% vs 12,9%; (2) el sexo masculino fue, significativamente, más frecuente en el grupo con paresia, 70,59% vs 35,5%; (3) en ambos grupos, la mediana de MRP fue 1. Conclusión: La presencia de paresia vestibular en pacientes con VPPB secundario a TCE, no es un hallazgo infrecuente, en nuestro estudio, correspondió a un 35,4%, siendo este más frecuente en hombres. Adicionalmente, la contusión cerebral asociada es más frecuente en el grupo con paresia.

Introduction: Head trauma can generate vertigo, dizziness and instability. Possible otorhinolaryngologic causes are benign paroxysmal postural vertigo (BPPV), which is the most frequent diagnosis, and vestibular hypofunction. Aim: To describe the prevalence of vestibular hypofunction in a group of patients with BPPV associated with head trauma. We studied the clinical characteristics, vestibular function test findings and the number of (PRM). Material and Method: Retrospective study of patients with BPPV associated with head trauma who underwent particle repositioning maneuvers (PRM) during the years 2017 to 2021. Clinical characteristics, vestibular function test findings and the number of PRM were evaluated. Results: 48 patents were included. The mean age was 60.8 ± 16.5 years old, 52% were women. The prevalence of patients with concomitant vestibular paresis was 35.4%. When comparing the groups with and without paresis the following was observed: (1) associated brain contusions were significatively more frequent in the paresis group, 47.1% vs 12.9%; (2) male sex was significatively more frequent in the paresis group, 70.59% vs 35.5%; (3) in both groups, the median of needed PRM was 1. Conclusion: The presence of vestibular paresis in patients with BPPV secondary to head trauma is not an infrequent finding. In our study, its prevalence was 35.4%, being significatively more frequent in men. Also, associated brain contusions were significatively more frequent in the paresis group.

Canalith jam del horizontal: Revisión y reporte de dos casos / Horizontal canalith jam: Review and two cases report

El vértigo posicional paroxístico benigno (VPPB) es un síndrome vestibular episódico (SVE) que es reconocido por ser el trastorno más frecuente observado en la clínica, siendo de buena y pronta resolución en la gran mayoría de los casos. Sin embargo, pueden presentarse variantes muy poco habituales o atípicas, donde el canalith jam es una de las formas más resistentes al tratamiento mediante maniobras de reposición, y por lo mismo, el reconocimiento adecuado de este cuadro es esencial para su correcto abordaje. Se presentan dos casos de VPPB con canalith jam en el CSC horizontal y se proponen cinco criterios diagnósticos para su identificación.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is an episodic vestibular syndrome (EVS) that is recognized for being the most frequent disorder observed in the clinic, with good and prompt resolution in the vast majority of cases. However, very unusual or atypical variants can occur, where the canalith jam is one of the forms most resistant to treatment by means of repositioning maneuvers, and for the same reason, the adequate recognition of this condition is essential for its correct approach. Two cases of BPPV with canalith jam in the horizontal semicircular canal and five diagnostic criteria for its identification are presented.

Universal Repositioning Maneuver: A New Treatment for Single Canal and Multi-Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo by 3-Dimensional Model Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most common peripheral vestibular disorder and is currently treated by many types of repositioning maneuvers. A simplification of this procedure would be desirable. A new, anatomically realistic, 3-dimensional computational simulator of the human labyrinth provides a novel insight to evaluate the viability of any new maneuver. The purpose of this study is to propose a single maneuver with potential to treat canalolithiasis-type benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of any individual canal, or even multiple canals on the same side, based on a 3-dimensional model. METHODS: The benign paroxysmal positional vertigo Viewer, a 3-dimensional model of the human labyrinth, was used to analyze a "Universal Repositioning Maneuver." RESULT: Through the gravity vector, the expected position of the otoliths was demonstrated by moving the model through a single sequence of head positions, successfully promoting otolith migration from the three semicircular canals to the utricular cavity, either individually or together. CONCLUSION: The analysis with the 3-dimensional model predicts the effectiveness of the Universal Repositioning Maneuver for the resolution of each single canal or multiple-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo canalolithiasis, making treatment much more straightforward.

Geriatric benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a single-center study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical features, risk factors, distribution of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) subtypes, and effectiveness of canalith repositioning between geriatric and non-geriatric patients with BPPV. METHODS: A total of 400 patients with BPPV were enrolled. Canalith repositioning was performed according to the semicircular canals involved. Patients were divided by age into a geriatric group (≥60 years) and a non-geriatric group (20-59 years). Clinical characteristics, potential age-related risk factors, distribution of subtypes, and effectiveness of canalith repositioning were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Female sex was significantly more common in all age groups, with a peak female-to-male ratio of 5.1:1 in the group aged 50-59 years. There was a higher proportion of men in the geriatric group. A history of disease associated with atherosclerosis was significantly more common in the geriatric group (p < 0.05). Migraine was significantly more common in the non-geriatric group (p = 0.018), as was posterior canal BPPV. The horizontal canal BPPV (especially horizontal canal BPPV-cupulolithiasis), and multicanal BPPV subtypes were more common in the geriatric group, whereas anterior canal BPPV was more common in the non-geriatric group. Two canalith repositioning sessions were effective in 58.0% of the geriatric cases and in 72.6% of the non-geriatric cases (p = 0.002). There was a tendency for the effectiveness of canalith repositioning to decrease with increasing age. CONCLUSION: BPPV was more common in women. However, the proportion of men with BPPV increased with age. Elderly patients often had a history of diseases associated with atherosclerosis (i.e., hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia). The horizontal canal BPPV (particularly horizontal canal BPPV-cupulolithiasis) and multicanal BPPV subtypes were more common and the anterior canal BPPV subtype was less common in elderly patients. The effectiveness of canalith repositioning may decrease with age. Therefore, older patients should receive more comprehensive medical treatment.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Secondary to Acute Unilateral Peripheral Vestibulopathy: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors.

BACKGROUND: Lindsay-Hemenway syndrome was first described as an acute unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy followed by positional vertigo. A vascular etiology was proposed. An association between cardiovascular risk factors and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo secondary to acute unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy has been described with contradictory evidence. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo secondary to acute unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy and analyze differences in prior history of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, affected semicircular canals, and response to repositioning maneuvers between patients with idiopathic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and secondary to acute unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, descriptive study of all cases of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo between January/2017 and June/2020, with or without a history of acute unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy within the previous year. Cases secondary to trauma or otoneurological causes and acute unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy without confirmatory tests and cases with auditory symptoms were excluded. RESULTS: In total, 242 cases were obtained; 158 idiopathic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and 84 secondary to acute unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy. No statistically significant differences were found in relation to age: 61.2 ± 14.6 versus 62.4 ± 16.2 years (P=.55), sex: female 78.5% versus 73.8% (P=.41), presence of cardiovascular risk factors: 52.5% versus 54.8% (P=.67), prior history of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: 22.2% versus 27.7% (P=.43), affected semicircular canals (P=.16) or number of repositioning maneuvers (P=.57). CONCLUSION: Associations between age, cardiovascular risk factors, and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo secondary to acute unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy have been described with conflicting evidence. This is the first study to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors specifically for Lindsay-Hemenway syndrome, and we did not observe any differences between idiopathic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo cases and those secondary to acute unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy.

Vestibular migraine.

Vestibular migraine (VM) remains an underdiagnosed condition, often mistaken with brainstem aura. VM is defined by recurrent vestibular symptoms in at least 50% of migraine attacks. Diagnosis is established by clinical criteria based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3). Estimated prevalence of VM is 1 to 2.7% of the adult population. Vestibular symptoms usually appear after the headache. VM pathophysiology remains poorly understood. Vertigo may occur before, during, after the migraine attack, or even independently, and may last seconds to hours or days. Pathophysiological mechanisms for VM are still poorly understood and are usually extrapolated from migraines. Differential diagnoses include Ménière's disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, brainstem aura, transient ischemic attack, persistent perceptual postural vertigo, and episodic type 2 ataxia. Specific treatment recommendations for vestibular migraine are still scarce.

Complex benign horizontal canal positional vertigo: new perceptual management.

OBJECTIVE: Horizontal semicircular canal site pathology of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo demonstrating three types of nystagmi on positional test were studied. We have attempted to design a protocol for its diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: 320 patients of HSC-BPPV were subjected to two types of positional tests. Of these, patients with bilateral steady apogeotropic nysatgmus were treated with VAV modification of Semont's maneuver. Patients with unsteady or changing apo/geotropic signs were converted into steady geotropic ones by repetitive positional tests; followed by barbecue maneuver with forced prolong positioning. RESULTS: Overall 88% of patients had a total recovery. 92% of patients with geotropic nystagmus showed no symptoms after second maneuveral sitting. 85% of patients with apogeotropic nystagmus recovered fully after third maneuveral sitting. CONCLUSIONS: Correct identification of subtypes of HSC-BPPV is based on provoked nystagmus by positional tests. After locating the site and side on the basis of nystagmic pattern, physician can apply the appropriate PRM. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II a.

Betahistine alleviates benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) through inducing production of multiple CTRP family members and activating the ERK1/2-AKT/PPARy pathway.

BACKGROUND: Betahistine is a clinical medication for the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Otolin, a secreted glycoprotein with a C-terminal globular domain homologous to the immune complement C1q, has been identified as a biomarker for BPPV. However, the role of complement C1q/TNF-related proteins (CTRPs) with a C-terminal globular domain in BPPV is unclear, so we explored the change of CTRPs in betahistine treated BPPV. METHODS: We treated BPPV patients with Betahistine (12 mg/time, 3 times/day) for 4 weeks and observed the clinical efficacy and the expression of CTRP family members in BPPV patients. Then, we constructed a vertigo mice model of vestibular dysfunction with gentamicin (150 mg/Kg) and a BPPV model of Slc26a4loop/loop mutant mice. Adenoviral vectors for CTRP expression vector and small interfering RNA were injected via the intratympanic injection into mice and detected the expression of CTRP family members, phosphorylation levels of ERK and AKT and the expression of PPARγ. In addition, we treated mice of vestibular dysfunction with Betahistine (10 mg/Kg) and/or ERK inhibitor of SCH772984 (12 mg/Kg) and/or and PPARγ antagonist GW9662 (1 mg/Kg) for 15 days, and evaluated the accuracy of air righting reflex, the time of contact righting reflex and the scores of head tilt and swimming behavior. RESULTS: After treatment with Betahistine, the residual dizziness duration and the score of the evaluation were reduced, and the expression of CTRP1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 were significantly increased in BPPV patients. We also found that Betahistine improved the accuracy of air righting reflex, reduced the time of contact righting reflex and the scores of head tilt and swimming behavior in gentamicin-treated mice and Slc26a4loop/loop mutant mice. The expression levels of CTRP1, 3, 6, 9 and 12, phosphorylation levels of ERK and AKT, and PPARγ expression were significantly increased, and the scores of head tilt and swimming behavior were decreased in vestibular dysfunction mice with overexpression of CTRPs. Silencing CTRPs has the opposite effect. SCH772984 reversed the effect of Betahistine in mice with vestibular dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Betahistine alleviates BPPV through inducing production of multiple CTRP family members and activating the ERK1/2-AKT/PPARy pathway.

Efectos posturográficos de la maniobra de Epley en pacientes con vértigo posicional paroxístico del canal posterior / Posturographic effects of the Epley maneuver on patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of the posterior canal

Resumen Introducción: El vértigo posicional paroxístico benigno (VPPB) es la afección periférica más común en las enfermedades otoneurológicas. Con el reposicionamiento de partículas se busca eliminar el vértigo y sus síntomas asociados como lo son el mareo residual y la inestabilidad. Objetivo: Determinar si la maniobra de reposicionamiento de Epley (MRE) produce una modificación significativa del control postural (CP) en aquellos pacientes con VPPB de canal semicircular posterior (VPPB-CSC-P). Material y Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo prospectivo en una muestra de 21 pacientes con diagnóstico de VPPB-CSC-P. Comparamos el desplazamiento, la velocidad y el área del centro de presión (CoP) antes y después de la MRE. Resultados: La velocidad y el área de la CoP estudiada por posturografía computarizada muestra una disminución significativa en sus valores después de la MRE, mientras que el desplazamiento de la CoP se mantuvo sin cambios. Conclusión: La MRE ejecutada en pacientes con VPPB-CSC-P produce una modulación en el control de la CoP, demostrada por la disminución de la velocidad y el área de desplazamiento de la CoP. El éxito de la MRE produce modulación del CP.

Abstract Introduction: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common peripheral condition in otoneurologic diseases. With the repositioning of particles, the aim is to eliminate vertigo and its associated symptoms, such as residual dizziness and instability. Aim: To determine if the Epley repositioning maneuver (ERM) produces a significant modification of postural control (PC) in those patients with posterior semicircular canal BPPV (BPPV-CSC-P). Material and Method: A prospective descriptive study was carried out in a sample of 21 patients diagnosed with BPPV-CSC-P. We compared the displacement, velocity, and area of the center of pressure (CoP) before and after the Epley repositioning maneuver. Results: The velocity and the area of the CoP studied by computed posturography show a significant decrease in its values after the MRE, while the CoP shift remained unchanged. Conclusion: ERM performed in patients with BPPV-CSC-P produces an improvement in the control of the CoP, demonstrated by the decrease in the speed and the area of movement of the CoP. The success of the MRE produces modulation of the PC.

Clinical characteristics of patients with multi-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

INTRODUCTION: Multi-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is considered to be a rare and controversial type in the new diagnostic guidelines of Bárány because the nystagmus is more complicated or atypical, which is worthy of further study. OBJECTIVE: Based on the diagnostic criteria for multi-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo proposed by International Bárány Society, the study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of multi-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. METHODS: A total of 41 patients with multi-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo were included and diagnosed by Roll, Dix-Hallpike and straight head hanging tests. Manual reduction was performed according to the involvement of semicircular canals. RESULTS: Among the 41 cases, 19 (46.3%) patients showed vertical up-beating nystagmus with or without torsional component and geotropic, apogeotropic horizontal nystagmus, and were diagnosed with posterior-horizontal canal. 11 (26.8%) patients showed vertical up-beating nystagmus with torsional component on one side and vertical down-beating nystagmus with or without torsional component on the other side during Dix-Hallpike test or straight head hanging test and were diagnosed with posterior-anterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo 9 (26.8%) patients showed vertical down-beating nystagmus with or without torsional component and geotropic, apogeotropic horizontal nystagmus, and were diagnosed with anterior-horizontal canal 2 (4.9%) patients showed vertical geotropic torsional up-beating nystagmus on both sides and were diagnosed with bilateral posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. High correlation between the sides with reduced vestibular function or hearing loss and the side affected by Multi-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo was revealed (contingency coefficient=0.602, p=0.010). During one-week follow up, nystagmus/vertigo has been significantly alleviated or disappeared in 87.8% (36/41) patients. CONCLUSION: Posterior-horizontal canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo was the most common type. Multi-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo involving anterior canal was also not uncommon. Caloric tests and pure tone audiometry may help in the determination of the affected side. Manual reduction was effective in most of Multi-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo patients.

A novel maneuver for diagnosis and treatment of torsional-vertical down beating positioning nystagmus: anterior canal and apogeotropic posterior canal BPPV.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, BPPV; a torsional-vertical down beating positioning nystagmus can be elicited in the supine straight head-hanging position test or in the Dix-Hallpike test to either side. This type of nystagmus can be explained by either an anterior canal BPPV or by an apogeotropic variant of the contralateral posterior canal BPPV Until now all the therapeutic maneuvers that have been proposed address only one possibility, and without first performing a clear differential diagnosis between them. OBJECTIVE: To propose a new maneuver for torsional-vertical down beating positioning nystagmus with a clear lateralization that takes into account both possible diagnoses (anterior canal-BPPV and posterior canal-BPPV). METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 157 consecutive patients with BPPV. The new maneuver was performed only in those with torsional-vertical down beating positioning nystagmus with clear lateralization. RESULTS: Twenty patients (12.7%) were diagnosed with a torsional-vertical down beating positioning nystagmus. The maneuver was performed in 10 (6.35%) patients, in whom the affected side was clearly determined. Seven (4.45%) patients were diagnosed with an anterior canal-BPPV and successfully treated. Two (1.25%) patients were diagnosed with a posterior canal-BPPV and successfully treated with an Epley maneuver after its conversion into a geotropic posterior BPPV. CONCLUSION: This new maneuver was found to be effective in resolving all the cases of torsional-vertical down beating positioning nystagmus-BPPV caused by an anterior canal-BPPV, and in shifting in a controlled way the posterior canal-BPPV cases of the contralateral side into a geotropic-posterior-BPPV successfully treated during the followup visit. Moreover, this new maneuver helped in the differential diagnosis between anterior canal-BPPV and a contralateral posterior canal-BPPV.

Betahistine add-on therapy for treatment of subjects with posterior benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a common vestibular disorder that accounts for one fifth of hospital admissions due to vertigo, although it is commonly undiagnosed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of betahistine add-on therapy in the treatment of subjects with posterior benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. METHODS: This randomized controlled study was conducted in a population of 100 subjects with posterior benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Subjects were divided into the Epley maneuver + betahistine group (group A) and Epley maneuver only (group B) group. Subjects were evaluated before and 1-week after the maneuver using a visual analog scale and dizziness handicap inventory RESULTS: One hundred subjects completed the study protocol. The Epley maneuver had an overall success rate of 95% (96% in group A; 94% in group B, p =  0.024). Groups A and B had similar baseline visual analog scale scores (6.98 ±â€¯2.133 and 6.27 ±â€¯2.148, respectively, p = 0.100). After treatment, the visual analog scale score was significantly lower in both groups, and was significantly lower in group A than group B (0.74 ±â€¯0.853 vs. 1.92 ±â€¯1.288, respectively, p = 0.000). The change in visual analog scale score after treatment compared to baseline was also significantly greater in group A than group B (6.24 ±â€¯2.01 vs. 4.34 ±â€¯2.32, respectively, p = 0.000). The baseline dizziness handicap inventory values were also similar in groups A and B (55.60 ±â€¯22.732 vs. 45.59 ±â€¯17.049, respectively, p = 0.028). After treatment, they were significantly lower in both groups. The change in score after treatment compared to baseline was also significantly greater in group A than group B (52.44 ±â€¯21.42 vs. 35.71 ±â€¯13.51, respectively, p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: The Epley maneuver is effective for treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Betahistine add-on treatment in posterior benign paroxysmal positional vertigo resulted in improvements in both visual analog scale score and dizziness handicap inventory.

Diagnosis and treatment of the short-arm type posterior semicircular canal BPPV.

INTRODUCTION: The Epley maneuver is useful for the otoconia to return from the long arm of the posterior semicircular canal into the utricle. To move otoconia out of the posterior semicircular canal short arm and into the utricle, we need different maneuvers. OBJECTIVE: To diagnose the short-arm type BPPV of the posterior semicircular canal and treat them with bow-and-yaw maneuver. METHODS: 171 cases were diagnosed as BPPV of the posterior semicircular canal based on a positive Dix-Hallpike maneuver. We first attempted to treat patients with the bow-and-yaw maneuver and then performed the Dix-Hallpike maneuver again. If the repeated Dix-Hallpike maneuver gave negative results, we diagnosed the patient with the short-arm type of BPPV of the posterior semicircular canal and considered the patient to have been cured by the bow-and-yaw maneuver; otherwise, probably the long-arm type BPPV of the posterior semicircular canal existed and we treated the patient with the Epley maneuver. RESULTS: Approximately 40% of the cases were cured by the bow-and-yaw maneuver, giving negative results on repeated Dix-Hallpike maneuvers, and were diagnosed with short-arm lithiasis. CONCLUSION: The short-arm type posterior semicircular canal BPPV can be diagnosed and treated in a convenient and comfortable manner.

Effect of applying head-shaking maneuver before Epley maneuver in BPPV.

INTRODUCTION: The Epley maneuver is applied in the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, the BPPV. However, dizziness and balance problems do not improve immediately after the treatment. OBJECTIVE: In this study, the effectiveness of the head-shaking maneuver before the Epley maneuver was investigated in the treatment of BPPV. METHODS: Between March 2020 and August 2020, ninety-six patients with posterior semicircular canal BPPV were analyzed prospectively. The patients were divided into two groups: patients who underwent the Epley maneuver only in the treatment (Group 1) and patients who underwent the Epley maneuver after the head-shaking maneuver (Group 2). The results of the Berg balance scale and dizziness handicap index were evaluated before the treatment and at the first week after the treatment. RESULTS: The improvement in functional, emotional, and physical dizziness handicap index and Berg balance scale values after the treatment was found to be statistically significant in both groups. It was determined that the change in functional and physical dizziness handicap index and Berg balance scale values of the patients in Group 2 was statistically higher than those in Group 1. Although, the change in emotional dizziness handicap index values in Group 2 was higher than those in Group 1, no statistical significance was found between the groups. CONCLUSION: As a result of our hypothesis, we think that in the treatment of posterior semicircular canal BPPV, the otoliths adhered to the canal can be mobilized by the head-shaking maneuver, and this will contribute to the increase of the effectiveness of the Epley maneuver.

The assessment of fukuda stepping test results in prognosis of benign paroxysmal postural vertigo.

INTRODUCTION: Benign paroxysmal postural vertigo originating from the peripheral vestibular system is characterized by brief vertigo spells triggered by the sudden head motion. Usually, vestibular dysfunction in benign paroxysmal postural vertigo is unilateral. Fukuda stepping test which is helpful in the diagnosis of unilateral vestibular dysfunction, may also be valuable in the prediction of prognosis of benign paroxysmal postural vertigo. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relevance of Fukuda stepping test results with resistant and/or recurrent benign paroxysmal postural vertigo cases. METHODS: We evaluated 62 patients with unilateral, idiopathic benign paroxysmal postural vertigo of posterior and/or lateral canals. The Fukuda stepping test was performed prior to the Dix-Hallpike and head-roll tests. Two groups were created according to the Fukuda stepping test results. In Group 1 Fukuda stepping test results were positive with a deviation angle >45°, while in Group 2 the results were negative with no apparent deviation. Two groups were compared by the number of canalith repositioning manuevers performed and the frequency of recurrences. RESULTS: We found Fukuda stepping test to be invaluable in the diagnosis of benign paroxysmal postural vertigo since the ratio of Fukuda stepping test positivity and negativity were similar in benign paroxysmal postural vertigo patients. However, the need for multiple canalith repositioning manuevers was significantly higher in Group 1 (p = 0.0103). In addition, the recurrence frequency was found significantly lower in the Group 2 (p = 0.0441). CONCLUSION: Although the sensitivity of Fukuda stepping test in detecting mild/moderate unilateral vestibular dysfunction is poor, it may be valuable in prediction of the prognosis of benign paroxysmal postural vertigo. We suggest that positive Fukuda stepping test results in benign paroxysmal postural vertigo patients indicate poor prognosis, the need for multipl canalith repositioning manuevers and the higher possibility of recurrences.

Betahistine alleviates benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) through inducing production of multiple CTRP family members and activating the ERK1/2-AKT/PPARy pathway

BACKGROUND: Betahistine is a clinical medication for the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Otolin, a secreted glycoprotein with a C-terminal globular domain homologous to the immune complement C1q, has been identified as a biomarker for BPPV. However, the role of complement C1q/TNF-related proteins (CTRPs) with a C-terminal globular domain in BPPV is unclear, so we explored the change of CTRPs in betahistine treated BPPV. METHODS: We treated BPPV patients with Betahistine (12 mg/time, 3 times/day) for 4 weeks and observed the clinical efficacy and the expression of CTRP family members in BPPV patients. Then, we constructed a vertigo mice model of vestibular dysfunction with gentamicin (150 mg/Kg) and a BPPV model of Slc26a4loop/loop mutant mice. Adenoviral vectors for CTRP expression vector and small interfering RNA were injected via the intratympanic injection into mice and detected the expression of CTRP family members, phosphorylation levels of ERK and AKT and the expression of PPARγ. In addition, we treated mice of vestibular dysfunction with Betahistine (10 mg/Kg) and/or ERK inhibitor of SCH772984 (12 mg/Kg) and/or and PPARγ antagonist GW9662 (1 mg/Kg) for 15 days, and evaluated the accuracy of air righting reflex, the time of contact righting reflex and the scores of head tilt and swimming behavior. RESULTS: After treatment with Betahistine, the residual dizziness duration and the score of the evaluation were reduced, and the expression of CTRP1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 were significantly increased in BPPV patients. We also found that Betahistine improved the accuracy of air righting reflex, reduced the time of contact righting reflex and the scores of head tilt and swimming behavior in gentamicin-treated mice and Slc26a4loop/loop mutant mice. The expression levels of CTRP1, 3, 6, 9 and 12, phosphorylation levels of ERK and AKT, and PPARγ expression were significantly increased, and the scores of head tilt and swimming behavior were decreased in vestibular dysfunction mice with overexpression of CTRPs. Silencing CTRPs has the opposite effect. SCH772984 reversed the effect of Betahistine in mice with vestibular dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Betahistine alleviates BPPV through inducing production of multiple CTRP family members and activating the ERK1/2-AKT/PPARy pathway.