Exploring the frontiers of vestibular migraine: A case series.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with episodic vestibular syndrome (EVS) whose symptoms resemble those of vestibular migraine (VM) but who do not meet the criteria for it are common. OBJECTIVE: To describe those patients suffering from EVS in whom defined etiologies have been ruled out in order to determine if their symptoms can be linked to VM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective multicenter study. The medical records of patients with VM and patients with EVS suggestive of VM but not meeting the criteria for it were examined. The characteristics of headache, the number and the length of attacks, the association of vestibular symptoms and headache, the intensity of symptoms and the response to treatment were recorded. RESULTS: 58 patients met the criteria for VM or probable VM; 30 did not. All of the symptoms improved significantly in the treated patients with VM or probable VM; in the rest of the treated patients, only the vestibular symptoms improved. CONCLUSION: A subgroup of patients that cannot be attributed to any known vestibulopathy according to present day VM criteria profited from migraine treatment, suggesting that their vestibular symptoms belong to the migraine spectrum; whereas some do not, yet our analysis could not identify distinctive features that allowed subgroup attribution.

Cervical spine radiographs in patients with vertigo and dizziness.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of cervical radiography in the study of patients with vertigo and dizziness. PATIENTS: This is a retrospective single-institution case series study of 493 patients suffering from vertigo and dizziness who were referred (from January 2011 to December 2012) to the hospital to study those symptoms. METHODS: We studied cervical radiographies, CT and MRI of the cervical spine made in the sample and the radiological findings. We analyzed demographic characteristics, presence of psychiatric pathology and emergency assistance due to vertigo in patients who have undergone cervical study. RESULTS: A total of 57% of patients had cervical radiography made; this was more frequent in women, Spanish people, with psychiatric pathology and who have gone to the emergency department for vertigo (p < 0.05). Degenerative changes were found in 74.1% of the patients with radiography made, more frequently at an older age, osteophytes in 49.5% and abnormal cervical lordosis in 37.1%. CONCLUSIONS: There are sociodemographic factors that influence in the request for cervical radiographs in patients with vertigo and dizziness. Given the suspicion of cervical vertigo, we do not consider that the findings in the radiographs help in the diagnosis. In our opinion, an excessive use of cervical radiography is made in patients with vertigo and dizziness.

¿Qué aporta la neuroimagen en pacientes con vértigo y mareo? Análisis coste-utilidad / What do MRI and CT scan provide us in patients with vertigo and dizziness? A cost-utility analysis

Introducción. Vértigo y mareo son síntomas que suponen una carga significativa en el hospital e involucran a varias especialidades. Existen pocas guías sobre la solicitud de pruebas radiológicas ante estos síntomas. Objetivos. Conocer qué perfil de pacientes con vértigo y mareo tiene realizadas pruebas de neuroimagen, cuantificar y describir los hallazgos radiológicos, y analizar el coste-utilidad de la tomografía computarizada (TC) y la resonancia magnética (RM) en pacientes con estos síntomas. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio descriptivo en el que se seleccionan pacientes remitidos al hospital por vértigo y mareo. Se analizan características demográficas y clínicas y se cuantifican las pruebas de neuroimagen solicitadas. Se describen los hallazgos radiológicos, se valora su relevancia en el diagnóstico y se detalla el coste. Resultados. Se identifica a 493 pacientes, el 60% tiene realizada una prueba de neuroimagen; son pacientes de más edad, depresivos y que han acudido a urgencias por vértigo. La prueba más realizada fue la TC de cráneo sin contraste (el 5% identifica la causa del síntoma). La que presentó más hallazgos significativos fue la RM de la base del cráneo (17,7%). Las 286 pruebas de imagen solicitadas por vértigo costaron 56.741 euros. El gasto para obtener un diagnóstico radiológico fue de 1.576 euros. Conclusiones. Se realiza un gran número de TC y RM de cabeza en pacientes con vértigo y mareo. Es recomendable tener un diagnóstico de sospecha previo a partir de la anamnesis y la exploración para hacer una buena selección de las pruebas que hay que solicitar. En más del 90% de los casos no se muestran hallazgos radiológicos en relación con el vértigo

Introduction. Vertigo and dizziness are symptoms with a significant burden in the hospital and involve several specialties. There are few guidelines of radiological tests for these symptoms. Aims. To know which profile of patients with vertigo and dizziness has neuroimaging tests, quantify and describe the radiological findings. To analyze the cost-utility of CT and MRI in the study of these patients Patients and methods. Descriptive study, we selected patients referred to the hospital for vertigo and dizziness. We analyze demographic and clinical characteristics and quantify the neuroimaging tests requested. We describe the radiological findings, assess their relevance in the diagnosis and detail the cost-benefit. Results. We identified 493 patients, those with neuroimaging test (60%) are older, depressed and frequented the emergency department because of vertigo. The most requested test was the cranial CT scan (5% identifies the cause of the symptom). MRI of the inner ear and cerebellopontine angle was the test that presented the most significant findings (17.7%). The 286 image tests requested for vertigo cost 56,741 euros. The cost for a positive test was 1,576 euros. Conclusions. A large number of head CT and MRI are made in patients with vertigo and dizziness. A clinical suspicion is recommended from the anamnesis and exploration to make a good selection of test to request. In more than 90% of cases, radiological findings are not shown in relation to vertigo

Vértigo y mareo en el hospital: frecuentación, flujo y características de los pacientes / Vertigo and dizziness in hospital: Attendance, flow and characteristics of patients

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: Los síntomas de vértigo y mareo son frecuentes en la población, se presentan como manifestación de un amplio abanico de enfermedades y habitualmente es difícil realizar un diagnóstico de certeza. El objetivo general de este estudio es obtener la información para evaluar estos síntomas en el entorno hospitalario. Los objetivos específicos son: estimar el peso global que representan estos síntomas en las derivaciones al hospital; conocer las características de los pacientes derivados y detallar el flujo de las consultas. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo observacional. Se buscaron las propuestas de consulta realizadas en 2011 y 2012 al hospital por el síntoma de vértigo. Se analizaron características demográficas y clínicas de los pacientes, y administrativas de las derivaciones. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron un total de 558 propuestas correspondientes a 494 pacientes. El vértigo supuso el 0,5% del total de las derivaciones realizadas desde Atención Primaria al hospital. El 63% de la muestra han sido mujeres, con una edad media de 58 años. El 88% de los pacientes fue valorado por Otorrinolaringología y el 24% por Neurología. Un 30,8% consultó en 3 o más ocasiones por el síntoma. El 16% fue valorado por enfermedad psiquiátrica en el hospital. CONCLUSIONES: El vértigo como síntoma supone una carga significativa en el ámbito hospitalario. Los pacientes que lo presentan consultan en múltiples ocasiones y son valorados en distintas especialidades. En ciertos casos, el flujo de pacientes puede resultar excesivamente dinámico e ineficaz. En nuestro entorno, Otorrinolaringología es el principal receptor de pacientes con síntomas de vértigo y mareo

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Vertigo and dizziness as symptoms are frequent in the population. They are present in a wide range of pathologies and it is usually difficult to make an accurate diagnosis. The general objective of this study is to obtain the information to evaluate vertigo and dizziness in the hospital setting. The specific objectives are: to estimate the burden of these symptoms at the hospital; to study patients' conditions and to detail the flow of these patients inside the hospital. METHODS: Observational descriptive study. We made a search of the referral proposals made in 2011 and 2012 to the hospital because of vertigo symptoms. The patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, and the administrative details of the referrals were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 558 proposals were analysed corresponding to 494 patients. Vertigo accounted for 0.5% of all referrals made from Primary Care to the hospital. Sixty-three percent of the sample were women; the average age was 58 years. Eighty-eight percent of the patients were evaluated by Otorhinolaryngology, 24% by Neurology. Thirty point eight percent consulted on 3 or more occasions for the symptom. Sixteen percent were assessed for psychiatric conditions in the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Vertigo as a symptom is a significant burden in the hospital setting. The patients who suffer it consult on several occasions and are assessed by different specialties. This implies in some cases an excessive and ineffective flow of patients. In our setting, otorhinolaryngology is the main department to treat vertigo and dizziness patients

Vertigo and dizziness in hospital: Attendance, flow and characteristics of patients. / Vértigo y mareo en el hospital: frecuentación, flujo y características de los pacientes.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Vertigo and dizziness as symptoms are frequent in the population. They are present in a wide range of pathologies and it is usually difficult to make an accurate diagnosis. The general objective of this study is to obtain the information to evaluate vertigo and dizziness in the hospital setting. The specific objectives are: to estimate the burden of these symptoms at the hospital; to study patients' conditions and to detail the flow of these patients inside the hospital. METHODS: Observational descriptive study. We made a search of the referral proposals made in 2011 and 2012 to the hospital because of vertigo symptoms. The patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, and the administrative details of the referrals were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 558 proposals were analysed corresponding to 494 patients. Vertigo accounted for 0.5% of all referrals made from Primary Care to the hospital. Sixty-three percent of the sample were women; the average age was 58 years. Eighty-eight percent of the patients were evaluated by Otorhinolaryngology, 24% by Neurology. Thirty point eight percent consulted on 3 or more occasions for the symptom. Sixteen percent were assessed for psychiatric conditions in the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Vertigo as a symptom is a significant burden in the hospital setting. The patients who suffer it consult on several occasions and are assessed by different specialties. This implies in some cases an excessive and ineffective flow of patients. In our setting, otorhinolaryngology is the main department to treat vertigo and dizziness patients.

Relación entre el video head impulse test (vHIT) y la prueba calórica en el estudio evolutivo de pacientes con neuritis vestibular / Relationship between video head impulse test (vHIT) and caloric test in patients with vestibular neuritis

Introducción y objetivos: La prueba calórica es hasta ahora la prueba de referencia para el diagnóstico y el examen de una hipofunción vestibular unilateral. El video head impulse test (vHIT) valora el reflejo vestíbulo-oculomotor, mediante el registro videoasistido de la maniobra impulsiva. Se pretende comparar la variación de los resultados del vHIT y la prueba calórica en pacientes con neuritis vestibular respecto a su estado inicial en diferentes puntos de su evolución, y comprobar su grado de correlación entre sí y con el test Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). Métodos: Exploración en la misma sesión mediante vHIT y prueba calórica de 20 pacientes con neuritis vestibular. Valoración de la correlación de dichas pruebas entre sí y con el test DHI en 2 momentos diferentes de la evolución para cada paciente. Resultados: La asimetría de la ganancia del vHIT y la paresia canalicular de la prueba calórica no evidenciaron una correlación lineal entre ellas. Tampoco se apreció una correlación entre el DHI y la recuperación de los parámetros de estas 2 pruebas. Las sacadas Covert mantienen una velocidad similar mientras están presentes en el vHIT, mientras que las Overt disminuyen su velocidad con el tiempo. Conclusiones: El vHIT y la prueba calórica muestran diferentes respuestas del reflejo vestíbulo-oculomotor, dado que exploran diferentes frecuencias del mismo. No se ha encontrado una correlación entre el vHIT, la prueba calórica y el DHI a lo largo de la evolución de la neuritis vestibular, siendo pruebas complementarias entre sí (AU)

Introduction and objectives: The caloric test is the gold standard for the loss of vestibular function diagnosis. The Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT) assesses the same reflex by using a video- assisted examination of the impulsive maneuver. We intend to compare the variation of results of the vHIT and the caloric test in patients with vestibular neuritis with respect to their initial condition at two different moments of their evolution and to check the level of correlation between them and with that of the DHI test. Methods: We explored 20 patients with neuritis by using both vHIT and the caloric test on the same day. We assessed the correlation between these two tests and with the DHI test for each patient at two different moments of their evolution. Results: We calculated gain asymmetry and compared it with the canal paresis, but we found neither a linear correlation between them, nor a correlation between the DHI test or improvement of these two other tests. We conclude that the covert saccades maintain a similar speed whilst present in the VHIT, but the overts diminish their speed over time. Conclusions: The VHIT and the caloric test show different responses of the vestibulo-ocular reflex, because they stimulate different frequencies of this reflex. No correlation was found between the VHIT, the caloric test and the DHI test. The tests appear to complement one another (AU)

Relationship between video head impulse test (vHIT) and caloric test in patients with vestibular neuritis. / Relación entre el video head impulse test (vHIT) y la prueba calórica en el estudio evolutivo de pacientes con neuritis vestibular.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The caloric test is the gold standard for the loss of vestibular function diagnosis. The Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT) assesses the same reflex by using a video- assisted examination of the impulsive maneuver. We intend to compare the variation of results of the vHIT and the caloric test in patients with vestibular neuritis with respect to their initial condition at two different moments of their evolution and to check the level of correlation between them and with that of the DHI test METHODS: We explored 20 patients with neuritis by using both vHIT and the caloric test on the same day. We assessed the correlation between these two tests and with the DHI test for each patient at two different moments of their evolution. RESULTS: We calculated gain asymmetry and compared it with the canal paresis, but we found neither a linear correlation between them, nor a correlation between the DHI test or improvement of these two other tests. We conclude that the covert saccades maintain a similar speed whilst present in the VHIT, but the overts diminish their speed over time. CONCLUSIONS: The VHIT and the caloric test show different responses of the vestibulo-ocular reflex, because they stimulate different frequencies of this reflex. No correlation was found between the VHIT, the caloric test and the DHI test. The tests appear to complement one another.

Epistaxis y dabigatrán, nuevo anticoagulante oral no antagonista de la vitamina K / Epistaxis and dabigatran, a new non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant

Objetivo: Dabigatrán es un nuevo anticoagulante no antivitamina K con efecto antitrombina. Se le atribuyen menos efectos secundarios hemorrágicos, pero no presenta antídoto que revierta su función ni tiempos de coagulación específicos que lo monitoricen. Materiales y métodos: Estudio longitudinal observacional prospectivo anotando las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y terapéuticas más relevantes entre los sujetos tratados con dabigatrán que manifestaron epistaxis. Se compararon resultados frente a un grupo de casos de epistaxis bajo terapia anticoagulante con acenocumarol y otro de epistaxis en controles no anticoagulados. Resultados: Desde su inclusión en el Sistema Nacional de Salud hace casi 3 años dabigatrán ha hecho acudir a urgencias de nuestro centro a 19 sujetos por epistaxis, frente a 59 por acenocumarol y 144 no anticoagulados, con ingresos hospitalarios del 26, 28 y 14%, respectivamente. En 3 de los 5 ingresados tratados con dabigatrán se detectó insuficiencia renal, previamente no documentada. Precisaron transfusión de hemoderivados el 80% de los tratados con dabigatrán, 58% con acenocumarol y 23% no anticogulados, y procedimientos invasivos el 80, 35 y 21%, respectivamente. Aunque el riesgo hemorrágico fue menor para dabigatrán, la estancia hospitalaria fue mayor frente a acenocumarol, y este frente a no anticoagulados. Conclusiones: Dabigatrán ofrece menos casos severos de epistaxis que acenocumarol, pero resultan más difíciles de controlar y revertir (AU)

Objective: Dabigatran is a new non-vitamin K antagonist (VKA) anticoagulant with anti-thrombin action, with supposedly fewer haemorrhagic complications. However, there are actually no established agents to reverse its effect, nor specific coagulation time tests for monitoring it. Materials and methods: An observational prospective study was developed, noting epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic features among subjects with epistaxis treated with dabigatran. Results were compared with a group of epistaxis cases of individuals under anticoagulant therapy with VKA (acenocoumarol) and a control group without anticoagulation. Results: Since its inclusion in our health system almost 3 years ago, 19 patients with epistaxis and concomitant use of dabigatran have been attended at the Emergency Unit in our hospital, as against 59 under VKA therapy and 144 without anticoagulation, with a mean admittance rate of 26%, 28% and 14%, respectively. In 3 out of 5 individuals admitted due to dabigatran treatment, previously unobserved renal failure was detected. Blood transfusion was needed in 80% of patients using dabigatran, 58% using VKA and 23% without anticoagulation. Invasive procedures to control nosebleed were required in 80%, 35% and 21%, respectively. Although haemorrhagic risk was lower in dabigatran cases, they showed the longest stay in the hospital when compared to the other groups (AU)

Epistaxis and dabigatran, a new non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant.

OBJECTIVE: Dabigatran is a new non-vitamin K antagonist (VKA) anticoagulant with anti-thrombin action, with supposedly fewer haemorrhagic complications. However, there are actually no established agents to reverse its effect, nor specific coagulation time tests for monitoring it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational prospective study was developed, noting epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic features among subjects with epistaxis treated with dabigatran. Results were compared with a group of epistaxis cases of individuals under anticoagulant therapy with VKA (acenocoumarol) and a control group without anticoagulation. RESULTS: Since its inclusion in our health system almost 3 years ago, 19 patients with epistaxis and concomitant use of dabigatran have been attended at the Emergency Unit in our hospital, as against 59 under VKA therapy and 144 without anticoagulation, with a mean admittance rate of 26%, 28% and 14%, respectively. In 3 out of 5 individuals admitted due to dabigatran treatment, previously unobserved renal failure was detected. Blood transfusion was needed in 80% of patients using dabigatran, 58% using VKA and 23% without anticoagulation. Invasive procedures to control nosebleed were required in 80%, 35% and 21%, respectively. Although haemorrhagic risk was lower in dabigatran cases, they showed the longest stay in the hospital when compared to the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: With dabigatran, there are fewer cases of severe epistaxis than with acenocoumarol, but controlling them is more difficult.

Linfadenitis cervical debida a granuloma de silicona tras implantes mamarios / Neck lymphadenitis due to silicone granuloma after mammary implants

Introducción: La reacción a cuerpo extraño producida por la silicona donde se infiltra o en los territorios donde migra se conoce como siliconoma. Su empleo en las técnicas de aumento de pecho puede generar esta reacción en niveles cervicales si la cápsula del implante se rompe. Métodos: Se han revisado los casos que consultaron por adenopatías cervicales de tamaño elevado en pacientes previamente sometidos a cirugía plástica de mama con geles cohesivos de silicona. Resultados: En 10 años han sido constatados 12 casos con adenopatías cervicales infiltradas por silicona, confirmados mediante punción-aspiración con aguja fina. Suponen el 3,5% de todos los pacientes atendidos para estudio de adenopatías cervicales. Fueron retiradas aquellas detectadas por exploración física y TC en 5 casos, bien por presentar características patológicas o por historial previo de malignidad. En 2 casos intervenidos los ganglios reaparecieron, mientras que en 2 de los 7 pacientes donde se decidió no actuar, el volumen de las adenopatías también aumentó. Tras retirar los implantes, solo se observaron fugas en 7 casos. Conclusiones: La silicona empleada en geles cohesivos para implantes mamarios es susceptible de generar como efecto secundario el aumento del volumen de los ganglios linfáticos del cuello debido a reacciones sistémicas frente a la misma cuando migra. Las alternativas quirúrgicas de las adenopatías afectadas no suelen ofrecer buenos resultados a largo plazo (AU)

Introduction: A foreign body reaction due to silicone where it is infiltrated or at the places to which it can migrate is known as siliconoma. The use of silicone in breast augmentation procedures can provoke this reaction at the neck level in cases of leakage from mammary implants. Methods: We reviewed the cases of patients with increased size neck lymph nodes who had previously undergone plastic surgery of the breast with highly cohesive silicone gel implants. Results: In a 10-year period, we identified 12 cases with silicone-infiltrated neck lymphadenopathies, histologically confirmed by fine needle aspiration. They represented 3.5% of patients attended for neck lymph node study. We removed those detected by physical examination and CT in 5 cases, due to pathological characteristics of the node or a previous malignant history. In 2 of these nodes recurred, and node size also increased in 2 of the other 7 non-operated cases. After implant removal, silicone leakage was observed in only 7 cases. Conclusions: Cohesive gel silicone used for mammary implants can generate increased neck lymphadenopathies as a secondary effect due to systemic reactions against the silicone when it migrates in cases of implant failure. Surgical options for involved nodes usually do not offer good long-term results (AU)

Neck lymphadenitis due to silicone granuloma after mammary implants.

INTRODUCTION: A foreign body reaction due to silicone where it is infiltrated or at the places to which it can migrate is known as siliconoma. The use of silicone in breast augmentation procedures can provoke this reaction at the neck level in cases of leakage from mammary implants. METHODS: We reviewed the cases of patients with increased size neck lymph nodes who had previously undergone plastic surgery of the breast with highly cohesive silicone gel implants. RESULTS: In a 10-year period, we identified 12 cases with silicone-infiltrated neck lymphadenopathies, histologically confirmed by fine needle aspiration. They represented 3.5% of patients attended for neck lymph node study. We removed those detected by physical examination and CT in 5 cases, due to pathological characteristics of the node or a previous malignant history. In 2 of these nodes recurred, and node size also increased in 2 of the other 7 non-operated cases. After implant removal, silicone leakage was observed in only 7 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Cohesive gel silicone used for mammary implants can generate increased neck lymphadenopathies as a secondary effect due to systemic reactions against the silicone when it migrates in cases of implant failure. Surgical options for involved nodes usually do not offer good long-term results.