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Otolith dysfunction during vertiginous attacks in Ménière's disease
Ryota Oku1, Kohichiro Shigeno, Hidetaka Kumagami
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan.
Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|January 9, 2004
Summary
Otolith dysfunction can cause atypical vertigo attacks in Ménière
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Vestibular System
Background:
- Ménière's disease (MD) attacks involve various vertigo types, including rotatory vertigo, dizziness, and drop attacks.
- Dizziness without spontaneous nystagmus may indicate otolith dysfunction.
- Delayed endolymphatic hydrops is another condition affecting vestibular function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate otolith dysfunction during vertiginous attacks in Ménière's disease (MD).
- To evaluate otolith dysfunction in patients with delayed endolymphatic hydrops.
- To assess the role of otolith dysfunction in atypical MD attacks.
Main Methods:
- Conducted daily vestibular function tests for 11 patients (9 MD, 2 delayed endolymphatic hydrops) during vertigo attacks.
- Assessed otolith function using static ocular torsion (OT) in an upright position.
- Defined otolith dysfunction by abnormal OT changes without spontaneous nystagmus or with unchanged spontaneous nystagmus.
Main Results:
- Four patients exhibited abnormal static ocular torsion (OT) changes during vertiginous attacks.
- These abnormal OT changes occurred without spontaneous nystagmus or without a change in existing spontaneous nystagmus.
- Otolith dysfunction was identified in a subset of patients experiencing MD vertigo attacks.
Conclusions:
- Otolith dysfunction is present during vertiginous attacks in Ménière's disease patients.
- Atypical MD attacks, particularly those with ataxia and no spontaneous nystagmus, are likely caused by otolith dysfunction.
- This finding aids in understanding the pathophysiology of varied MD presentations.