Vertigo after head injury--a five year follow-up

Three hundred and twenty-one head injury patients investigated at the Workmen's Compensation Board Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre were studied. The patients were classified into two groups, minor and moderate according to the duration of post-traumatic amnesia. Post-traumatic vertigo was a significant symptom in 34 per cent and 50 per cent of the minor and moderate groups respectively. Based on the findings of full otoneurologic and vestibular examination, objective vestibular disorder was noted in 40 per cent and 65 per cent of the two vertiginous groups respectively. An approach to the interpretation of vestibular and oculomotor abnormalities is outlined in order to assign a peripheral (end organ or nerve), central (brainstem or cerebellar) or undertermined localization. Hearing loss occurred in 20 per cent of the minor and 72 per cent of th e moderate head injury patients tested. A five-year post head injury follow-up was available with respect to recovery of vertigo and work rehabilitation. The results of this follow-up are discussed.