Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
10:12
Three Dimensional Vestibular Ocular Reflex Testing Using a Six Degrees of Freedom Motion Platform
Published on: May 23, 2013
Vertigo caused by a nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Eike Krause1, John Martin Hempel, Robert Gürkov
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany. eike.krause@med.uni-muenchen.de
Summary
A rare case of nasopharyngeal carcinoma presenting with acute vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus highlights the importance of diagnosing skull base tumors. Early diagnosis through a complete work-up is crucial for patients with unilateral Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurology
- Oncology
Background:
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is rare in Europe.
- Inner ear symptoms are uncommon presentations of NPC.
- Unilateral Eustachian tube dysfunction can be a subtle indicator of underlying pathology.
Observation:
- A 63-year-old woman presented with acute vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
- Her symptoms were attributed to a nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
- The diagnosis was prompted by vertigo attacks, despite pre-existing unilateral Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Findings:
- Skull base tumors, including NPC, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of labyrinthine dysfunction.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is essential for detecting such tumors.
- Vertigo can be a presenting symptom of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Implications:
- A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is necessary for patients with unilateral Eustachian tube dysfunction.
- Early detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma can improve patient outcomes.
- This case underscores the need for vigilance in diagnosing skull base pathologies presenting with otological and vestibular symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Equilibrium and Balance
The inner ear assumes dual functionalities of auditory perception and equilibrium maintenance. The vestibule is the organ responsible for balance. This organ contains mechanoreceptors, specifically hair cells, endowed with stereocilia, which aid in deciphering information regarding the position and motion of our heads. Two intrinsic components, the utricle and saccule, help perceive head position, while the semicircular canals track head movement. Neurological messages initiated in the...
01:29Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists
Dopamine receptor antagonists, also known as antipsychotic agents, are critical in managing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. These antiemetic agents block dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), inhibiting signal transmission to the vomiting center. Antipsychotic agents encompass phenothiazines (PTZ), butyrophenones, benzamides, and thienobenzodiazepines (Zyprexa), which are utilized for their antiemetic and sedative properties.
Phenothiazines, such as prochlorperazine...
Phenothiazines, such as prochlorperazine...
01:27Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists
5-HT3 receptor antagonists, such as dolasetron, granisetron (Kytril), ondansetron (Zofran), and palonosetron (Axoli), are crucial in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and postoperative nausea. These drugs selectively block 5-HT3 receptors in the visceral vagal and spinal afferent nerves, chemoreceptor trigger zone, and the vomiting center. They have a rapid onset of action and can be given as a single dose before chemotherapy. Ondansetron and granisetron, in particular,...
01:28Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
Neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors are distributed across the GI tract, vagal afferents, and key CNS regions including the central vomiting center and chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) Chemotherapy agents stimulate enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to release large amounts of substance P (SP). SP is a neuropeptide released by specific sensory nerves in response to many different stressors, including those in the GI mucosa affected by chemotherapy. SP binds and activates these...
01:21Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a phytocannabinoid that primarily interacts with the CB1 receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly in and around the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and emetic center. THC also blocks the serotonin receptor activity in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) by inhibiting serotonin release. THC exerts its anti-emetic effects through these interactions, which are beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
01:22Pathophysiology of Vomiting
Vomiting is a complex physiological response to expel harmful or irritating substances from the body. It's a defensive mechanism triggered by stimuli like poisons, microbial toxins, cytotoxic drugs, and mechanical abdominal distension. The process is centrally coordinated by the vomiting (or emetic) center located in the medulla of the brainstem. This area, rich in muscarinic M1, histamine H1, neurokinin 1 (NK1), and serotonin 5-HT3 receptors, coordinates the act of vomiting through interaction...