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Using Unidirectional Rotations to Improve Vestibular System Asymmetry in Patients with Vestibular Dysfunction
Published on: August 30, 2019
Vertebrobasilar ischaemia presenting as recurrent isolated vertigo.
Will Lee1, Luke Chen, John Waterston
1Department of Neurology, Monash University Department of Medicine, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria 3004, Australia. will.lee@alfred.org.au
Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|April 16, 2011
Summary
Recurrent isolated vertigo may signal vertebrobasilar ischemia, a stroke affecting brain arteries. Early diagnosis is crucial, especially with vascular risk factors, to prevent severe outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Neurology
- Neurotology
Background:
- Chronic recurrent isolated vertigo is an infrequent presentation of vertebrobasilar ischemia.
- Vertebrobasilar ischemia involves reduced blood flow in the arteries supplying the brainstem and cerebellum.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old female experienced 12 months of recurrent isolated vertigo attacks.
- She presented with acute pontine infarctions, indicating stroke in the pons.
- Clinical and vestibular tests revealed bilateral vestibular hypofunction affecting specific inner ear structures.
Findings:
- Diffusion-weighted MRI confirmed acute bilateral pontine infarcts.
- Significant stenoses (narrowing) were observed in the vertebrobasilar arteries.
- The patient exhibited bilateral vestibular hypofunction impacting horizontal and posterior semicircular canals and the right saccule.
Implications:
- Recurrent isolated vertigo and bilateral vestibular hypofunction do not exclude vertebrobasilar ischemia.
- Vascular risk factors warrant a thorough investigation for underlying vertebrobasilar disease.
- Prompt recognition and management are vital for patients with these symptoms and risk factors.
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