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Vestibular function in carotid territory stroke patients
Anna Paula Batista de Ávila Pires1, Marcia Maiumi Fukujima, Fernando Freitas Ganança
1Paulista Medical School of the University of São Paulo (ENT), Brazil. annapaulapires@ig.com.br
Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
|March 19, 2013
Summary
Patients with carotid territory stroke often experience dizziness and imbalance due to compromised vestibular function and eye motility. This study assessed vestibular function in stroke survivors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Otolaryngology
- Neurology
Background:
- Stroke can lead to various neurological deficits, including otoneurological symptoms.
- Carotid territory strokes may impact vestibular and ocular motor functions, affecting patient balance and perception of dizziness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the vestibular function in individuals with a history of carotid territory stroke.
- To correlate objective vestibular findings with subjective symptoms of dizziness and imbalance.
Main Methods:
- A historical cohort cross-sectional study involving 40 patients with a history of carotid territory stroke.
- Data collection included the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, patient interviews, ENT examinations, and vectorelectronystagmography (VENG).
Main Results:
- 50% of patients exhibited saccadic movement anomalies, and 42.5% showed abnormal smooth pursuit gain.
- Vestibular abnormalities, including directional preponderance and labyrinthine predominance, were observed in several patients, often correlating with reported imbalance.
- Even patients without subjective balance complaints frequently presented with objective eye movement abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Carotid territory stroke survivors frequently present with otoneurological symptoms such as dizziness and imbalance.
- Objective signs of compromised eye motility and vestibular function are common in these patients, even in the absence of reported symptoms.
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