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Is a pulling sensation in the anteroposterior direction associated with otolith dysfunction?
Naoki Saka1, Toru Seo, Shigeto Ohta
1Department of Otolaryngology, Hyogo College of Medicine , Hyogo.
Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|December 24, 2013
Summary
A pulling sensation in the anteroposterior direction may stem from otolith organ dysfunction. Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) tests revealed abnormalities in most patients experiencing this sensation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) studies previously linked falling and tilting sensations to otolith lesions.
- The origin of anteroposterior pulling sensations remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if anteroposterior (forward/backward) pulling sensations are caused by otolith dysfunction.
- To clarify the role of otolith organs in perceiving directional pulling sensations.
Main Methods:
- Assessed otolith function using cervical and ocular VEMPs (cVEMPs and oVEMPs) in 12 patients with anteroposterior pulling sensations.
- Evaluated cVEMPs and oVEMPs based on amplitude asymmetry ratios and wave latencies.
Main Results:
- Abnormal cVEMP results were found in 7 out of 12 patients.
- Abnormal oVEMP results, including 3 bilateral absent responses, were observed in 9 out of 12 patients.
- 10 out of 12 patients showed abnormal cVEMP and/or oVEMP results, with latencies within normal ranges.
Conclusions:
- A pulling sensation in the anteroposterior direction is suggested to originate from otolith organ dysfunction.
- VEMP testing is a valuable tool for diagnosing otolith-related vestibular disorders.
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