Tinnitus, Oscillopsia, and Hyperventilation-Induced Nystagmus: Vestibular Paroxysmia

Vestibular paroxysmia is the name given to vascular compression of the vestibulocochlear nerve. Substantial evidence has been discovered in support of vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve as the etiology for trigeminal neuralgia, and effective therapies have been targeted to address this pathophysiology. Perhaps due to the common and often vaguely-described symptoms of dizziness and tinnitus, vascular compression of the vestibulocochlear nerve as a cause of symptoms has remained controversial. Recent clinical studies, however, have better defined diagnostic criteria for vestibular paroxysmia. In this report we discuss a case of vestibular paroxysmia, highlighting some findings of the condition that also uniquely separate it from other more common vestibular disorders. Finally, we discuss current clinical management of vestibular paroxysmia.