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Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction in Quantitative Head Impulse Test: Clinical Characteristics in 23 Patients
Hilla Levo1, Heikki Aalto1, Timo P Hirvonen1
1University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki, Finland.
The Journal of International Advanced Otology
|November 3, 2017
Summary
Bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH) is rare, even in specialized clinics. Patients with BVH experienced significant disability, with vestibular outpatients reporting more severe symptoms than cochlear implant recipients.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurology
- Vestibular System Disorders
Background:
- Bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH) presents diagnostic challenges.
- The motorized head impulse test (MHIT) is a key tool for assessing vestibular function.
- Understanding the clinical features of BVH is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with BVH using the MHIT.
- To compare the experiences and symptom severity of BVH patients in different clinical settings (vestibular outpatients vs. cochlear implant recipients).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical records for 23 adult patients with confirmed BVH via MHIT.
- Inclusion of BVH patients from both cochlear implant (CI) recipients and vestibular outpatient cohorts.
- Evaluation of clinical data and questionnaire responses on current sensations.
Main Results:
- BVH was identified in 15/62 CI recipients and 8/198 vestibular outpatients.
- All vestibular outpatients with BVH reported oscillopsia, compared to 46% of CI recipients (p=0.048).
- Vestibular outpatients experienced greater instability (p=0.004) and reduced quality of life (p=0.012) than CI recipients.
Conclusions:
- Bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH) is an uncommon diagnosis, even in specialized otolaryngology or neurology clinics.
- Vestibular outpatients with BVH exhibit more pronounced symptoms and functional impairment than BVH patients who have received cochlear implants.
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