Vestibular Function After the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes: A Retrospective Chart Review

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vestibular Science
• Disaster Medicine

Background:

• Natural disasters like earthquakes can profoundly impact human health.
• Vestibular function and balance disorders are crucial for daily activities.
• Understanding post-disaster health consequences is vital for public health preparedness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate changes in vestibular function and causes of dizziness after major earthquakes.
• To assess the prevalence and characteristics of balance disorders post-earthquake.
• To identify factors contributing to earthquake-induced disequilibrium.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of patients with balance disorders following the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes.
• Administration of balance disorder questionnaires and informed consent.
• Clinical equilibrium testing including stabilometry, cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials, and head-up tilt tests on a subset of participants.

Main Results:

• A 2.8-fold increase in balance disorder patients was observed post-earthquake.
• Significantly higher scores for anxiety, orthostatic dysregulation, and motion sickness were recorded.
• Deterioration in stabilometry, cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials, and head-up tilt test results was evident.

Conclusions:

• Earthquake-induced disequilibrium is linked to sensory disruptions, altered living conditions, and autonomic stress.
• Findings enhance understanding of human equilibrium responses to natural disasters.
• Results will aid in managing dizziness following such events and suggest future research into mitigating autonomic dysfunction.