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Updated: Jul 30, 2025
05:02
Using Unidirectional Rotations to Improve Vestibular System Asymmetry in Patients with Vestibular Dysfunction
Published on: August 30, 2019
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Could vertigo be a post-COVID-19 sequela or presenting symptom?
Lamiaa I Daker1, Reham R Elshafei2, Mohammad Bahi3
1Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt.
Summary
COVID-19 can cause neuro-otological issues like vertigo. This study found vestibular neuritis and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in post-COVID-19 patients and close contacts, indicating peripheral vestibular dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- COVID-19 is suspected to have significant neuro-otological effects, including vertigo, which are often underdiagnosed.
- This research investigates the prevalence and causes of vertigo in individuals with a history of COVID-19 infection and their close contacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the occurrence of vertigo as a presenting symptom or sequela in COVID-19 patients and close contacts.
- To analyze the etiological characteristics of vertigo in these populations.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving convenient sampling.
- Participants included post-COVID-19 patients and close contacts presenting with vertigo.
- Evaluations comprised neurological and otological examinations, PCR testing for COVID-19, and videonystagmography (VNG).
Main Results:
- The study included 44 participants: 7 post-COVID-19 patients and 37 close contacts.
- Among post-COVID-19 patients, 85.7% were diagnosed with vestibular neuritis (VN) and 14.3% with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
- In close contacts, 23% tested positive for COVID-19; of these, 66.7% had VN and 33.3% had BPPV.
Conclusions:
- Vertigo can manifest as a complication or presenting symptom in COVID-19 patients.
- The findings suggest peripheral vestibular dysfunction as the primary cause of vertigo in this context.
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