[Physiologic approach to promoting circulation in acute labyrinth ischemia. A new treatment concept]

One of the main factors of sudden hearing impairment, acute vestibular disturbance, and acute tinnitus is generally thought to be an acute labyrinthine ischemia of varying degrees. However, the scientific basis for this assumption has not yet been proven, and there is a great variety of treatment modalities. Recent circulation research and fundamental physiological considerations led to the development of a new concept of treatment of these diseases.

In order to enhance the labyrinthine blood circulation, physiological and physical methods were tested in 42 patients, especially with regard to patient compliance and in addition to conventional therapy. The methods tested included active circulation training. Finnish bath observing certain precautions, sequentially increased temperature bathing, massage, and fango therapy of the neck.

The compliance of the patients to the new concept was good, in some cases even enthusiastic, either to the "total body" methods or to the local neck treatment.

The principle of active and/ or passive stimulation of blood circulation in acute labyrinthine ischemia has been well accepted by all patients. A study including functional results is in preparation.