Repositioning nystagmus: prognostic usefulness?. (May 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marques, Pedro Santos; Castillo, Rosa; Santos, Margarida; Perez-Fernandez, Nicolas
• Is Part Of: Acta oto-laryngologica. Volume 134:Number 5(2014)
• Page Start: 491
• Page End: 496
• Publication Date: 2014-05
• Subjects: Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Ear -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Throat -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology -- Electronic Resources; Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases; 617.8
• DOI: 10.3109/00016489.2013.872291
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-6489

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Conclusions:</italic> The presence of orthotropic nystagmus (ON), in multiple positions, appears to predict the success of canalith repositioning maneuvers (CRMs). In this sense CRMs under video-Frenzel are informative for the immediate follow-up, although not related to the degree of disability or emotional distress. Still, attention should be given to psychological assistance even in cases of clinically cured benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). <italic>Objective:</italic> The aim of the study was to <bold>h</bold>ighlight the prognostic value of nystagmus in CRMs for BPPV and its relevance for emotional and patient-perceived disability. <italic>Methods:</italic> A group of 57 patients were selected from 3 balance disorders centers. CRMs were performed under video-Frenzel control. Assessment of patient disability and positional nystagmus was performed 2 months later. Emotional (Cuestionario de Impacto Emocional del Vértigo, CIEV) and quality of life (Dizziness Handicap Inventory, DHI) impact were evaluated. <italic>Results:</italic> The posterior semicircular canal (SCC) was affected in 84.2% of cases, the horizontal SCC in 10.5%, and the anterior SCC in 5.1%. Appropriate CRMs were performed. ON was present in 67% of cases. Overall resolution after the first treatment was achieved in 56% of cases. With ON present the success rate was 63% and when not observed the rate was 42%. DHI or CIEV scores were not significantly different when comparing the presence vs absence of ON. In nine patients (16%) an abnormal CIEV score was observed after treatment, even though a cured status was achieved in six of these nine patients.</p> </abstract>