8 Cognitive and psychiatric comorbidities in patients with vestibular disorder. Issue 8 (13th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, LJ; Wilkinson, DT; Surenthiran, S; Bodani, M
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 88:Issue 8(2017)
• Page Start: A30
• Page End: A31
• Publication Date: 2017-07-13
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2017-BNPA.68
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: It is becoming increasingly clear from a variety of clinical and laboratory approaches that the human vestibular system not only regulates autonomic activity but also influences higher level processes. To help understand the nature of these higher-level interactions, we investigated the prevalence of cognitive, psychiatric and fatigue disturbances in a sample of 100 patients with primary vestibular disorder. The nature of this relationship and the variables influencing it were also explored. Method: A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment battery, including measures of depression, anxiety, depersonalization, fatigue, sleep, memory, attention and executive function was completed by patients at their initial neuro-otology appointment. Neurological questionnaires and balance function tests were also administered. Results: Unexpectedly, nearly all patients showed evidence of clinical impairment on most tests. Symptoms of fatigue, anxiety and working memory impairment were especially prevalent in the sample (over 50% fell outside the normative cut-off). Age, visual dominance, and previous access of psychological support were all significant predictors of the presence of these comorbidities. Conclusion: These finding suggest that the vestibular system exerts a much wider influence on cognition and affect than previously indicated, and underlines the need for broader clinical diagnosis, assessment and management in patients who present with balance complaints.