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Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal May 2024The vestibular system not only supports reflex function at the brainstem level, but is also associated with higher levels of cognitive function. Vertigo due to...
The vestibular system not only supports reflex function at the brainstem level, but is also associated with higher levels of cognitive function. Vertigo due to vestibular disorders may lead to or be associated with cognitive dysfunction. Patients with deficits of both vestibular as well as cognitive function may be at particularly high risk for events like falls or certain diseases, such as Alzheimer's. To analyze the current state of research and trends in the global research literature regarding the correlation between vestibular disorders, vertigo, and cognitive impairment. We utilized Bibliometrix package to search databases including PubMed, Web of Science, etc for search terms. Databases were searched up to December 15, 2022, and a total of 2222 publications were retrieved. Ultimately, 53 studies were included. A total of 261 authors published in 38 journals and conferences with an overall increasing annual growth rate of 6.94%. The most-published journal was . The most-published country was the United States, followed by Italy and Brazil. The most-published institution was Johns Hopkins University with a total of 13 articles. On performing trend analysis, we found that the most frequent focus of research in this field include the testing of vestibular perception, activation of the brain-related cortex, and the influence of stimulus-triggered vestibular snail reflex on visual space. The potential focal points are the risk of falling and the ability to extract spatial memory information, and the focus of research in recent decades has revolved around balance, falling, and Alzheimer's disease. Vestibular impairment in older adults affects cognitive function, particularly immediate memory, visuospatial cognition, and attention, with spatial cognition being the most significantly affected. In the future, virtual reality-based vestibular rehabilitation techniques and caloric stimulation could be potential interventions for the treatment of cognitive impairment.
PubMed: 38818829
DOI: 10.1177/01455613241257396 -
BMJ Neurology Open 2024Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) affects approximately half of acute, moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. To date, there have been no...
BACKGROUND
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) affects approximately half of acute, moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. To date, there have been no rigorous studies of BPPV assessment or treatment in this cohort. We aimed to determine the safety, practicability, and efficacy of therapist-led BPPV management in acute TBI and the feasibility of a larger effectiveness trial.
METHODS
This was a multi-centre, three-arm, parallel-groups, randomised, feasibility trial. Recruitment was via convenience sampling. The main inclusion criteria were age over 18 years and a confirmed, non-penetrating, acute TBI. BPPV-positive patients were randomly allocated to one of three interventions (repositioning manoeuvres, Brandt-Daroff exercises or advice) using minimisation criteria. Outcome assessors were blinded to the intervention.
RESULTS
Of 2014 patients screened for inclusion, 180 were assessed for BPPV. Of those assessed, 34% (62/180) had BPPV, and 58 patients received an intervention. Therapist-led interventions were delivered safely and accurately according to intervention monitoring criteria. Resolution of BPPV was observed in 35/58 (60%) patients. The resolution rate was highest following repositioning manoeuvres (78%), followed by the advice (53%) and Brandt-Daroff interventions (42%). 10 patients experienced recurrence. This was observed more frequently in those with skull fractures and bilateral or mixed BPPV.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, the results provide strong evidence for the feasibility of a future trial. Therapist-led management of BPPV in acute TBI was safe and practicable. Repositioning manoeuvres seemingly yielded a superior treatment effect. However, given the high recurrence rate of post-traumatic BPPV, the optimal time to treat according to patients' specific recurrence risk requires further investigation.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ISRCTN91943864, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN91943864.
PubMed: 38818242
DOI: 10.1136/bmjno-2023-000598 -
Cureus Apr 2024The onset of menopause, marked by hormonal fluctuations and a decline in estrogen levels, is suggested to be linked to increased susceptibility to vestibular... (Review)
Review
The onset of menopause, marked by hormonal fluctuations and a decline in estrogen levels, is suggested to be linked to increased susceptibility to vestibular disturbances. Estrogen, beyond its established association with reproductive physiology, plays modulatory roles in various physiological systems, including neurosensory function. The vestibular system, crucial for balance and spatial orientation, is influenced by hormonal changes during menopause, potentially contributing to the emergence of vertigo symptoms. This interplay between hormones and the vestibular system is a burgeoning area of research with clinical implications, offering insights into novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for managing postmenopausal women with vestibular disorders. The article reviews current scientific literature, delves into the hormonal intricacies of menopause, and investigates potential mechanisms underlying the connection between hormonal fluctuations and vertigo symptoms.
PubMed: 38813338
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59277 -
Sisli Etfal Hastanesi Tip Bulteni 2024The aim of this study was to evaluate vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) of individuals over 60 years of age who have not been diagnosed with a specific vestibular pathology.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to evaluate vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) of individuals over 60 years of age who have not been diagnosed with a specific vestibular pathology.
METHODS
Bilateral six-semicircular canal video head impulse test (vHIT), Dizziness Handicap Inventory and European Evaluation of Vertigo scales were applied to participants.
RESULTS
In total, 103 participants were included in the study (75 male, 28 female), and the mean age was 69.35 ± 7.41 years. The mean age of 7th decade group was 64.32±3.12 (59 participants; 38 male, 21 female), and the mean age of 8th decade and older group was 76.11±5.93 (44 participants; 37 male, 7 female). No significant differences were found between the VOR gains of the lateral or vertical semicircular canals between the 7th decade and 8th decade and older groups (p>0.05). In the 8th decade and older group, the presence of right lateral semicircular canal corrective saccade and left posterior semicircular canal corrective saccade showed a positively moderate correlation with VOR gains of the same semicircular canals (r=0.455, p=0.002, and r=0.518, p=0.001, respectively). No significant correlation was found between age and VOR gain in the 7th decade group, however, there was a negatively weak correlation between age and left lateral semicircular canal VOR gain (r=-0.366, p=0.017) in the 8th decade and older group.
CONCLUSION
While assessing the age-related changes in VOR using vHIT, it must be considered that the changes related to aging of the vestibular system begin to emerge in the population over 70 years of age, and corrective saccade findings may be more informative than VOR gains in revealing these changes.
PubMed: 38808050
DOI: 10.14744/SEMB.2023.31967 -
Audiology Research May 2024(1) Background: Patients affected by Ménière's disease can experience Tumarkin's syndrome, which is characterized by postural instability, gait abnormalities, and,...
(1) Background: Patients affected by Ménière's disease can experience Tumarkin's syndrome, which is characterized by postural instability, gait abnormalities, and, occasionally, an abrupt loss of balance known as vestibular drop attack or Tumarkin's crisis. In this study, semicircular canal plugging is proposed as the definitive treatment for this condition. The outcomes of this type of surgery are discussed. (2) Methods: A total of 9 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Ménière disease suffering from Tumarkin crisis underwent posterior semicircular canal plugging. These patients were assessed with Video Head Impulse Tests, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, and Pure Tone Audiometry preoperatively and postoperatively. (3) Results: VHIT showed a postoperative decrease in PSC gain median (Preop. 0.86 and postop. 0.52; < 0.009). No statistically significant differences were described for the anterior semicircular canal and the lateral semicircular canal. No patient experienced new Tumarkin crisis after the surgical treatment. (4) Conclusions: Our ten years of experience with posterior semicircular canal plugging in Ménière disease patients with Tumarkin's syndrome has shown that this type of surgical procedure is successful in controlling Tumarkin's crisis, with high patient satisfaction and little worsening in hearing level.
PubMed: 38804460
DOI: 10.3390/audiolres14030036 -
Journal of Functional Morphology and... May 2024Persistent dizziness and balance deficits are common, often with unknown etiology. Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (3PD) is a relatively new diagnosis with...
Persistent dizziness and balance deficits are common, often with unknown etiology. Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (3PD) is a relatively new diagnosis with symptoms that may include dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-vertiginous dizziness and be persistent the majority of time over a minimum of 90 days. The purpose of this case series was to investigate short-term outcomes of reducing dizziness symptoms using a manual therapy intervention focused on restoring mobility in the fascia using a pragmatically applied biomechanical approach, the Fascial Manipulation method (FM), in patients with 3PD. The preliminary prospective case series consisted of twelve ( = 12) patients with persistent complaints of dizziness who received systematic application of manual therapy to improve fascial mobility after previously receiving vestibular rehabilitation. The manual therapy consisted of strategic assessment and palpation based on the model proposed in the FM Stecco Method. This model utilizes tangential oscillations directed toward the deep fascia at strategic points. Six males ( = 6) and females ( = 6) were included with a mean age of 68.3 ± 19.3 years. The average number of interventions was 4.5 ± 0.5. Nonparametric paired sample -tests were performed. Significant improvements were observed toward the resolution of symptoms and improved outcomes. The metrics included the Dizziness Handicap Inventory and static and dynamic balance measures. The Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores decreased (i.e., improved) by 43.6 points ( = -3.1 and = 0.002). The timed up and go scores decreased (i.e., improved) by 3.2 s ( = -2.8 and = 0.005). The tandem left increased (i.e., improved) by 8.7 s ( = 2.8 and = 0.005) and the tandem right increased (i.e., improved) by 7.5 s ( = 2.8 and = 0.005). Four to five manual therapy treatment sessions appear to be effective for short-term improvements in dizziness complaints and balance in those with 3PD. These results should be interpreted with caution as future research using rigorous methods and a control group must be conducted.
PubMed: 38804448
DOI: 10.3390/jfmk9020082 -
Clinical Case Reports Jun 2024Although it is rare, physicians should be familiar with the presentation of lateral medullary syndrome (LMS). Urgent neuroimaging is crucial to distinguish LMS from...
KEY CLINICAL MESSAGE
Although it is rare, physicians should be familiar with the presentation of lateral medullary syndrome (LMS). Urgent neuroimaging is crucial to distinguish LMS from other causes of stroke. The majority experience significant improvement within months.
ABSTRACT
Lateral medullary syndrome is a rare type of stroke resulting from a vascular event in the lateral part of the medulla oblongata. Loss of pain and temperature in the ipsilateral side of the face, and contralateral side of the body along with ipsilateral ataxia, vertigo, nystagmus, dysphagia, and hiccups are the hallmark clinical presentation. We reported a case of a 51-year-old male with a long history of smoking and newly discovered hypertension who presented complaining of vomiting, regurgitation, and hiccups for 1 month; tingling and numbness sensation in the left side of the face and the right side of the body, and unsteady gait for 2 weeks. Neurological examinations revealed left-sided ptosis and miosis, diminished sensation of the three divisions of the trigeminal nerve, deviated uvula to the right side, absent gag reflex, and intention tremors. The patient received the appropriate treatment; showed a good recovery with his symptoms, was able to walk unsteady, and was discharged after 10 days in a good condition.
PubMed: 38803327
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8976 -
Scientific Reports May 2024Critical illness survivors commonly face impairments, such as intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICUAW) which is characterized by muscle weakness and sensory...
Critical illness survivors commonly face impairments, such as intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICUAW) which is characterized by muscle weakness and sensory deficits. Despite these symptoms indicating potential balance deficits, systematic investigations and validated assessments are lacking. Therefore, we aimed to assess balance function using the Mini-BESTest, evaluate its psychometric properties, and identify associated variables. Balance was assessed post-ICU discharge (V1) and at discharge from inpatient neurorehabilitation (V2) in patients with ≥ 5 days of invasive ventilation. Mini-BESTest measurement characteristics were evaluated in an ambulatory subgroup. A multiple linear regression was conducted. The prospective cohort study comprised 250 patients (34% female, 62 ± 14 years, median ICU stay 55 days). Median Mini-BESTest scores improved significantly from V1 (5 (IQR 0-15)) to V2 (18.5 (10-23)) with a large effect size. Excellent inter-rater and test-retest reliabilities of the Mini-BESTest were observed (ICC = 0.981/0.950). Validity was demonstrated by a very high correlation with the Berg Balance Scale (ρ = 0.90). No floor or ceiling effects were detected. Muscle strength, cognitive function, cerebral disease, critical illness polyneuropathy/myopathy, and depression were significantly associated with balance. Despite significant improvements during the rehabilitation period, balance disorders were prevalent in critical illness survivors. Ongoing therapy is recommended. Due to its excellent psychometric properties, the Mini-BESTest is suitable for use in critical illness survivors.Registration: The study was registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00021753, date of registration: 2020-09-03).
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Psychometrics; Critical Illness; Male; Postural Balance; Aged; Prospective Studies; Survivors; Intensive Care Units; Muscle Weakness; Muscle Strength
PubMed: 38802388
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61745-5 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Dizziness can be a debilitating condition with various causes, with at least one episode reported in 17% to 30% of the international adult population. Given the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Dizziness can be a debilitating condition with various causes, with at least one episode reported in 17% to 30% of the international adult population. Given the effectiveness of rehabilitation in treating dizziness and the recent advancements in telerehabilitation, this systematic review aims to investigate the effectiveness of telerehabilitation in the treatment of this disorder. The search, conducted across Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PEDro databases, included randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy of telerehabilitation interventions, delivered synchronously, asynchronously, or via tele-support/monitoring. Primary outcomes focused on dizziness frequency/severity and disability, with secondary outcomes assessing anxiety and depression measures. Seven articles met the eligibility criteria, whereas five articles contributed to the meta-analysis. Significant findings were observed regarding the frequency and severity of dizziness (mean difference of 3.01, < 0.001), disability (mean difference of -4.25, < 0.001), and anxiety (standardized mean difference of -0.16, = 0.02), favoring telerehabilitation. Telerehabilitation shows promise as a treatment for dizziness, aligning with the positive outcomes seen in traditional rehabilitation studies. However, the effectiveness of different telerehabilitation approaches requires further investigation, given the moderate methodological quality and the varied nature of existing methods and programs.
Topics: Humans; Dizziness; Telerehabilitation; Anxiety; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38793883
DOI: 10.3390/s24103028 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Apr 2024: Vitamin B1 deficiency poses a significant risk of impaired consciousness, with manifestations ranging from anorexia and fatigue to severe neurological and...
: Vitamin B1 deficiency poses a significant risk of impaired consciousness, with manifestations ranging from anorexia and fatigue to severe neurological and cardiovascular disturbances. Wernicke's encephalopathy, a neurological disorder stemming from vitamin B1 deficiency, presents as the triad of ophthalmoplegia, altered mental state, and cerebellar ataxia. However, these symptoms are not consistently present, complicating the diagnosis. In addition, subclinical vitamin B1 deficiency can progress unnoticed until severe complications arise. Studies indicate a high rate of undiagnosed cases, emphasizing the need for early detection and intervention. : We present the case of a 65-year-old man in whom hyperlactatemia was incidentally detected, leading to the diagnosis of vitamin B1 deficiency. The patient, presenting with vertigo and vomiting, had been eating boxed lunches bought from convenience stores following the death of his wife 3 years earlier. Vertigo gradually improved with rest, but the persistence of hyperlactatemia prompted further investigation, revealing low vitamin B1 levels and high pyruvate levels. Treatment with dietary adjustments and supplements significantly improved his symptoms. : In this case, hyperlactatemia was found in a vertigo patient, revealing asymptomatic vitamin B1 deficiency. Elevated lactate is often linked with conditions like sepsis but can also stem from overlooked factors such as low vitamin B1 levels due to poor diet habits like consuming fried foods. : This case highlights the importance of considering vitamin B1 deficiency in patients with unexplained hyperlactatemia, even in high-income countries. Early detection can prevent progression to the severe complications associated with Wernicke's encephalopathy. Proactive measurement of lactate levels in at-risk populations may facilitate early diagnosis and intervention, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Male; Aged; Hyperlactatemia; Incidental Findings; Thiamine Deficiency; Thiamine; Vertigo
PubMed: 38792898
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60050715