scholarly journals A case series shows independent vestibular labyrinthine function after major surgical trauma to the human cochlea

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan K. Plontke ◽  
Torsten Rahne ◽  
Ian S. Curthoys ◽  
Bo Håkansson ◽  
Laura Fröhlich

Abstract Background The receptors for hearing and balance are housed together in the labyrinth of the inner ear and share the same fluids. Surgical damage to either receptor system was widely believed to cause certain permanent loss of the receptor function of the other. That principle, however, has been called into question because there have been anecdotal reports in individual patients of at least partial preservation of cochlear function after major surgical damage to the vestibular division and vice versa. Methods We performed specific objective vestibular function tests before and after surgical trauma (partial or subtotal cochlear removal) for treatment of intracochlear tumors in 27 consecutive patients in a tertiary referral center. Vestibular function was assessed by calorics (low-frequency response of the lateral semicircular canal), vestibulo-ocular reflex by video head impulse test (vHIT) of the three semicircular canals, cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP, saccule and oVEMP, utricle). Preoperative and postoperative distributions were compared with paired t-tests. Results Here we show that there was no significant difference between pre- and post-operative measures for all tests of the five vestibular organs, and that after major surgical cochlear trauma, the vestibular receptors continue to function independently. Conclusions These surprising observations have important implications for our understanding of the function and the surgery of the peripheral auditory and vestibular system in general and open up new possibilities for the development, construction and evaluation of neural interfaces for electrical or optical stimulation of the peripheral auditory and vestibular nervous system.

2019 ◽  
Vol 90 (e7) ◽  
pp. A27.1-A27
Author(s):  
Zeljka Calic ◽  
Benjamin Nham ◽  
Rachel Taylor ◽  
Allison Young ◽  
Craig Anderson ◽  
...  

IntroductionVestibular neuritis (VN) and posterior circulation stroke (PCS) are the commonest causes of acute vestibular syndrome (AVS). We aim to identify discriminators of VN from PCS by testing all five vestibular end-organs in patients presenting with AVS.MethodsThree-dimensional video-head impulse test (v-HIT), cervical and ocular-vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (c-and oVEMP) and subjective visual horizontal (SVH) tests were performed in 22 patients with VN and 22 with PCS. Ipsilesional horizontal, anterior and posterior canal (HC, AC, PC) v-HIT gain and first catch-up saccade characteristics, VEMP amplitude asymmetry-ratios were compared.ResultsAll VN and 6 PCS patients had positive clinical HIT. Mean time to testing was 4.7 days for VN, 7.0 days for PCS. VN mean ipsilesional HC and AC first saccade amplitude was larger, peak-velocities faster and onset latencies earlier compared to PCS (p<0.05). No significant difference between VN and PCS in first saccade characteristics was found in PC. Ipsilesional first saccade amplitude, peak-velocity and duration were significantly different between PCS and controls for all canals (p<0.05). A gain <0.68 and first saccade amplitudes >2.2°separated VN from PCS with sensitivities of 95.5% and 86.4% and specificities of 72.7% and 63.6%. First saccade amplitude of >0.91°identified PCS from controls with sensitivity of 68.2% and specificity of 70%. Abnormality rates for AC cVEMP, BC oVEMP and SVH were 42.9%, 50% and 91% for VN and 38.1%, 9% 72% for PCS.Conclusion v-HIT gain and catch-up saccade metrics are useful separators of VN from PCS. Detailed saccade analysis complements existing vestibular tests.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (Suppl. 1-2) ◽  
pp. 50-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurizio Barbara ◽  
Rita Talamonti ◽  
Anna Teresa Benincasa ◽  
Silvia Tarentini ◽  
Chiara Filippi ◽  
...  

Introduction: Cochlear implantation (CI) has been reported to negatively affect vestibular function. The study of vestibular function has variably been conducted using different types of diagnostic tools. The combined use of modern, rapidly performing diagnostic tools could prove useful for standardization of the evaluation protocol. Methods: In a group of 28 subjects undergoing CI, the video head impulse test (vHIT), the cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP) and the short form of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) questionnaire were investigated preoperatively and postoperatively (implant on and off) in both the implanted and the contralateral, nonimplanted ear. All surgeries were performed with a round window approach (RWA), except for 3 otosclerosis cases in which the extended RWA (eRWA) was used. Results: The vHIT of the lateral semicircular canal showed preoperative vestibular involvement in nearly 50% of the cases, while the 3 canals were contemporarily affected in only 14% of the cases. In all the hypofunctional subjects, cVEMP were absent. A low VOR gain in all of the investigated superior semicircular canals was found in 4 subjects (14%). In those subjects (21.7%) in whom cVEMP were preoperatively present and normal on the operated side, the absence of a response was postoperatively recorded. Discussion/Conclusion: The vestibular protocol applied in this study was found to be appropriate for distinguishing between the CI-operated ear and the nonoperated ear. In this regard, cVEMP was found to be more sensitive than vHIT for revealing a vestibular sufferance after CI, though without statistical significance. Finally, the use of RWA surgery apparently did not reduce the occurrence of signs of vestibular impairment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-235
Author(s):  
Anamarija Sestak ◽  
Sinisa Maslovara ◽  
Zeljko Zubcic ◽  
Andrijana Vceva

BACKGROUND: Only a few studies in the literature demonstrate the effect of vestibular rehabilitation (VR) on all vestibular receptor organs. Furthermore, very little evidence of the effect of VR on isolated otolith dysfunction (IOD) is available. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the effect of VR on all vestibular receptor organs in patients with different types of unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH). METHODS: We enrolled 80 patients with three different types of UVH; combined and isolated loss of semicircular canal and otolith organ function. All patients performed a 12-week customized program of VR and received a full battery of vestibular function tests, before and after the VR. The DHI and SF-36 were performed before, after 6 weeks, and 12 weeks of the VR. RESULTS: Parameters of the caloric test, video head impulse test, ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials were significantly improved after VR. A total of 59 (74%) patients fully recovered, with no significant difference in recovery regarding the type (p = 0.13) and stage of UVH (p = 0.13). All patients reported significantly lower disability and a better quality of life after the VR based on the DHI and SF-36 score. CONCLUSIONS: Vestibular rehabilitation has a positive effect on the recovery of all vestibular receptor organs and it should be used in patients with IOD.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-312
Author(s):  
Georges Dumas ◽  
Christol Fabre ◽  
Anne Charpiot ◽  
Lea Fath ◽  
Hella Chaney-Vuong ◽  
...  

Background/Aim: the aim of this study was to assess the skull vibration-induced nystagmus test (SVINT) results and vestibular residual function after horizontal semicircular canal (HSCC) plugging. Methods: In this retrospective chart review performed in a tertiary referral center, 11 patients who underwent unilateral horizontal semicircular canal plugging (uHSCCP) for disabling Menière’s disease (MD) were included. The skull vibration-induced nystagmus (SVIN) slow-phase velocity (SPV) was compared with the results of the caloric test (CaT), video head impulse test (VHIT), and cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP) performed on the same day. Results: Overall, 10 patients had a strong SVIN beating toward the intact side (Horizontal SVIN-SPV: 8.8°/s ± 5.6°/s), 10 had a significant or severe ipsilateral CaT hypofunction, 10 had an ipsilateral horizontal VHIT gain impairment, and 3 had altered cVEMP on the operated side. Five had sensorineural hearing worsening. SVIN-positive results were correlated with CaT and horizontal VHIT (HVHIT) results (p < 0.05) but not with cVEMP. SVIN-SPV was correlated with CaT hypofunction in % (p < 0.05). Comparison of pre- and postoperative CaT % hypofunction showed a significant worsening (p = 0.028). Conclusion: SVINT results in a human model of horizontal canal plugging are well correlated with vestibular tests exploring horizontal canal function, but not with cVEMP. SVINT always showed a strong lesional nystagmus beating away from the lesion side. SVIN acts as a good marker of HSCC function. This surgical technique showed invasiveness regarding horizontal canal vestibular function.


Author(s):  
Joost J. A. Stultiens ◽  
Nils Guinand ◽  
Vincent Van Rompaey ◽  
Angélica Pérez Fornos ◽  
Henricus P. M. Kunst ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Certain cases of superior semicircular canal dehiscence or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can be treated by plugging of the affected semicircular canal. However, the extent of the impact on vestibular function and hearing during postoperative follow-up is not known. Objective To evaluate the evolution of vestibular function and hearing after plugging of a semicircular canal. Methods Six patients underwent testing before and 1 week, 2 months, and 6 months after plugging of the superior or posterior semicircular canal. Testing included caloric irrigation test, video Head Impulse Test (vHIT), cervical and ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPs) and audiometry. Results Initially, ipsilateral caloric response decreased in all patients and vHIT vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain of each ipsilateral semicircular canal decreased in 4/6 patients. In 4/6 patients, postoperative caloric response recovered to > 60% of the preoperative value. In 5/6 patients, vHIT VOR gain was restored to > 85% of the preoperative value for both ipsilateral non-plugged semicircular canals. In the plugged semicircular canal, this gain decreased in 4/5 patients and recovered to > 50% of the preoperative value. Four patients preserved cervical and ocular VEMP responses. Bone conduction hearing deteriorated in 3/6 patients, but recovered within 6 months postoperatively, although one patient had a persistent loss of 15 dB at 8 kHz. Conclusion Plugging of a semicircular canal can affect both vestibular function and hearing. After initial deterioration, most patients show recovery during follow-up. However, a vestibular function loss or high-frequency hearing loss can persist. This stresses the importance of adequate counseling of patients considering plugging of a semicircular canal.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Ruijie Wang ◽  
Xiuhua Chao ◽  
Jianfen Luo ◽  
Daogong Zhang ◽  
Jiliang Xu ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: To date, systematically objective evaluations of vestibular function in children with cochlear implantation (CI) have been conducted sparsely, especiallyin children with large vestibular aqueduct syndrome (LVAS). OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to investigate the function of all five vestibular end-organs pre- and post-cochlear implantation in children with LVAS and normal CT. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, 34 children (age 4–17 years) with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) undergoing unilateral CI were included. Participants included 18 (52.9%) children with LVAS. Objective modalities to evaluate vestibular function included the caloric test, cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP), ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMP), and video head impulse test (vHIT). All measurements were performed before surgery and 9 months after surgery. RESULTS: Mean age at CI was 8.1±3.7 years. Caloric testing showed hypofunction in 38.2%of cases before implantation and in 50%after (p >  0.05). We found a significant increase of overall abnormality rate in cVEMP and oVEMP from pre- to post-CI (p <  0.05). In all three semicircular canals tested by vHIT, there were no statistically significant mean gain changes (p >  0.05). Higher deterioration rates in cVEMP (53.3%) and oVEMP (52.0%) after surgery were observed (p <  0.05). In children with LVAS, cVEMP revealed a higher deterioration rate than superior semicircular canal (SSC) and posterior semicircular canal (PSC) (p <  0.05). In children with normal CT, the deterioration rates in VEMPs were both higher than those in vHIT (p <  0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In general, the otolith organs were the most affected peripheral vestibular sensors in children after cochlear implantation. The variations in otolith function influenced by CI were different between children with LVAS and normal CT. We recommend the use of this vestibular function test battery for children with cochlear implantation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Doaa Elmoazen ◽  
Hesham Kozou ◽  
Jaidaa Mekky ◽  
Dalia Ghanem

Abstract Background Patients suffering from vestibular migraine (VM) are known to have various vestibular test abnormalities interictally and ictally. Recently, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) have become accepted as a valid method for otolith function assessment. Many studies have identified various vestibular symptoms and laboratory abnormalities in migraineurs. Since migraineurs with no accompanying vestibular symptoms might exhibit subclinical vestibular dysfunction, we investigated vestibular function using ocular and cervical VEMPs in migraine patients. The aim was to study cervical VEMP and occular VEMP in migraineurs with and without vestibular symptoms interictally. Results Migraine and VM patients showed significantly longer P13 latency of cVEMP compared to controls. A statistically significant cVEMP interaural P13 latency difference was found in VM compared to healthy controls. Cervical VEMP N23 latency, peak-to-peak amplitude, interaural N23 latency, and amplitude asymmetric ratio did not show any significant difference in migraine and VM patients compared to healthy controls as well as no significant difference across the three groups regarding oVEMP parameters. Conclusions Abnormal interictal cVEMP results in migraineurs might indicate subclinical vestibulo-collic pathway dysfunction.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 393-399
Author(s):  
Yahav Oron ◽  
Ophir Handzel ◽  
Zohar Habot-Wilner ◽  
Keren Regev ◽  
Arnon Karni ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Susac syndrome (retino-cochleo-cerebral vasculopathy, SuS) is an autoimmune endotheliopathy characterized by the clinical triad of encephalopathy, branch retinal artery occlusions and sensorineural hearing loss. In contrast to data regarding auditory function, data measuring vestibular function is sparse and the cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs). OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the video head impulse test (vHIT) can serve as a confirmatory assessment of vestibulocochlear dysfunction in cases of suspected SuS. METHODS: Seven patients diagnosed with SuS underwent pure tone audiometry, a word recognition test, cVEMPs and the vHIT. RESULTS: Five patients were diagnosed with definite SuS, and two with probable SuS. Two patients were asymptomatic for hearing loss or tinnitus, and no sensorineural hearing loss was detected by audiograms. Four patients complained of tinnitus, and three patients reported experiencing vertigo. Three patients had abnormal cVEMPs results. All seven patients’ vHIT results were normal, except for patient #2, who was one of the three who complained of vertigo. The calculated gain of her left anterior semicircular canal was 0.5, without saccades. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to describe the results of the vHIT and cVEMPs among a group of patients with SuS. The results suggest that the vHIT should not be the only exam used to assess the function of the vestibular system of SuS patients.


Author(s):  
Shirley H. Wray

reviews the medulla’s vestibular components (the vestibular, perihypoglossal, and inferior olivary nuclei ), and the components of the vestibular labyrinth (the semicircular canals and the otolith receptors) preparatory to a full discussion of dizziness and vertigo as diagnostic symptoms. The model used for history-taking is extensive and allows for clear distinction to be made between the two symptoms and their implications for risk of stroke. Direction- changing nystagmus as a localizing sign is discussed in depth, and provocative tests to elicit nystagmus by suppression of fixation are presented in clinical detail. The head-thrust (head impulse) test is also described as a simple way to identify a complete unilateral or bilateral loss of vestibular function at the bedside. Medullary syndromes illustrated by case studies include oculopalatal tremor, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, upbeat and apogeotropic nystagmus, Wallenberg’s syndrome due to infarction of the medulla, and a case of intractable hiccups.


2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (02) ◽  
pp. 175-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anuj Kumar Neupane ◽  
Krithika Gururaj ◽  
Sujeet Kumar Sinha

AbstractMotion sickness is a complex autonomic phenomenon caused by the intersensory conflict among the balancing systems, resulting in a mismatch of signals between static physical conditions of the susceptible individual exposed to dynamic environment.The present study was done to assess the sacculocollic reflex pathway and six semicircular canals in individuals susceptible to motion sickness.Standard group comparison was used.A total of 60 participants with an age range of 17–25 yr were included, where group I comprised 30 participants with motion sickness and group II comprised 30 participants without motion sickness. The Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire–Short was administered to classify the participants into groups with or without motion sickness.The cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) test and video head impulse test (vHIT) were administered to all participants. The Shapiro–Wilk test revealed normal distribution of the data (p > 0.05). Hence a parametric independent sample t test was done to check significant difference in cVEMP and vHIT parameters between the two groups.The present study revealed no significant difference for cVEMP latencies and amplitude in individuals with motion sickness. However, significantly higher cVEMP asymmetry ratio was observed in individuals with motion sickness. Though the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain values showed no significant difference between the two groups except for the right anterior left posterior plane, the asymmetry in VOR gain values revealed significant difference between the groups, suggesting asymmetry as a better parameter than absolute VOR gain values. Also, the presence of refixation saccades in 100% of the individuals with motion sickness accorded with various studies reported earlier with vestibular-related pathologies.Presence of higher asymmetry ratio in cVEMP and vHIT test results plus refixation saccades to stabilize the gaze in vHIT can suggest some amount of vestibular anomalies in individuals with motion sickness.


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