Caloric response does not decline with age

2004 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 393-396
Author(s):  
A.I. Mallinson ◽  
N.S. Longridge
Keyword(s):  
Vestibular System ◽  
Vestibular Function ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Slow Phase ◽  
Balance System ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Dependent Change ◽  
Physiologic Function ◽  
Caloric Response ◽  
Anatomical Evidence

Complaints of imbalance in the elderly are commonly heard by clinicians, and pathology of the vestibular system may play an important role in these complaints. While there is solid anatomical evidence for age related decline of some vestibular structures, a corresponding deterioration in physiologic function has not been convincingly demonstrated. Vestibular function is traditionally measured with caloric irrigations. Although there has been some age dependent change in caloric response shown, there is no good parallel between caloric response and imbalance in the elderly patient. Our experiment confirms that slow phase velocity of caloric responses does not decline with age. Calorics measure only one part of the vestibular system, and so should not be regarded as representative of balance system function. As a result, measured caloric response does not parallel documented anatomic age-related decline of the vestibular system.

Vestibular Function in the Fetal Sheep

1998 ◽  
Vol 118 (5) ◽  
pp. 571-575
Author(s):  
Patrick J. Antonelli ◽  
Robert M. Abrams ◽  
Kenneth J. Gerhardt ◽  
Matthias Schwab ◽  
Reinhard Bauer
Keyword(s):  
Body Temperature ◽  
Vestibular System ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Fetal Brain ◽  
Vestibular Function ◽  
Brain Maturation ◽  
Slow Phase ◽  
Facial Skin ◽  
Fetal Sheep ◽  
Caloric Stimulation

Little is known about the functional development of the vestibular system before birth. The purpose of this study was to determine whether vestibular response to caloric stimulation could be elicited in the fetal sheep in utero. Late gestational fetal sheep ( n = 6) were instrumented through a midline hysterotomy. Copper caloric probes were inserted into the right bulla and beneath the left facial skin. Electrodes were placed in the skull for monitoring of electro-ocular activity. At least 3 days after surgery the probes were irrigated with water (100 ml/minute) at body temperature, 46° C, and 6° C. Cold water infusion of the bulla consistently produced well-recognized, slow-phase deviations followed by saccades directed contralaterally, findings consistent with vestibular nystagmus. The direction of the response reversed with warm water irrigation. The response was absent with irrigation at fetal body temperature. Only random eye movements were observed in response to caloric stimulation of the facial skin, regardless of water temperature. These results demonstrate that the sheep vestibular system is functioning prenatally. The importance of vestibular function for normal fetal brain maturation may be revealed in future studies using this animal model. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;118:571–5.)

The Clinical Significance of the Failure to Perceive Vertigo in the Postcaloric Period Despite a Robust Caloric Response

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-58
Author(s):  
Erin G. Piker ◽  
Gary P. Jacobson ◽  
Daniel Romero ◽  
Ye Wang ◽  
Kaylee Smith
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Motion Perception ◽  
Postural Stability ◽  
Vestibular Function ◽  
Slow Phase ◽  
Visuospatial Memory ◽  
Visuospatial Working Memory ◽  
Dynamic Posturography ◽  
Caloric Testing ◽  
Caloric Response

Purpose The purpose of this project was to explore the association between the perception of motion during caloric testing and two tasks associated with central vestibular processing: postural stability and visuospatial memory. Method This was a prospective study of 25 patients who were found to have nonvestibular etiologies of their symptoms and normal vestibular function test results and who underwent caloric testing with a mean maximum slow phase eye velocity for each irrigation of 15° or greater. Following each caloric irrigation, patients were asked whether they had any sensation of movement. Patients were grouped based on the presence or absence of motion during the caloric exam (motion perception vs. absent perception). Postural stability was assessed using computerized dynamic posturography, and visuospatial memory was assessed using a memory match card game application. Results There were no significant differences between groups on any measures of peripheral vestibular function. However, the Absent Perception Group showed greater postural instability during Condition 5 of posturography and performed significantly worse on a task of visuospatial working memory. Both age and absence of motion perception predicted abnormal performance on measures of postural stability and visuospatial working memory. Conclusions There appears to be clinical implications to a lack of motion perception during the caloric exam in patients with an otherwise normal peripheral vestibular system. Based on the current findings, we are unable to determine whether differences in postural stability and visuospatial memory were due to age or a central vestibular processing deficit.

scholarly journals Investigation of Balance Function Using Dynamic Posturography under Electrical-Acoustic Stimulation in Cochlear Implant Recipients

2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Schwab ◽  
M. Durisin ◽  
G. Kontorinis
Keyword(s):  
Cochlear Implant ◽  
Vestibular System ◽  
Sensory Analysis ◽  
Vestibular Function ◽  
Acoustic Stimulation ◽  
Balance Function ◽  
Dynamic Posturography ◽  
Balance System ◽  
Test Population ◽  
Static Conditions

Introduction. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of electrical-acoustic stimulation on vestibular function in CI patients by using the EquiTest and to help answer the question of whether electrically stimulating the inner ear using a cochlear implant influences the balance system in any way.Material and Methods. A test population () was selected at random from among the cochlear implant recipients. Dynamic posturography (using the EquiTest) was performed with the device switched off an switched on.Results. In summary, it can be said that an activated cochlear implant affects the function of the vestibular system and may, to an extent, even lead to a stabilization of balance function under the static conditions of dynamic posturography, but nevertheless also to a significant destabilization. Significant improvements in vestibular function were seen mainly in equilibrium scores under conditions 4 and 5, the composite equilibrium score, and the vestibular components as revealed by sensory analysis.Conclusions. Only under the static conditions are significantly poorer scores achieved when stimulation is applied. It may be that the explanation for any symptoms of dizziness lies precisely in the fact that they occur in supposedly noncritical situations, since, when the cochlear implant makes increased demands on the balance system, induced disturbances can be centrally suppressed.

Functional and Structural Aging of the Vestibular System

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 1166-1174
Author(s):  
Sherri M. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Hair Cells ◽  
Inbred Mouse ◽  
Vestibular Function ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Mouse Strains ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Gravity Receptor ◽  
Rate Of Decline ◽  
Age Related Changes

Purpose Aging is ubiquitous and the elderly population (aged 65 years and older) will continue to grow, reaching an estimated 25% of the U.S. population by 2060. Symptoms of dizziness and imbalance as well as risk of falling are more common in older adults, but it is often unclear whether these symptoms are due to disease or a consequence of aging. Indeed, age-related changes in the vestibular periphery are not well understood. This invited review describes age-related changes in peripheral vestibular function, comparisons between aging of auditory and vestibular function, structural correlates for vestibular aging, and the role of genetics in vestibular aging. Conclusion The data from animal models will show that gravity receptor function declines with age but at different rates for different inbred mouse strains. Gravity receptor aging includes loss of postsynaptic elements and loss of hair cells, which is observed at advanced ages. Loss of hair cells may contribute to some extent at advanced ages. Age-related changes in hearing do not predict age-related changes in vestibular function. Genes likely influence the rate of decline in vestibular function. Further research is needed to fully understand the fundamental mechanisms of vestibular aging and to begin to develop potential therapeutic approaches.

Vestibular Function and Motion Sickness Susceptibility: Videonystagmographic Evidence From Oculomotor and Caloric Tests

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 188-198
Author(s):  
Cynthia G. Fowler ◽  
Margaret Dallapiazza ◽  
Kathleen Talbot Hadsell
Keyword(s):  
Phase Velocity ◽  
Motion Sickness ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Vestibular Function ◽  
Slow Phase ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Normal Range ◽  
Slow Phase Velocity ◽  
Caloric Tests

Purpose Motion sickness (MS) is a common condition that affects millions of individuals. Although the condition is common and can be debilitating, little research has focused on the vestibular function associated with susceptibility to MS. One causal theory of MS is an asymmetry of vestibular function within or between ears. The purposes of this study, therefore, were (a) to determine if the vestibular system (oculomotor and caloric tests) in videonystagmography (VNG) is associated with susceptibility to MS and (b) to determine if these tests support the theory of an asymmetry between ears associated with MS susceptibility. Method VNG was used to measure oculomotor and caloric responses. Fifty young adults were recruited; 50 completed the oculomotor tests, and 31 completed the four caloric irrigations. MS susceptibility was evaluated with the Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire–Short Form; in this study, percent susceptibility ranged from 0% to 100% in the participants. Participants were divided into three susceptibility groups (Low, Mid, and High). Repeated-measures analyses of variance and pairwise comparisons determined significance among the groups on the VNG test results. Results Oculomotor test results revealed no significant differences among the MS susceptibility groups. Caloric stimuli elicited responses that were correlated positively with susceptibility to MS. Slow-phase velocity was slowest in the Low MS group compared to the Mid and High groups. There was no significant asymmetry between ears in any of the groups. Conclusions MS susceptibility was significantly and positively correlated with caloric slow-phase velocity. Although asymmetries between ears are purported to be associated with MS, asymmetries were not evident. Susceptibility to MS may contribute to interindividual variability of caloric responses within the normal range.

The Biological Clock and Sleep in the Elderly

2006 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myriam Juda ◽  
Mirjam Münch ◽  
Anna Wirz-Justice ◽  
Martha Merrow ◽  
Till Roenneberg
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Biological Clock ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Theoretical Considerations ◽  
Sleep Difficulties ◽  
Circadian Biology

Abstract: Among many other changes, older age is characterized by advanced sleep-wake cycles, changes in the amplitude of various circadian rhythms, as well as reduced entrainment to zeitgebers. These features reveal themselves through early morning awakenings, sleep difficulties at night, and a re-emergence of daytime napping. This review summarizes the observations concerning the biological clock and sleep in the elderly and discusses the documented and theoretical considerations behind these age-related behavioral changes, especially with respect to circadian biology.

What Can We Learn from Sarcopenia with Curarisation in the Context of Cancer Surgery? A Review of the Literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (28) ◽  
pp. 3005-3010
Author(s):  
Georges Samouri ◽  
Alexandre Stouffs ◽  
Lionel V. Essen ◽  
Olivier Simonet ◽  
Marc De Kock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Frail Elderly ◽  
Muscle Fibers ◽  
Motor Units ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Hepatic Function ◽  
Volume Of Distribution ◽  
Neuromuscular Blocking ◽  
Cancer Surgery ◽  
Old People ◽  
Age Related

Introduction: The monitoring of the curarisation is a unique opportunity to investigate the function of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) during cancer surgery, especially in frailty-induced and age-related sarcopenia. Method: We conducted a comprehensive literature review in PubMed, without any limit of time related to frailty, sarcopenia, age and response to neuromuscular blockers in the context of cancer surgery. Results: Several modifications appear with age: changes in cardiac output, a decrease in muscle mass and increase in body fat, the deterioration in renal and hepatic function, the plasma clearance and the volume of distribution in elderly are smaller. These changes can be exacerbated in cancer patients. We also find modifications of the NMJ: dysfunctional mitochondria, modifications in the innervation of muscle fibers and motor units, uncoupling of the excitation-contraction of muscle fibers, inflammation. : Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) compete with acetylcholine and prevent it from fixing itself on its receptor. Many publications reported guidelines for using NMBAs in the elderly, based on studies comparing old people with young people. : No one screened frailty before, and thus, no studies compared frail elderly and non-frail elderly undergoing cancer surgery. Conclusion: Despite many studies about curarisation in the specific populations, and many arguments for a potential interest for investigation, no studies investigated specifically the response to NMBAs in regard of the frailty-induced and age-related sarcopenia.

scholarly journals A Narrative Review on Sarcopenia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 183
Author(s):  
Anna Izzo ◽  
Elena Massimino ◽  
Gabriele Riccardi ◽  
Giuseppe Della Pepa
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Macrovascular Complications ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Age Related

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a major health burden for the elderly population, affecting approximately 25% of people over the age of 65 years. This percentage is expected to increase dramatically in the next decades in relation to the increased longevity of the population observed in recent years. Beyond microvascular and macrovascular complications, sarcopenia has been described as a new diabetes complication in the elderly population. Increasing attention has been paid by researchers and clinicians to this age-related condition—characterized by loss of skeletal muscle mass together with the loss of muscle power and function—in individuals with T2DM; this is due to the heavy impact that sarcopenia may have on physical and psychosocial health of diabetic patients, thus affecting their quality of life. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an update on: (1) the risk of sarcopenia in individuals with T2DM, and (2) its association with relevant features of patients with T2DM such as age, gender, body mass index, disease duration, glycemic control, presence of microvascular or macrovascular complications, nutritional status, and glucose-lowering drugs. From a clinical point of view, it is necessary to improve the ability of physicians and dietitians to recognize early sarcopenia and its risk factors in patients with T2DM in order to make appropriate therapeutic approaches able to prevent and treat this condition.

scholarly journals Corticobasal Degeneration Misdiagnosed As Musculoskeletal Disease: A Challenging Diagnosis of Higher-Level Gait Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (04) ◽  
pp. 640-642
Author(s):  
Halil Onder
Keyword(s):  
Corticobasal Degeneration ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Gait Disorders ◽  
Physiological Changes ◽  
Gait Abnormality ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Musculoskeletal Problems ◽  
Neurological Exam ◽  
Long Time ◽  
High Level

AbstractGait disorders are common in the elderly as there are various causes of neurological and non-neurological conditions. On the other hand, most of the gait parameters do change with advancing age which is identified as age-related physiological changes in gait. At this point, the discrimination between age-related physiological changes and gait disorders may be strictly challenging. After identifying gait as an abnormal pattern, classification of it and making the responsible pathophysiology also require high-level expertise in this regard. Herein, we present a rare patient with corticobasal degeneration (CBD) who had admitted initially due to complaints of gait problems. Over a long time, the patient had received the misdiagnosis of gait abnormality due to musculoskeletal problems by multiple physicians. However, the detailed neurological exam showed a higher level gait disorder (HLGD). Further investigations at this point yielded the diagnosis of CBD.

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