Auditory and vestibular system findings in patients with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia

Author(s): Nuti, D.

Journal/Book: Acta Neurol Scand. 1996; 93: 35 Norre Sogade, PO Box 2148, DK-1016 Copenhagen, Denmark. Munksgaard Int Publ Ltd. 50-55.

Abstract: Impairment of the auditory-vestibular system has been reported in patients with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD), but little is known about the underlying cause of the symptoms. Auditory testing (pure tone audiometry, auditory brain stem response and stapedius reflex) and vestibular tests (assessment of nystagmus, eye tracking tests, caloric test and rotational test) were performed in 23 patients with auditory-vestibular symptoms and/or cranial nerve impairment associated with VBD. Specific evidence of auditory and/or vestibular system impairment was observed in 19 cases (83%). Among patients with abnormal test findings, 47% had evidence suggesting peripheral impairment, 16%, evidence suggesting central dysfunction, and 37% evidence suggesting both peripheral and central dysfunction. Although compression of the vestibulocochlear nerve plays an important role in the genesis of the auditory-vestibular dysfunction in patients with VBD, mechanism such as brain stem-cerebellar ischemia and impaired blood supply to the vestibular labyrinth may be just as important.

Note: Article S Passero, Univ Siena, Ist Clin Malattie Nervose & Mentali, Viale Bracci, I-53100 Siena, Italy

Keyword(s): vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia; vestibular test; auditory testing; vestibulocochlear nerve; RESOLUTION COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY; DISABLING POSITIONAL VERTIGO; BASILAR ARTERY; ANEURYSMS; ECTASIA; COMPRESSION; FEATURES; STROKE; NERVE

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