Bechterew decompensation.
A right labyrinthectomy was performed in rats 5 months after a left labyrinthectomy. Spontaneous compensation of balance functions after both operations was assessed by observing nystagmus, rolling about the longitudinal axis, circular walking and head tilt. Decompensation, induced by brief halothane-NO anaesthesia, released predominantly symptoms characteristic for the period after the first labyrinthectomy. Bechterew symptoms could, however, also be decompensated. It is concluded that Bechterew compensation does not re-establish balance in the central vestibular system. Dysbalance and vertigo of vestibular origin is thus conceivable in patients after all peripheral vestibular function has been lost.
D000818:Animals; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery; D005684:Gait; D009759:Nystagmus, Pathologic / Q000209:etiology; D004856:Postural Balance; D051381:Rats; D012018:Reflex / Q000502:physiology; D014726:Vestibular Nuclei / Q000502:physiology; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000502:physiology*