Blast exposure: vestibular consequences and associated characteristics.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize vestibular and related symptoms seen after blast exposure.


METHODS
Prospective single-subject design.


METHODS
Tertiary care facility and military field hospital.


METHODS
Active-duty US Military personnel exposed to blast(s) in Iraq and/or Afghanistan.


METHODS
Vestibular function tests, auditory tests, and a structured history and physical examination.


RESULTS
Blast exposure induced vestibular disorders, and related symptoms are significantly different than those seen in blunt head trauma. The vestibular characteristics and objective tests of vestibular function significantly worsen in blast-exposed patients as a function of time between injury and presentation.


CONCLUSIONS
Blast exposure produces a unique set of vestibular disorders and associated symptoms that progress over time. Understanding the characteristics of these symptoms as they vary over time may be critical in designing treatment strategies that modify long-term outcome.
Hoffer
Michael E
ME
Spatial Orientation Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Naval Medical Center San Diego, CA 92134-2200, USA. Michael.hoffer@med.navy.mil
Balaban
Carey
C
Gottshall
Kim
K
Balough
Ben J
BJ
Maddox
Michael R
MR
Penta
Joseph R
JR
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D001299:Audiometry; D001753:Blast Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004244:Dizziness / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology; D006772:Hospitals, Military; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010808:Physical Examination; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000209:etiology; D014717:Vertigo / Q000209:etiology; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D014724:Vestibular Function Tests; D055815:Young Adult