Bilateral vestibular loss.
Bilateral vestibular loss is a rare cause of visual disturbance (oscillopsia) and imbalance. When severe, the most common cause is iatrogenic-gentamicin ototoxicity. Bilateral loss is easily diagnosed at the bedside with the dynamic illegible E test. If this test is omitted, it can easily be misdiagnosed as a cerebellar syndrome. Treatment is largely supportive. Care should be taken to avoid medications that suppress vestibular function, and to encourage activity.
Departments of Neurology, Otolaryngology, Physical therapy and Human Movement Science, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.
Timothy C
TC
Hain
Marcello
M
Cherchi
Dario A
DA
Yacovino
D000367:Age Factors; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D009887:Ophthalmoscopy; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D004856:Postural Balance; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012399:Rotation; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014724:Vestibular Function Tests; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000503:physiopathology