Mordechai Kraus1, Fatemeh Hassannia2, Michael J Bergin3, Khalid Al Zaabi4, Rana Barake3, Carolyn Falls5, John A Rutka3. 1. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Soroka Medical School, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel. 2. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 200 Elizabeth Street, 8N-873, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada. fatimahassannia@yahoo.com. 3. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 200 Elizabeth Street, 8N-873, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada. 4. ENT Division, Department of Surgery, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Al Khoudh, Oman. 5. Centre for Advanced Hearing and Balance Testing, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: It is generally accepted that headshake nystagmus (HSN) is generated from an asymmetrical peripheral vestibular input and a correlation exists between HSN and canal paresis. There have been limited reports, however, how HSN correlates with the more recently introduced tests of vestibular function. AIMS/ OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the correlation between HSN and unilateral weakness on caloric testing, high-frequency vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) function on video head impulse testing (VHIT) and otolith function determined by vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs). METHODS: A retrospective study of all patients who underwent complete vestibular function testing at our tertiary referral center from 2016 to 2019 was performed. Demographic data, clinical diagnosis (where available), the results of video-nystagmography, vHIT, and VEMPs were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 1499 patients in the study period, 101 (6.7%) had HSN. Vestibular test abnormalities were more common in patients with HSN. The sensitivity of HSN for underlying pathology was low in comparison with vestibular testing. However, HSN demonstrated a high specificity. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: HSN generation is likely more complex than caloric-induced nystagmus, probably due to additional variables within the vestibular system. HSN may provide clinicians with additional information concerning high-frequency VOR function involving lateral semicircular and otolith dysfunction.
BACKGROUND: It is generally accepted that headshake nystagmus (HSN) is generated from an asymmetrical peripheral vestibular input and a correlation exists between HSN and canal paresis. There have been limited reports, however, how HSN correlates with the more recently introduced tests of vestibular function. AIMS/ OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the correlation between HSN and unilateral weakness on caloric testing, high-frequency vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) function on video head impulse testing (VHIT) and otolith function determined by vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs). METHODS: A retrospective study of all patients who underwent complete vestibular function testing at our tertiary referral center from 2016 to 2019 was performed. Demographic data, clinical diagnosis (where available), the results of video-nystagmography, vHIT, and VEMPs were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 1499 patients in the study period, 101 (6.7%) had HSN. Vestibular test abnormalities were more common in patients with HSN. The sensitivity of HSN for underlying pathology was low in comparison with vestibular testing. However, HSN demonstrated a high specificity. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: HSN generation is likely more complex than caloric-induced nystagmus, probably due to additional variables within the vestibular system. HSN may provide clinicians with additional information concerning high-frequency VOR function involving lateral semicircular and otolith dysfunction.
Authors: Hui Xu; Fa-ya Liang; Liang Chen; Xi-cheng Song; Michael Chi Fai Tong; Jiun Fong Thong; Qing-quan Zhang; Yan Sun Journal: J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg Date: 2016-02-09