Vestibular disorders caused by defective enzyme mechanisms in the small intestine.

A group of patients suffering from long periods of unsteadiness and presenting hyperreflexia in response to torsion swing and/or caloric stimulations were found to have abnormal results in glucose and lactose tolerance tests, but normal or reduced insulin liberation. Biopsies of the jejunal mucosa have shown abnormal enzyme activity or deficiencies in transport mechanisms. The use of a diet suited to each specific deficiency resulted in a high percentage of relief from the vestibular symptoms of these patients.