Functional tests for assessment of vestibular system - literature review and an example of our experience

Authors

  • Metka Sluga Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (student)
  • Manja Hribar Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
  • Saba Battelino Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6016/ZdravVestn.2985

Keywords:

benign paroxysmal postitional vertigo, central vestibular disorders, vertigo, Dix-Hallpike, calorimetry

Abstract

Vertigo and other balance disorders, which can have many different origins, are among the most common reasons for seeking medical care. The otorhinolaryngologist mostly deals with disorders of the inner ear and the vestibular nerve while, at the same time, identifying possible diseases of central origin as the cause of symptoms. To make a diagnosis, a combination of several different tests is usually required so that the impairment of different parts of the vestibular system can either be confirmed or excluded. In general, we distinguish between tests to examine the semicircular canals and tests' function to estimate the saccule and utricle's function. We describe a clinical trial whereby we examined 1042 patients with a clear history of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, which was diagnosed in 36%. Further tests, described in the following article, had to be performed. To interpret the test results, we often rely on the observation and measurement of eye movements. This requires knowledge of mechanisms of certain reflexes responsible for maintaining balance. At the same time, we have to consider the patient’s symptoms and complement the tests with other imaging examinations if necessary.

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Author Biographies

  • Metka Sluga, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (student)

    student Faculty of Medicine University of Ljubljana

  • Manja Hribar, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    resident of otorhinolaringology department of otorhinolaryngology and cervicofacial surgery University medical Centre

  • Saba Battelino, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    consultant of otorhinolaringology, Department of ENT and CFS, University Medical centre, faculty of medicine, University of Ljubljana

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Published

2021-02-28

How to Cite

1.
Functional tests for assessment of vestibular system - literature review and an example of our experience. ZdravVestn [Internet]. 2021 Feb. 28 [cited 2024 Sep. 28];90(1-2):54-73. Available from: https://vestnik.szd.si/index.php/ZdravVest/article/view/2985

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