Stephen P. Cass

Clinical practice guideline: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Objectives: This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on managing benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which is the most common vestibular disorder in adults, with a lifetime prevalence of 2.4 percent. The guideline targets patients aged 18 years or older with a potential diagnosis of BPPV, evaluated in any setting in which an adult with BPPV would be identified, monitored, or managed. This guideline is intended for all clinicians who are likely to diagnose and manage adults with BPPV. Purpose: The primary purposes of this guideline are to improve quality of care and outcomes for BPPV by improving the accurate and efficient diagnosis of BPPV, reducing the inappropriate use of vestibular suppressant medications, decreasing the inappropriate use of ancillary tests such as radiographic imaging and vestibular testing, and to promote the use of effective repositioning maneuvers for treatment. In creating this guideline, the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation selected a panel representing the fields of audiology, chiropractic medicine, emergency medicine, family medicine, geriatric medicine, internal medicine, neurology, nursing, otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, physical therapy, and physical medicine and rehabilitation. Results The panel made strong recommendations that 1) clinicians should diagnose posterior semicircular canal BPPV when vertigo associated with nystagmus is provoked by the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. The panel made recommendations against 1) radiographic imaging, vestibular testing, or both in patients diagnosed with BPPV, unless the diagnosis is uncertain or there are additional symptoms or signs unrelated to BPPV that warrant testing; and 2) routinely treating BPPV with vestibular suppressant medications such as antihistamines or benzodiazepines. The panel made recommendations that 1) if the patient has a history compatible with BPPV and the Dix-Hallpike test is negative, clinicians should perform a supine roll test to assess for lateral semicircular canal BPPV; 2) clinicians should differentiate BPPV from other causes of imbalance, dizziness, and vertigo; 3) clinicians should question patients with BPPV for factors that modify management including impaired mobility or balance, CNS disorders, lack of home support, and increased risk for falling; 4) clinicians should treat patients with posterior canal BPPV with a particle repositioning maneuver (PRM); 5) clinicians should reassess patients within 1 month after an initial period of observation or treatment to confirm symptom resolution; 6) clinicians should evaluate patients with BPPV who are initial treatment failures for persistent BPPV or underlying peripheral vestibular or CNS disorders; and 7) clinicians should counsel patients regarding the impact of BPPV on their safety, the potential for disease recurrence, and the importance of follow-up. The panel offered as options that 1) clinicians may offer vestibular rehabilitation, either self-administered or with a clinician, for the initial treatment of BPPV and 2) clinicians may offer observation as initial management for patients with BPPV and with assurance of follow-up. The panel made no recommendation concerning audiometric testing in patients diagnosed with BPPV. Disclaimer: This clinical practice guideline is not intended as a sole source of guidance in managing benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Rather, it is designed to assist clinicians by providing an evidence-based framework for decision-making strategies. The guideline is not intended to replace clinical judgement or establish a protocol for all individuals with this condition, and may not provide the only appropriate approach to diagnosing and managing this problem. ® 2008 American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a common disorder of the inner ear that should be suspected in all patients with a history of positionally provoked vertigo. The condition appears to be caused by free-floating debris in the posterior semicircular canal. The diagnosis is confirmed by eliciting characteristic symptoms and signs during the Dix-Hallpike test. Although benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is usually a self-limited disorder, treatment with a specific bedside maneuver is effective and can provide the patient immediate and long-lasting relief. Although many patients with positionally provoked vertigo have typical benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, physicians should be aware of nonbenign variants.

Migraine-Related Vestibulopathy

Migraine has been associated with specific vestibular disorders, including benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood and benign recurrent vertigo in adults. Migraine may also play a role in chronic nonspecific vestibulopathy. Because scant data exist that describe the clinical findings and vestibular function abnormalities in suspected migraine-related vestibulopathy, we reviewed the history, physical examination, vestibular tests (electronystagmography, rotational chair, posturography), and response to treatment of 100 patients with diagnoses of migraine-related vestibulopathy. Dominant clinical features included chronic movement-associated dysequilibrium, unsteadiness, space and motion discomfort, and occasionally, episodic vertigo as an aura prior to headache, or true vertigo without headache. Common vestibular test abnormalities included a directional preponderance on rotational testing, unilateral reduced caloric responsiveness, and vestibular system dysfunction patterns on posturography. Treatment was usually directed at the underlying migraine condition by identifying and avoiding dietary triggers and prescribing prophylactic anti-migraine medications. Symptomatic relief was also provided using anti-motion sickness medications, vestibular rehabilitation, and pharmacotherapy directed at any associated anxiety or panic disorder.

Short- and long-term outcomes of canalith repositioning for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo:

This is a prospective, nonrandomized study of the canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) for treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). CRP was used to treat 168 patients with BPPV. Patient data were gathered by yearly telephone interviews to determine whether symptoms of position-induced vertigo had returned. After 1 or 2 treatment sessions 91.3% of patients reported complete symptom resolution. Average follow-up for the study population after the initial treatment was 26 months. A recurrence rate of 26.8% was found among those patients who initially reported resolution of symptoms after CRP. Application of recurrence data to a Kaplan-Meier estimation suggests a 15% recurrence rate per year of BPPV, with a 50% recurrence rate of BPPV at 40 months after treatment. There was no significant association between cure or recurrence rate and sex, age, duration of symptoms, presumed cause, or treating physician.

Effects of lesions of the caudal cerebellar vermis on cardiovascular regulation in awake cats

The vestibular system is known to participate in cardiovascular regulation during movement and postural alterations. The present study considered whether lesions of two regions of the posterior cerebellar vermis (the nodulus and uvula) that provide inputs to vestibular nucleus regions that affect control of blood pressure would alter cardiovascular responses during changes in posture. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored in awake cats during nose-up tilts up to 60 degrees in amplitude before and following aspiration lesions of the nodulus or uvula; in most animals, cardiovascular responses were also recorded following the subsequent removal of vestibular inputs. Lesions of the nodulus or uvula did not affect baseline blood pressure or heart rate, although cardiovascular responses during nose-up tilts were altered. Increases in heart rate that typically occurred during 60 degrees nose-up tilt were attenuated in all three animals with lesions affecting both dorsal and ventral portions of the uvula; in contrast, the heart rate responses were augmented in the two animals with lesions mainly confined to the nodulus. Furthermore, following subsequent removal of vestibular inputs, uvulectomized animals, but not those with nodulus lesions, experienced more severe orthostatic hypotension than has previously been reported in cerebellum-intact animals with bilateral labyrinthectomies. These data suggest that the cerebellar nodulus and uvula modulate vestibulo-cardiovascular responses, although the two regions play different roles in cardiovascular regulation.

Ossiculoplasty using incus interposition: hearing results and analysis of the middle ear risk index.

To determine the immediate hearing result and the long-term stability of sculpted incus interposition in ossiculoplasty and evaluate the utility of the middle ear risk index in predicting hearing outcome in these cases. Patients: One hundred thirty-seven surgical patients. Study Design: Review of 137 patients who underwent ossiculoplasty using autologous or homologous sculpted incus interposition. Interventions: Ossiculoplasty using autologous or homologous sculpted incus interposition. Methods: Retrospective chart review, using the guidelines delineated by the Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium of the Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery for the evaluation of results for the treatment of conductive hearing loss. Results: The mean preoperative air bone gap was 26.8 dB, and the mean postoperative gap was 18.6 dB. Twenty-seven percent of patients were closed to within 10 dB, and 66.4% were brought to within 20 dB of the postoperative bone conduction line. Average time to the last postoperative audiometric testing was 15.8 months, with a range of 2 to 62 months. A mean air bone gap change of −0.2 dB was noted. Four patients had more than a 10 dB deterioration in conductive hearing loss. There were no cases of graft extrusion. Each ear operated upon in our series was fully scored using the middle ear risk index, and an index total was calculated. No statistical associations could be demonstrated in any group between the postoperative air bone gap and the middle ear risk index subcategories or total. Conclusions: Sculpted autologous or homologous incus interposition provides hearing success comparable with current allograft prosthesis studies, has a very low extrusion rate, and remains stable over time. We were not able to demonstrate an association between the middle ear risk index and hearing results in this subset of patients.

Sources of Error in Use of Beta-2 Transferrin Analysis for Diagnosing Perilymphatic and Cerebral Spinal Fluid Leaks

Beta-2 Transferrin Is A Protein Found In Cerebral Spinal Fluid And Inner Ear Perilymph, But Not In Blood, Nasal, Or Ear Secretions. The Clinical Use Of This Test Has Been Previously Demonstrated, But Sources Of Test Error Have Not Been Addressed. The Purpose Of This Study Was To Evaluate Sources Of Error Related To This Test In Order To Improve Its Clinical Use. We Reviewed The Specimens Submitted For Beta-2 Analysis Over The First 12 Months Of Test Availability At Our Institution To Identify Potential Factors Leading To Test Error. Sources Of Error Were Categorized Into The Following Groups: Sample Collection, Delivery, And Extraction Factors; Assay Factors; Physician-Related Factors; And Patient-Related Factors. The Test For Beta-2 Transferrin Is A Valuable Diagnostic Tool For The Management Of Difficult Clinical Problems, Provided The Physician Is Aware Of Potential Factors That Can Lead To Test Error And Clinical Mismanagement.

Vestibular Rehabilitation for Peripheral Vestibular Hypofunction: An Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline: FROM THE AMERICAN PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION NEUROLOGY SECTION.

Background: Uncompensated vestibular hypofunction results in postural instability, visual blurring with head movement, and subjective complaints of dizziness and/or imbalance. We sought to answer the question, “Is vestibular exercise effective at enhancing recovery of function in people with peripheral (unilateral or bilateral) vestibular hypofunction?” Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed in 5 databases published after 1985 and 5 additional sources for relevant publications were searched. Article types included meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case control series, and case series for human subjects, published in English. One hundred thirty-five articles were identified as relevant to this clinical practice guideline. Results/Discussion: Based on strong evidence and a preponderance of benefit over harm, clinicians should offer vestibular rehabilitation to persons with unilateral and bilateral vestibular hypofunction with impairments and functional limitations related to the vestibular deficit. Based on strong evidence and a preponderance of harm over benefit, clinicians should not include voluntary saccadic or smooth-pursuit eye movements in isolation (ie, without head movement) as specific exercises for gaze stability. Based on moderate evidence, clinicians may offer specific exercise techniques to target identified impairments or functional limitations. Based on moderate evidence and in consideration of patient preference, clinicians may provide supervised vestibular rehabilitation. Based on expert opinion extrapolated from the evidence, clinicians may prescribe a minimum of 3 times per day for the performance of gaze stability exercises as 1 component of a home exercise program. Based on expert opinion extrapolated from the evidence (range of supervised visits: 2-38 weeks, mean = 10 weeks), clinicians may consider providing adequate supervised vestibular rehabilitation sessions for the patient to understand the goals of the program and how to manage and progress themselves independently. As a general guide, persons without significant comorbidities that affect mobility and with acute or subacute unilateral vestibular hypofunction may need once a week supervised sessions for 2 to 3 weeks; persons with chronic unilateral vestibular hypofunction may need once a week sessions for 4 to 6 weeks; and persons with bilateral vestibular hypofunction may need once a week sessions for 8 to 12 weeks. In addition to supervised sessions, patients are provided a daily home exercise program. Disclaimer: These recommendations are intended as a guide for physical therapists and clinicians to optimize rehabilitation outcomes for persons with peripheral vestibular hypofunction undergoing vestibular rehabilitation. Video Abstract available for more insights from the author (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A124).

Short-Term Tumor Control and Acute Toxicity after Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Glomus Jugulare Tumors

OBJECTIVE: Glomus jugulare tumors (GJT) have traditionally been treated by surgery or fractionated external beam radiation therapy (XRT). This study evaluates acute toxicity and short-term efficacy of single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for the treatment of GJT. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Eight patients (age range 28-74) with GJT underwent SRS (Brainlab linear accelerator) as primary treatment. A nominal dose of 15-16 Gy was prescribed. RESULTS: After undergoing SRS, 7 of 8 patients (87.5%) reported complete resolution of presenting symptoms. Follow-up MRIs showed tumor stabilization in 100% of patients. Transient vertigo occurred in one patient. One patient suffered acute GI upset and transient lower cranial neuropathy. CONCLUSION: Stereotactic radiosurgery is an effective alternative for patients with GJT in achieving tumor control and resolution of symptoms. EBM rating: C-4

Creating a stable tympanic membrane perforation using mitomycin C.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability of topically applied mitomycin C to create a stable tympanic membrane perforation. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Twenty-four rats underwent subtotal removal of the tympanic membranes bilaterally. Forty ears received 0.2 mg/ml of mitomycin C. The remaining 8 received phosphatebuffered saline solution (control). Photographs taken every 3 to 5 days for 44 days were digitally scanned and computer analyzed to calculate the percentage of residual perforation. Application of solutions, photography, and data analysis were performed in a blinded fashion. RESULTS: The mitomycin C treated ears had delayed closure time and healing rate (from day 0 to 25) compared to the control group. All controls healed by day 14. By day 44, 92.5% of the mitomycin C treated ears healed. CONCLUSION: Mitomycin C prolongs the closure and healing rate of myringotomies in rat tympanic membranes. SIGNIFICANCE: Myringotomy with concurrent mitomycin C application may be useful for creating an animal model for chronic tympanic membrane perforation and should be tested in human beings as a method to maintain myringotomy patency for long-term ventilation. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2001;124:40-5)