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Xia S, Lai Y, Dong L, Yu D, Li Z, Xing Y. Assessments of Subjective Visual Gravity and Spontaneous Nystagmus in Patients With Vestibular Neuritis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2024. [PMID: 38699944 DOI: 10.1002/ohn.798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the correlation between the spontaneous nystagmus (SN) and the subjective visual vertical/horizontal (SVV/SVH) among patients with vestibular neuritis (VN) at the different head positions. STUDY DESIGN Case-control study. SETTING Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. METHODS This study evaluated the SVV/SVH in both healthy subjects and patients with VN. These evaluations were performed in 5 different head positions: upright, 45° tilt to the left, 90° tilt to the left, 45° tilt to the right, and 90° tilt to the right. Additionally, the intensity of SN, as measured by slow-phase velocity, was recorded. RESULTS In patients with VN, a significant correlation was observed between SN and SVV/SVH in an upright position. The intensity of SN was higher when the head was tilted 90° toward the affected side compared to other positions. The SVV/SVH displayed an ipsiversive shift, when the head was tilted toward both the lesion and unaffected sides, exhibiting a contraversive direction. Furthermore, the changes in position-induced SN were consistent with the displacements of SVV and SVH caused by head tilt. CONCLUSION The presence of SN in patients with VN was observed to vary across different head position. These variations could potentially be attributed to the diverse activation patterns of the mechanical properties of otolith organs that are induced by head tilts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Xia
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yajing Lai
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingkang Dong
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongzhen Yu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuangzhuang Li
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yazhi Xing
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Duvieusart B, Leung TS, Koohi N, Kaski D. Digital biomarkers from gaze tests for classification of central and peripheral lesions in acute vestibular syndrome. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1354041. [PMID: 38595848 PMCID: PMC11003708 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1354041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute vestibular syndrome (AVS) is characterised by a sudden vertigo, gait instability, nausea and nystagmus. Accurate and rapid triage of patients with AVS to differentiate central (potentially sinister) from peripheral (usually benign) root causes is a challenge faced across emergency medicine settings. While there exist bedside exams which can reliably differentiate serious cases, they are underused due to clinicians' general unfamiliarity and low confidence interpreting results. Nystagmus is a fundamental part of AVS and can facilitate triaging, but identification of relevant characteristics requires expertise. This work presents two quantitative digital biomarkers from nystagmus analysis, which capture diagnostically-relevant information. The directionality biomarker evaluates changes in direction to differentiate spontaneous and gaze-evoked (direction-changing) nystagmus, while the intensity differential biomarker describes changes in intensity across eccentric gaze tests. In order to evaluate biomarkers, 24 sets of three gaze tests (left, right, and primary) are analysed. Both novel biomarkers were found to perform well, particularly directionality which was a perfect classifier. Generally, the biomarkers matched or eclipsed the performance of quantitative nystagmus features found in the literature. They also surpassed the performance of a support vector machine classifier trained on the same dataset, which achieved an accuracy of 75%. In conclusion, these biomarkers simplify the diagnostic process for non-specialist clinicians, bridging the gap between emergency care and specialist evaluation, ultimately benefiting patients with AVS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Duvieusart
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- SENSE Research Unit, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Terence S. Leung
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nehzat Koohi
- SENSE Research Unit, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Diego Kaski
- SENSE Research Unit, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Nikles F, Kerkeni H, Zamaro E, Korda A, Wagner F, Sauter TC, Kalla R, Morrison M, Mantokoudis G. Do monosymptomatic stroke patients with dizziness present a vestibular syndrome without nystagmus? An underestimated entity. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16066. [PMID: 37738525 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Vestibular symptoms are common in emergency department (ED) patients and have various causes, including stroke. Accurate identification of stroke in patients with vestibular symptoms is crucial for timely management. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study from 2015 to 2019 to determine stroke prevalence and associated symptoms in ED patients with vestibular symptoms, aiming to improve diagnosis and outcomes. METHODS As part of the DETECT project, we screened 1647 ED patients with acute vestibular symptoms. Following a retrospective analysis of 961 head and neck magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, we included 122 confirmed stroke cases and assessed them for vestibular signs and symptoms. RESULTS Stroke prevalence in dizzy patients was 13% (122/961 MRI scans). Most patients (95%) presented with acute vestibular symptoms with or without nystagmus, whereas 5% had episodic vestibular syndrome (EVS). Nystagmus was present in 50% of stroke patients. Eighty percent had a purely posterior circulation stroke, and nystagmus was absent in 46% of these patients. Seven patients (6%) had lesions in both the anterior and posterior circulation. Vertigo was experienced by 52% regardless of territory. CONCLUSIONS A stroke was identified in 13% of ED patients presenting with acute vestibular symptoms. In 5%, it was EVS. Most strokes were in the posterior circulation territory; vertigo occurred with similar frequency in anterior and posterior circulation stroke, and absence of nystagmus was common in both.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Nikles
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hassen Kerkeni
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ewa Zamaro
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Athanasia Korda
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Franca Wagner
- University Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas C Sauter
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Roger Kalla
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Miranda Morrison
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Georgios Mantokoudis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Zwergal A, Mantokoudis G, Heg D, Kerkeni H, Diener S, Kalla R, Korda A, Candreia C, Welge-Lüssen A, Tarnutzer AA. What is the current status of care by neuro-otology specialists in Switzerland-A national survey. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1322330. [PMID: 38130837 PMCID: PMC10733682 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1322330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vertigo and dizziness are frequent presenting symptoms in the emergency department and in outpatient centers. While the majority of dizzy patients are evaluated by primary care physicians, specialists are often involved in the diagnostic workup. We aimed to gain more insights into the role of specialists in the care of dizzy patients. Materials and methods Board-certified neurologists and ear-nose-throat (ENT) physicians working in Switzerland were invited to participate in an online survey. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed, and prospectively defined hypotheses were assessed using correlation analyses. Results All 111 participating specialists (neurologists = 62; ENT specialists = 49) were familiar with testing for posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and 66% regularly applied provocation maneuvers for suspected lateral canal BPPV. Reposition maneuvers for posterior (99%) and lateral (68%) canals were frequently performed. ENT physicians were familiar with lateral canal BPPV repositioning maneuvers significantly more often than neurologists (84 vs. 56%, p ≤ 0.012). Specialists strongly agreed that performing the head impulse test (86%) and looking for deficient eccentric gaze holding (82%) are important. Compared to neurologists, significantly fewer ENT physicians indicated ordering brain MRI in acutely dizzy patients (OR = 0.33 [0.16-0.067], p = 0.002) and physical therapy in patients with acute (50 vs. 20%, p = 0.005) or episodic/chronic dizziness (78 vs. 50%, p = 0.003). Conclusion We found substantial differences in the care of dizzy patients by neurologists and ENT physicians. This underlines the need for a standardized, guideline-oriented diagnostic workup and treatment across specialties. Dedicated training for performing lateral canal BPPV repositioning maneuvers should be prioritized for neurologists. Similarly, physical therapy should be considered more often by ENT physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Zwergal
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Georgios Mantokoudis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dik Heg
- Clinical Trials Unit Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hassen Kerkeni
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Suzie Diener
- Practice Neurology St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Roger Kalla
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Athanasia Korda
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Candreia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Antje Welge-Lüssen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexander A. Tarnutzer
- Neurology, Cantonal Hospital of Baden, Baden, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Herdman D, Ahmad H, Antoniades G, Bailur G, Pajaniappane A, Moss P. Developing an implementation intervention for managing acute vertigo in the emergency department. Emerg Med J 2023; 40:840-846. [PMID: 37875319 DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2023-213344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are evidence-based bedside tests for diagnosing acute vertigo, but no evidence-based strategies to support clinicians in implementing them. The purpose of this study was to design an implementation strategy for treating acute vertigo by examining current facilitators and barriers to using these tests in the ED using the principles of implementation science. METHODS A survey was developed using the Theoretical Domains Framework and Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to examine barriers and facilitators for using HINTS+ (head impulse, nystagmus, test of skew, plus hearing) and Dix-Hallpike tests. The survey was sent to emergency clinicians (ECs) in a teaching hospital in London, UK, between May and September 2022. Semistructured interviews were conducted simultaneously, and data examined using direct content analysis. Implementation strategies were then selected based on the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change framework. RESULTS Fifty-one ECs responded to the survey and six ECs volunteered for interview. Less than half reported using the bedside tests to make a diagnosis. The most common barriers were beliefs about complexity, a lack of supporting materials, memory, lack of skills and negative experiences. The interview data revealed negative beliefs about the necessity, validity, safety and practicality. There were also barriers in the ED environment (eg, lack of space). There was a strong perception that the current approach to managing acute vertigo needed to change and ECs view this as part of their professional role and responsibility. Based on clinician input, the authors selected strategies to improve diagnostic efforts, which included guidelines for training, developing vertigo champions, protocols, memory aids, audit and feedback. CONCLUSION This study found several barriers to managing acute vertigo such as memory constraints, and inadequate supporting materials and training, although a robust desire for change. The implementation strategy's initial phase is described, which must now be tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Herdman
- Audiovestibular Medicine, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Hena Ahmad
- Neurology Department, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - George Antoniades
- Emergency Department Clinical Research Group, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Gokul Bailur
- Emergency Department Clinical Research Group, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Arun Pajaniappane
- Audiovestibular Medicine, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Phil Moss
- Emergency Department Clinical Research Group, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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