The Treatment of Peripheral Vestibular Dysfunction Using Caloric Vestibular Stimulation in Patients with Cerebral Hypertensive Crisis

Abstract

Background: To verify the efficacy of caloric vestibular stimulation in patients with peripheral vestibular dysfunction after cerebral hypertensive crisis. Methods: Enrolled in the study were 60 patients with peripheral vestibular dysfunction caused by a cerebral hypertensive crisis, documented by vestibulometry. Thirty patients underwent standard treatment plus caloric vestibular stimulation, and 30 control group patients received standard treatment alone. Results: After the two-week treatment course, the sensation of vertigo was observed in 40.0% ± 8.9% of treatment group patients compared with 80.0% ± 7.3% of control group patients (t = 3.46; p < 0.001). Spontaneous vestibular somatic reactions were found in 46.7% ± 9.1% of the study treatment group in contrast to 86.7% ± 6.2% of the control group (t = 3.63; p < 0.001). Spontaneous nystagmus was seen in 40.0% ± 8.9% of treatment group patients compared with 93.3% ± 4.6% of control subjects (t = 5.31; p < 0.001). Spontaneous vestibular vegetative reactions were observed in 33.3% ± 8.6% of patients receiving study treatment in contrast to 93.3% ± 4.6% of control group patients (t = 6.16; p < 0.001). Also, 53.3% ± 9.1% of study treatment group patients showed asymmetry of labyrinths compared with 86.7% ± 6.2% of patients from the control group (t = 3.03; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Caloric vestibular stimulation was shown to be an effective treatment for peripheral vestibular dysfunction in patients with cerebral hypertensive crisis. During the 14-day treatment of cerebral hypertensive crisis, complete labyrinthine function recovery occurred in 46.7% of treatment group patients who underwent caloric vestibular stimulation as opposed to 13.3% of control group patients who received standard treatment alone.