A Nursing Care Experience of a Patient with an Empty Sella Syndrome Presenting Repetitive Vertigo, Tinnitus and Post-Operative Rhinorrhea

Abstract

<p>本案例為一名56歲女性因反覆眩暈及耳鳴，經檢查後初步診斷為良性陣發性姿勢性眩暈（Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, BPPV），接受右耳耳石復位術（Canalith Reposition Procedure），然而，隨著病程進展，接續出現關鍵性的前額眉心處的頭痛及視力模糊的症狀，藉由詳細地病史詢問、身體評估、及相關的檢驗及影像檢查，採用排除及納入相關診斷的鑑別過程，最後確診為蝶鞍空洞症，在詳細地病情解釋後，病人接受經鼻腔內視鏡蝶竇蝶鞍減壓併自體脂肪填充及鼻中隔皮瓣重建手術。不幸地，術後產生腦脊髓液鼻漏的併發症，在及時地重新評估、鑑別診斷及處置，有效的控制併發症避免神經功能惡化，最後病人順利出院，因此引發筆者撰寫動機，期望分享此病例照護經驗，提醒同仁臨床照護病人時需要時刻保持警覺，確保病人回復健康。</p> <p> </p><p>The case in this study is a 56-year-old woman who was initially diagnosed with benign paroxysmal postural dizziness because of repeated vertigo and tinnitus after serial examinations. She underwent reduction of otolith of right ear (Canalith Reposition Procedure). However, her symptoms remained and subsequent symptoms of frontal headache and blurred vision occurred. Although symptoms such as vertigo, tinnitus, and headache are common in Meniere’s disease, benign paroxysmal postural vertigo (BPPV), cerebral infarction, etc. eventually we revised the diagnosis to the Empty Sella Syndrome through detailed inquiry of medical history, physical assessment, and image examinations.After well-addressed explanation of the clinical condition, the patient received endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approach and packing sella with autologous fat, reconstruction by cartilage and nasal septal flap. Unfortunately, the sequel of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea occurred after the operation. By promptly reassessment, differential diagnosis with proper treatment, the complication was effectively controlled to avoid neurological deterioration, and the patient was discharged without further complication. I sincerely share the experience of this specific case with my colleagues. Keeping vigilant in clinical care of patients to ensure they could return to health.</p> <p> </p>