Abstract
Changes in postural balance and visual complaints are frequent consequences of stroke. We aimed to investigate the symptoms and the vestibular and oculomotor functions of patients with dizziness post ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and compare the results among them. Fifty patients with dizziness after stroke were evaluated through a clinical anamnesis and computerized vector electronystagmography: calibration of ocular movements, spontaneous nystagmus, semi-spontaneous nystagmus, pendular tracking, optokinetic nystagmus, rotary chair testing, and the caloric test. All patients complained of dizziness, especially imbalance. Ischemic stroke in the carotid territory was the prevalent type. Visual complaints were reported by 56% of the sample and were related to abnormalities in oculomotor and caloric tests. The occurrence of visual symptoms was related to some abnormalities in the vector electronystagmography tests, being more frequent in cases of stroke in the vertebrobasilar system, and with oscillopsia and reduced visual acuity as symptoms.
Highlights
Changes in postural balance and visual complaints are frequent consequences of stroke
All of them complained of dizziness as a sequela of stroke
Ischemic stroke was more frequent (42–84%) than hemorrhagic stroke (8–16%); 45 (90%) of the strokes occurred in the carotid territory, four (8%) in the vertebrobasilar territory, and one (2%) in both
Summary
Changes in postural balance and visual complaints are frequent consequences of stroke. We aimed to investigate the symptoms and the vestibular and oculomotor functions of patients with dizziness post ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and compare the results among them. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os sintomas e as funções vestibular e oculomotora de sujeitos com tontura após AVC isquêmico e hemorrágico, comparando seus resultados. Essas alterações foram mais frequentes nos casos de AVC da circulação posterior, naqueles com oscilopsia e diminuição da acuidade visual. Brazil has undergone a rapid epidemiological transition as a result of a decrease in infectious diseases and an increase in chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity These health conditions are risk factors for the occurrence of serious events such as stroke[1]. The vestibular system includes structures of the inner ear (middle and posterior labyrinth), responsible for sending continuous information about movements and positions of the head and body to integrative centers in the brainstem, cerebellum and somatosensory cortex[4]
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