Observation on nystagmus characteristics and curative effect of patients with light cupulopathy

Abstract

Objective:To describe the characteristics of nystagmus in patients with Light Cupulopathy and to investigate its therapeutic effect. Method:The Supine roll test in our hospital's otology clinic showed persistent DCPN in 26 patients, who received Supine roll test, null-point position test, and prone-supine test. All patients were treated with barbecue maneuver. The immediate, short-term and long-term effects of treatment were investigated. Result:Null-point position on one side was present in 26 patients. The angles ranged from 15-45°, with an average of （26.34±8.78）°. Spontaneous nystagmus was observed in 30.8% （ 8/26 ） patients. The nystagmus was directed to the affected side in prone position and to the healthy side in supine position. Seventy-three percent of the patients had strong nystagmus and 26.9% had weak nystagmus in the Supine roll test. All patients received Barbecue maneuver, and the recovery rates were 0, 42.3% and 88.5% immediately, 1 week and 1 month after treatment respectively. There was a statistical difference in the recovery rate among immediate, one week and one month later （P<0.01）. Conclusion:The nystagmus performance of patients with persistent DCPN conforms to the light cupula hypothesis. The lesion side can be determined according to the null-point position and prone-supine test. The lesion side cannot be determined by the intensity of nystagmus in the Supine roll test in some cases. Repositioning maneuver is ineffective in treating light cupulopathy, but the disease is self-limited.