Abstract
The term vestibular paroxysmia (VP) was introduced for the first time by Brandt and Dieterich in 1994. In 2016, the Barany Society formulated the International Classification of VP, focusing in particular on the number and duration of attacks, on the differential diagnosis and on the therapy. Ephaptic discharges in the proximal part of the eighth cranial nerve, which is covered by oligodendrocytes, are assumed to be the neural basis of VP. We report the first case in literature of an onset of symptoms and signs typical of VP in a young man following acute unilateral vestibular loss not combined with auditory symptoms. Indeed, the pathogenic mechanism affected only the vestibular nerve as confirmed by the presence of a stereotyped nystagmus pattern. The magnetic resonance imaging didn’t reveal any specific cause therefore we suggest the possible role of a neuritis triggering an ephaptic discharge as the neural mechanism of VP.
Highlights
The term vestibular paroxysmia (VP) was introduced for the neous syndrome of vertigo with highly variable characteristics in first time by Brandt and Dieterich in 1994
The term vestibular paroxysmia (VP) was introduced for the first time by Brandt and Dieterich in 1994.4 Based on an observational study, the authors described a syndrome characterized by the following features: i) short attacks of spinning or non-spinning vertigo lasting from seconds to minutes; ii) attacks frequently dependent on a particular head position; iii) hyperacusis or tinnitus during the attacks or constantly present; and iv) neurophysiological evidence of auditory or vestibular deficit
In 2016 Barany Society formulated the diagnostic criteria for vestibular paroxysmia distinguishing definite VP from probable VP (Table 1).[5]
Summary
The term vestibular paroxysmia (VP) was introduced for the neous syndrome of vertigo with highly variable characteristics in first time by Brandt and Dieterich in 1994. The term vestibular paroxysmia (VP) was introduced for the first time by Brandt and Dieterich in 1994.4 Based on an observational study, the authors described a syndrome characterized by the following features: i) short attacks of spinning or non-spinning vertigo lasting from seconds to minutes; ii) attacks frequently dependent on a particular head position; iii) hyperacusis or tinnitus during the attacks or constantly present; and iv) neurophysiological evidence of auditory or vestibular deficit.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
