Recurrent vestibulopathy

Laryngoscope. 1981 Jan;91(1):1-6. doi: 10.1288/00005537-198101000-00001.

Abstract

Recurrent vestibulopathy is defined as an illness of unknown cause characterized by more than a single episode of vertigo of duration characteristic of that occurring with hydrops but without auditory or clinical neurological symptoms or signs. Eighty-six patients with this condition were diagnosed in the Dizziness Unit, and data on age and sex distribution, natural history and caloric pattern are presented. On follow-up of mean duration 3.5 year, 6 cases evolved to classic Ménière's disease, and 4 to benign positional vertigo, but none developed brain disease. The prognosis regarding vertigo is generally good. We consider the term recurrent vestibulopathy a logical designation of a distinctive clinical disorder with unknown cause but with probable peripheral vestibular origin, and hope that its use would spur research into previously unrecognized causes of recurrent vertigo.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Caloric Tests
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Labyrinth Diseases / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Meniere Disease / diagnosis
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Vertigo / diagnosis
  • Vestibule, Labyrinth*