Vector Electronystagmography Analysis in Elderly Individuals with Dizziness Complaint

• Published in: International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology Vol. 17; no. 4; pp. 380 - 382
• Main Authors: Ferreira, Lidiane Maria de Brito Macedo, Ribeiro, Karyna Mirelly O. B. de Figueiredo, Pestana, André, Ribeiro, Arthur Jorge de Vasconcelos, Costa de Lima, Kenio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Thieme Publicações Ltda 01-10-2013; Fundação Otorrinolaringologia; Thieme Revinter Publicações Ltda
• Subjects: aged; dizziness; medical examination; Original Article; OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY; aged; dizziness; medical examination
• ISSN: 1809-9777; 1809-4864; 1809-4864
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1353139

Abstract
Introduction
 Vector electronystagmography is widely used to evaluate vestibular function; however, elderly patients may show changes not due to vestibular disorders.
Aim
 This study aims to characterize vector electronystagmography tests in the elderly participants in a service station of the Brazilian public health system, the Unified Health System (SUS) in the city of Natal, who presented with dizziness.
Methods
 A cross-sectional and clinical study to characterize the vector electronystagmography in 10 members of an elderly SUS referral center located in the city of Natal with dizziness.
Results
 Of 10 patients interviewed, 9 were women, and just 1 was a man. All complained of dizziness in the last year, and most of them had more than one type of dizziness. The main differential diagnosis was benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Regarding vector electronystagmography, we found 20% of patients with semispontaneous nystagmus in at least one direction and changes in saccades latency in 100% of patients, with 20% in relation to the accuracy of pendular tracking changes at the frequency of 0.2 Hz, 10% at 0.4 Hz, and 80% at 0.8 Hz, and 10% change in optokinetic gain. No patient had altered caloric test.
Conclusion
 Vector electronystagmography alterations in the elderly do not always indicate disease.