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Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2013; 17(04): 380-382
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1353139
Original Article
Thieme Publicações Ltda Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Vector Electronystagmography Analysis in Elderly Individuals with Dizziness Complaint

Lidiane Maria de Brito Macedo Ferreira
1   Department of Otolaryngology, Universidade Fedreral do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal/RN, Brazil
,
Karyna Mirelly O. B. de Figueiredo Ribeiro
2   Department of Physiotherapy, Universidade Fedreral do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal/RN, Brazil
,
André Pestana
3   Department of Audiology, Universidade Potiguar (UnP), RN, Brazil
,
Arthur Jorge de Vasconcelos Ribeiro
4   Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal/RN, Brazil
,
Kenio Costa de Lima
5   Department of Public Health, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal/RN, Brazil
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

10 January 2013

25 June 2013

Publication Date:
13 September 2013 (online)

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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.

Keywords

aged - dizziness - medical examination
 

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