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Postural Control in Patients After a Recent Vestibular Neuritis with Hyperhomocysteinemia

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Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

To assess the possible role of hyperhomocysteinemia (HyHcy) in delaying recovery after acute vestibular neuritis. In our retrospective study, 90 subjects were evaluated within 7 days from the beginning of an acute vertigo. All subjects had high plasma levels of homocysteine (Hcy). 46 patients were treated with homocysteine lowering therapy and betahistine for 1 month, while 44 subjects received only betahistine. Subjective symptoms were evaluated with the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) questionnaire, administered 7 days after the beginning of vertigo and again after 1 month. Moreover, postural control performed at 1 month’ control was studied with static stabilometry in a subgroup of 21 non-treated and 20 treated patients. DHI total score decreased significantly more in the subgroup of subjects treated with homocysteine lowering therapy. Moreover, posturographic data were significantly increased in non-treated compared with treated subjects. Our data support the possibility of a role of HyHcy in preventing recovery after a recent vestibular neuritis. A microvascular disorder or the neurotoxic effect of HyHcy have been considered as possible causal factors. Although not conclusive, our data are not inconsistent with the hypothesis of a poorer adaptation in patients with untreated HyHcy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ENT Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy

    R. Teggi, O. Gatti, L. Giordano & M. Bussi

  2. ENT Poliambulatory of Territorial Presidium, ICP, Milan, Italy

    G. Raponi

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  1. G. Raponi
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  2. R. Teggi
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  3. O. Gatti
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  4. L. Giordano
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  5. M. Bussi
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Correspondence to R. Teggi.

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Raponi, G., Teggi, R., Gatti, O. et al. Postural Control in Patients After a Recent Vestibular Neuritis with Hyperhomocysteinemia. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 65, 146–150 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-012-0610-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-012-0610-x

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