Thirty eight patients with vestibular neuronitis who had visited the Kitasato University Hospital from July, 1971 to February, 1984, were re-examined. Twenty two patients complained of vertigo (whirling sensation), and sixteen had a floating sensation and unsteadiness of gait. Twenty four patients were relieved of vertigo within 3 months (63%); three patients suffered from a dizzy sensation for over one year.
Spontaneous nystagmus, positional and positioning nystagmus remained in 78% of patients. Twenty five patients showed reduced caloric responses. Five of 30 patients showed a normal caloric test.
One patient had three vertiginous attacks; the others only one. One patient had positional vertigo of the benign paroxysmal type when in the supine position with the right ear down. These findings suggest that the etiology of vestibular neuronitis is not yet certain. Further follow-up surveys are needed. The statokinesigram recorded with the patient to be useful in evaluating the degree of ataxia in patients with vestibular neuronitis.
