Vascular Disturbances in Patients with Equilibrium Disorders

Abstract

This comparative neurotology and vertebral angiography study comprised 60 patients presenting with equilibrium disorders at the Aichi Medical University Hospital. They were divided into two age groups: less than 60 and 60 years of or older.
Hallpike testing clearly showed that vertebro-basilar and central lesions were more severe in the older group. Electronystagmography revealed that the eye tracking test is more effective and more accurate than the optokinetic nystagmus test at depicting the difference in the severity of vascular pathology between the two groups. Vertebral angiography also demonstrated vascular disorders to be more severe in the older group. Resolute treatment of vertebral insufficiency in the young is important in the prevention of progressive pathology later in life.