Digital Subtraction Angiography for Patients with Positional Nystagmus

Abstract

Thirty cases of intractable paroxysmal positional vertigo except benign paroxysmal positional vertigo were studied by means of digital subtraction angiography (DSA), which allows real-time digital subtraction of X-ray transmission data from an image intensifier and television system. IVDSA (intravenous DSA) was used to compare blood vessel flow between the right and left vertebral arteries. Abnormal findings were noted in 27 patients, with 10 being affected on the left side,7 on the right, and 10 bilaterally. Twenty-three patients had slightly stenosis, and bending and kinking were observed in 16. DSA results were related to the 6 established types of positional nystagmus. DSA is, therefore, considered to be an important aid for the diagnosis and treatment of positional vertigo.