Is a pulling sensation in the anteroposterior direction associated with otolith dysfunction?

Acta Otolaryngol. 2014 Mar;134(3):233-7. doi: 10.3109/00016489.2013.861925. Epub 2013 Dec 23.

Abstract

Conclusion: A pulling sensation in the anteroposterior direction is suggested to originate from a dysfunction of the otolith organs.

Objectives: Previous study with vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) confirmed that a falling sensation (in an up or down direction) and a lateral tilt sensation (in a right or left direction) were caused by otolith lesions. The purpose of this study was to clarify whether a pulling sensation in the anteroposterior (forward or backward) direction originates from otolith dysfunction.

Methods: The otolith function was assessed by cervical and ocular VEMPs (cVEMPs and oVEMPs) in 12 patients who complained of a forward or backward pulling sensation. cVEMPs were evaluated by the asymmetry ratio (AR) of the amplitude of the p13-n23 wave and the peak latencies of the p13 and n23 waves. oVEMPs were evaluated by the AR of the amplitude of the n1-p1 wave and the peak latency of the n1 and p1 waves.

Results: Abnormal ARs on cVEMP were observed in 7 of 12 patients. Nine of 12 patients had abnormal oVEMP results including 3 bilateral absent responses. Most (10 of 12) patients had abnormal cVEMP and/or oVEMP results. The latency of each detected wave was within the normal ranges.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Orientation / physiology*
  • Otolithic Membrane / physiopathology*
  • Postural Balance / physiology*
  • Reaction Time / physiology
  • Saccule and Utricle / physiopathology
  • Syncope / physiopathology
  • Vestibular Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Vestibular Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials / physiology*