Contribution of neuro-otology to differential diagnosis of vertigo in multiple sclerosis

Authors

Prof. Dr. Antonio Cesarani (Milan, Italy)
Prof. Dr. Saverio Capobianco (Sassari, Italy)
Dr. med. Dario Alpini (Milan, Italy)
Dr. med. L. Pugnetti (Milan, Italy)
Dr. med. D. Caputo (Milan, Italy)

Proceedings

XXIX Congress of the NES - Bad Kissingen - Germany

Topics

Neurootology
Equilibrium
Diseases
Neurootology
Equilibrium
Equilibriometric tests
Neurootology
Equilibrium
Neurootology

Keywords

Multiple sclerosis, Ocular pursuit, Vertigo, Vestibular evoked potentials.

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Abstract

It is known that equilibrium disorders caused by involvement of brainstem-cerebellar structures are common in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), but peripheral conditions such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), can be sometimes confused with those of central origin. Therefore, an accurate otoneurologic investigation paying attention to differential diagnosis aspects should be performed in these subjects. Among available diagnostic tools, electro-oculography, posturography and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPS) are especially suited to assess vestibulo-oculomotor and vestibulospinal systems.
This paper describes the most recent otoneurologic diagnostic strategies for MS patients, the results of initial clinical experiences, and finally provides suggestions to differentiate MS-related vestibular disorders from other common otoneurological conditions.