Disorders of Equilibrium Flashcards
What test is to evaluate equilibrium?
Romberg test
hold hands out in front with palms up, feet together, eyes closed
assesses PROPRIOCEPTIVE pathway
What systems contribute to balance and awareness of body/ equilibrium?
visual–> judge distance
labyrinthine–> judge acceleration and position change
proprioceptive–> judge posture
Romberg is an assessment of ________
proprioception
Define vestibular neuronitis
spontaneous vertigo without hearing loss or tinnitus
NOT positional
Is BPV positional?
yes, self-limiting but lasts longer than vestibular neuronitis
debris in endolymph
How long does vestibular neuronitis last?
acute vertigo, N, V
peaks within 24 hours
self-limiting, steroids may be helpful
Describe Meniere’s disease
20-50
females 3:1
increased volume of labyrinthine endolymph d/t poor absorption
recurrent episodes of spontaneous vertigo
20 min-24 hrs
Characteristics of Meniere’s disease
vertigo
tinnitus
aural fullness (full ears)
low frequency hearing loss (opposite of nml hearing loss)
Tmt of Meniere’s disease
sodium restriction
diuretics
If vertigo lasts less than 24 hours, is it vestibular neuronitis or BPV?
vestibular neuronitis
If vertigo lasts 3 months, is it vestibular neuronitis or BPV?
BPV
Describe Friedreich’s Ataxia
AR, mutation on Chr 9
onset before 20
gait ataxia (falls) -->progressive to all 4 limbs
dysarthria
impaired position/vibratory sense in legs
–> LMN
muscle weakness
absent tendon reflex
–> LMN
extensor plantar response
–> UMN
pes cavus
scoliosis
CARDIOMYOPATHY
–> often COD
Describe Ataxia-Telangiectasia
AR on Chr 11
nystagmus
dysarthria
gait, limb, trunk ataxia
telangiectasia, usually around eye
–> starts in teen years
skin and hair looks aged
insulin resistance
INFANCY when sx begin (under 4)
–> recurrent sinopulmonary infections
Triad of Ataxia-Telangiectasia
ataxia
oculocutaneous telangiectasia
immune deficiency–> recurrent sinopulmonary infections
