Vestibular pathology and its association with metabolic disease

Abstract

Introduction: There have been reports of vertigo and/or hypoacusia associated with metabolic diseases, specially metabolic syndrome (MS). Aim: To evaluate association between vertigo and metabolic disorders. Material and method: Study between October 2011 and March 2012 of patients consulting for vertigo in the otolaryngology-head and neck surgery service in Hospital Sótero del Río. All patients recruited filled an epidemiological survey, a VIII nerve testing was performed, blood pressure, waist circumference, weight and height were measured. Serum glucose and lipid profile were indicated. Data obtained was compared to that presented in a national health survey. Results: Data of N =31 patients of an average age of 59,4 years old. A 70% prevalence of MS was found. Blood pressure, waist circumference and body mass index, total colesterol, LDL and triglycerides were higher in vertigo patients. In the VIII nerve test, 35,8% of patients had a vestibular alteration and 38,7% had an audiogram alteration. Only DM2 showed statistical association with bilateral sensoneural hearing loss. Conclusions: It was not possible to demostrate statistical relation between vestibular alterations in VIII nerve test and studied comorbilities, however it is necessary to con- sider the small sample and that minimum caloric test and video-oculo-nistagmography were not performed. Results support the hypothesis that metabolic diseases affect the hearing organ and may have a role in pathogenesis of vertigo, specially in patients with vertigo of unknown cause.