Macrovascular Causes Underlying Otoneurological Disturbances

In the diagnostic procedure for patients with symptoms and signs indicating VIIIth nerve or brain stem disturbances, the possible presence of tumors, infarcts, bleedings or microvascular loops are taken into account. Ten patients with vertigo, balance disorders, tinnitus or unilateral hearing loss proved to have a similar cause underlying the disturbances. They ranged in age from 51 to 80 years and had a duration of their symptoms of 1-10 years. In the test battery audiology, electronystagmography, broad-frequency rotatory testing and dynamic posturography were used. No uniform pattern was present.The results showed VIIIth nerve as well as CNS signs. Trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm were observed. CT, NMR or angiography were performed. The common finding for these patients were ectatic vertebral and/or basilar arteries. The size and position of the vessels indicated that compression of the VIIIth nerve or brainstem was the cause underlying their disturbances. To exclude that macrovessels appear i...