Research in Vestibular Science

Most read articles are from the articles published during the past two years (2023~).

Review Article

Clinical application of virtual reality for vestibular rehabilitation: Sung Kwang Hong; Res Vestib Sci. 2024;23(4):124-131. Published online December 15, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2024.019

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Abstract PDF: Virtual reality has emerged as a promising tool in vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), offering immersive and interactive environments that enhance patient engagement and adherence to therapy. Its potential lies in delivering controlled, customizable exercise protocols that simulate real-world challenges in a safe, monitored environment. This allows healthcare providers to tailor exercises based on gaze stabilization, vestibulo-ocular reflex training, and balance training, according to a patient’s specific complaints, symptoms, and progress. While cybersickness is a potential concern with virtual reality interventions, patients with vestibular loss are generally less susceptible to the visual-vestibular mismatch that often causes motion sickness. Studies have shown that side effects, such as nausea or discomfort from cybersickness, are minimal for most patients undergoing virtual reality-based VRT. Despite these promising results, further research is needed to fully validate the effectiveness of virtual reality interventions in VRT. This article will explore the current status and future potential of virtual reality in VRT, including considerations for its clinical application and areas for future research.

Case Reports

Fluctuating high-frequency hearing loss with vertigo: is it Menière’s disease? A case report: Minho Jang, Dong-Han Lee, Jiyeon Lee, Chang-Hee Kim; Res Vestib Sci. 2024;23(3):106-110. Published online September 15, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2024.011

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: This study describes an unusual case of fluctuating unilateral high-frequency hearing loss with vertigo resembling Menière’s disease. The current diagnostic criteria for definite Menière’s disease include audiometrically documented low- to medium-frequency sensorineural hearing loss on at least one occasion before, during, or after an episode of vertigo. This case presented a diagnostic dilemma. Brain MRI was nonspecific, and a bithermal caloric test showed unilateral weakness of 44% on the affected side. The results of electrocochleography and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential tests were within the normal ranges. Persistent geotropic or ageotropic positional nystagmus was observed during each vertigo attack; the mechanism underlying this characteristic nystagmus needs further investigation.

A case of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia manifesting as sudden sensorineural hearing loss with vertigo: Young Jae Lee, Wonyong Baek, Gi-Sung Nam; Res Vestib Sci. 2024;23(1):32-36. Published online March 15, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2024.004

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Abstract PDF: Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) is a rare vascular condition characterized by the elongation, widening, and tortuosity of the vertebrobasilar artery. It can lead to various symptoms due to compression of cranial nerves and brainstem structures. We report a rare case of VBD presenting as sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) with vertigo and spontaneous downbeat nystagmus in a 65-year-old woman with a history of hypertension. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tortuous and dilated right vertebrobasilar artery compressing the brainstem and left 8th cranial nerve root entry zone, without signs of acute cerebellar stroke. The compression of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery and cervicomedullary junction was also noted, suggesting a vascular cause for her symptoms. Following high-dose steroid treatment, the patient showed significant hearing improvement. This case underscores the importance of considering VBD in patients with unexplained SSNHL and vertigo, highlighting the role of detailed vascular imaging in the diagnosis and management of such cases.

Review Articles

Preventive medical treatment of vestibular migraine: a practical review: Jae-Hwan Choi, Kwang-Dong Choi, Eun Hye Oh, Seo-Young Choi; Res Vestib Sci. 2025;24(1):20-26. Published online March 14, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2024.024

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Abstract PDF: This review explores the medical treatment options for vestibular migraine (VM), focusing on preventive strategies and their evidence-based efficacy. VM, characterized by recurrent dizziness associated with migraine, requires tailored management due to its distinct clinical features and pathophysiology. Most VM treatments are derived from migraine management protocols, utilizing medications such as BBs, CCBs, and antiepileptic drugs. Meta-analyses revealed that flunarizine, propranolol, and venlafaxine significantly reduced vertigo frequency and Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores, although the evidence was limited by small sample sizes and methodological inconsistencies. Flunarizine showed benefits in reducing vertiginous episodes but was less effective for headache. Venlafaxine demonstrated additional improvements in depressive symptoms. Observational studies also indicated potential efficacy for propranolol and valproate. Emerging therapies, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies, showed promise in improving both vestibular and headache symptoms in small-scale trials, though further evidence is needed to establish their role in VM management. The selection of preventive medications for VM should be individualized, considering both the frequency and severity of vestibular and headache symptoms, as well as patient comorbidities and preferences. While existing migraine protocols offer some guidance, the need for VM-specific treatment strategies remains critical.

Review on the impact of spaceflight stressors on the vestibular system: beyond microgravity to space radiation: Hui Ho Vanessa Chang, Kyu-Sung Kim; Res Vestib Sci. 2024;23(3):71-78. Published online September 15, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2024.013

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Abstract PDF: Understanding the effects of microgravity on the vestibular system has been a primary focus of space research, driven by the need to counteract the often-debilitating impacts of altered gravity environments and maintain operational performance in space. Research using both space-based and ground-based models has identified structural and functional changes in the vestibular system, highlighting its significant capacity for sensorimotor adaptation. As human space exploration progresses towards missions beyond low Earth orbit for extended periods, additional stressors, such as space radiation, may impact the vestibular system. Early studies on space radiation using animal models and insights from radiotherapy have shown that the vestibular system is more vulnerable to radiation than previously understood. This paper provides a brief review of (1) dysfunctions in spatial orientation, gaze stabilization, posture, and locomotion observed in astronauts; (2) ground-based experiments on animals that likely explain these vestibular and sensorimotor dysfunctions; and (3) studies examining the effects of radiation on the vestibular system and its implications for vestibular function in space.

Smartphones versus goggles for video-oculography: current status and future direction: Pouya Barahim Bastani, Shervin Badihian, Vidith Phillips, Hector Rieiro, Jorge Otero-Millan, Nathan Farrell, Max Parker, David Newman-Toker, Ali Saber Tehrani; Res Vestib Sci. 2024;23(3):63-70. Published online September 15, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2024.009

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Abstract PDF: Assessment of eye movements is the cornerstone of diagnosing vestibular disorders and differentiating central from peripheral causes of dizziness. Nonetheless, accurate assessment of eye movements is challenging, especially in the emergency department and primary care settings. To overcome this challenge, clinicians objectively measure eye movements using devices like video-oculography (VOG) goggles, which provide a video recording of the eye and quantified eye position traces. However, despite the value of VOG goggles in studying eye movements, barriers such as high prices and the need for dedicated operators have limited their use to subspecialty clinics. Recent advancements in the hardware and software of smartphones have positioned them as potential alternatives to VOG goggles that can reliably record and quantify eye movements. Although currently not as accurate as VOG goggles, smartphones can provide a cheap, widely available tool that can be used in various medical settings and even at home by patients. We review the current state and future directions of the devices that can be used for recording and quantifying eye movements.

Case Report

A Rare Case of Isolated Infarcts of the Pons with Sudden Vertigo: Clinical Features and Imaging Findings: Dong Hwan Kwon, Eun kyung Jeon, Young Joon Seo; Res Vestib Sci. 2023;22(3):89-94. Published online September 15, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2023.22.3.89

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Abstract PDF: Isolated infarcts of the pons (IIP) are a rare subtype of ischemic stroke, accounting for less than 1% of all strokes. It refers to a specific type of ischemic stroke that occurs within the pons region of the brain. IIP can be associated with vertebrobasilar insufficiency in certain cases. This case report describes a 64-year-old female patient who presented with acute vertigo and spontaneous nystagmus to the lesion side, ultimately diagnosed with IIP in the posterior right side of pons. Tegmental pontine infarcts typically manifest as oblique small (lacunar) infarctions that are localized in the mediolateral tegmental area of the middle to upper pons. The patient’s symptoms resolved spontaneously, but a 2-mm infarct was confirmed by brain diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. This case highlights the distinctive symptoms associated with IIP and emphasizes the importance of careful neurological examination and advanced neuroimaging techniques for accurate diagnosis.

Original Articles

Effect of early high-dose steroid treatment in patients with acute vestibular neuritis: a retrospective case-control study: Jung-Yup Lee, Hyun-Seok Kang, Sang-Hyun Kim, Min-Beom Kim; Res Vestib Sci. 2024;23(2):53-60. Published online June 14, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2024.007

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Abstract PDF: Objectives
This study is performed to evaluate the effect of early steroid treatment within 24 hours of onset in acute vestibular neuritis (AVN).
Methods
We performed a retrospective case-control study with 46 patients with AVN. Video head impulse test paradigm (HIMP) and suppression HIMP were performed, and dizziness handicap index (DHI) was determined at initial; all tests were repeated at 1 month. Patients were divided into two groups depending on whether they were treated with steroids (group S, n=21) or not (group n-S, n=25).
Results
There was no significant difference in age, sex, and side between the two groups. In HIMP, group S showed a significantly lower occurrence of overt corrective saccade (CS) (p=0.034) and lower peak velocity of overt CS (p=0.020) than group n-S at 1 month. In addition, the DHI score at 1 month was significantly lower in group S than in group n-S (p=0.040). In correlation analysis between subjective symptom and objective parameters, the DHI score showed a significant correlation with the occurrence of overt CS (p=0.028) and PR score (p=0.006) at 1 month.
Conclusions
Early steroid treatment in AVN would be helpful for relieving symptoms and the improvement of vestibular ocular reflex function in the recovery phase.

Clinical Outcomes of Endolymphatic Sac Decompression Surgery in Menière’s Disease: Hee Won Seo, Young Sang Cho, Won-Ho Chung; Res Vestib Sci. 2023;22(4):97-105. Published online December 15, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2023.22.4.97

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Abstract PDF: Objectives
Endolymphatic sac decompression surgery (ESDS) is one of the surgical methods for intractable Menière’s disease (MD), and it is known as a relatively safe treatment that does not cause hearing loss. However, the effectiveness and the degree of vertigo control rate of ESDS are still controversial. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of ESDS in intractable MD.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed 33 patients who underwent ESDS for intractable MD from January 2002 to March 2022. Clinical characteristics of patients, pure tone threshold, medical treatment method, and number of vertigo attacks before and after surgery were assessed. The improvement of hearing and vertigo was evaluated according to the 1995 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery criteria.
Results
Of the 33 patients, the average follow-up period was 21.2 months, with immediate follow-up within 2 months (28 patients), short term between 2 and 6 months (27 patients), and long term at 12 months or later (29 patients). In the immediate hearing threshold, both air conduction and bone conduction showed slight deterioration, but there was no significant change in the long-term hearing threshold. At long-term follow-up, 12 patients (41.4%) were able to live without medication, and 18 patients (62.1%) showed improvement in their vertigo symptoms. In addition, patients who showed improvement in hearing also showed improvement in vertigo at the same time.
Conclusions
ESDS in intractable MD is a relatively safe and effective treatment method for reducing vertigo attack without worsening hearing threshold.

Associations between Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores and vestibular function tests: a cross-sectional survey: Eun-Ju Jeon, Chae-Hyun Lim, Eun-Jin Son, Chang-Yeong Jeong, Ji Hyung Lim, Hyun Jin Lee; Res Vestib Sci. 2024;23(4):156-164. Published online December 15, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2024.023

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Abstract PDF: Objectives
This study aims to evaluate the relationship between subjective dizziness disability, as assessed by the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), and objective vestibular function test (VFT) results in patients presenting with dizziness.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective review of 177 patients who completed the DHI, vertigo visual analog scale, and disability scale at their initial visit. Objective VFTs included videonystagmography with caloric testing, cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP), and the sensory organization test (SOT). Statistical analyses were conducted to assess correlations and differences in DHI scores based on VFT results and clinical characteristics.
Results
The DHI scores indicated a higher perceived dizziness handicap among female patients compared to males (p=0.012). Chronic dizziness was associated with elevated DHI scores in specific items (DHI-2, DHI-12, and DHI-21; p<0.05). Patients with abnormal caloric responses exhibited higher scores in several DHI items and subscales (DHI-4, DHI-12, DHI-14, DHI-17, DHI-19, DHI-23, physical, emotional, and functional; p<0.05). No significant differences were found in cVEMP results. Only one SOT condition (equilibrium score 5) showed a statistically significant but weak association with DHI scores (r=–0.151, p=0.045).
Conclusions
There were limited correlations between objective vestibular test outcomes and subjective dizziness disability. These findings underscore the multidimensional nature of dizziness and the importance of integrating subjective and objective measures for a comprehensive clinical assessment.

Case Report

A case of cerebellopontine angle meningioma presenting as neurovascular compression syndrome of the 8th cranial nerve: Jeongin Jang, Sung Kwang Hong, Joonho Song, Hyung-Jong Kim, Hyo-Jeong Lee; Res Vestib Sci. 2024;23(1):28-31. Published online March 15, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2023.141

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Abstract PDF: A 54-year-old female patient presented with paroxysmal tinnitus and vertigo for 2 years, which have repeatedly occurred while rotating her neck, and lasted about 10 seconds. An anticonvulsant medication was prescribed with a diagnosis of microvascular compression syndrome on the 8th cranial nerve and audiovestibular evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan were appointed a week later. In her next visit, she reported the disappearance of paroxysmal audiovestibular symptoms after medication. In the left ear, canal paresis and abnormal auditory brainstem response were observed. In MRI, a large meningioma in the cerebellopontine angle in the vicinity of the internal auditory canal orifice was detected, that was surgically resected by a neurosurgeon. After surgical removal of the tumor, she reported continuous dizziness due to vestibular nerve injury, but the paroxysmal attack of tinnitus and vertigo disappeared without anticonvulsant medication. This case suggests that an imaging study is mandatory when diagnosing microvascular compression syndrome on the 8th cranial nerve.

Review Article

Digital therapeutics and telemedicine for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and other vestibular disorders: a review: Eun-Hyeok Choi, Hyo-Jung Kim, Ji-Soo Kim; Res Vestib Sci. 2024;23(4):115-123. Published online December 15, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2024.018

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Abstract PDF: In the recent wave of digital transformation, digital therapeutics and telemedicine are changing the concepts in the management of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and other vestibular disorders. These technologies provide accessible and cost-effective solutions amid the ongoing digital revolution in healthcare. This review article covers the recently advanced digital therapeutics for vestibular disorders that include questionnaire- or artificial intelligence-based diagnostic algorithms, telemedicine and self-application of canalith repositioning therapy, wearable devices for monitoring of eye movements during the attacks of dizziness/vertigo, and metaverse for vestibular rehabilitation. Integration of these digital technologies would improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy, reduce the economic burden associated with vestibular disorders, and promise a revolutionary shift in patient care towards personalized medicine.

Review

Light Cupula: Recent Updates: Dong-Han Lee, Chang-Hee Kim; Res Vestib Sci. 2023;22(2):23-33. Published online June 15, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2023.22.2.23

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Abstract PDF: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of positional vertigo and nystagmus. Direction-changing positional nystagmus (DCPN), which refers to the change in the direction of nystagmus with different head positions, is a well-known characteristic of horizontal semicircular canal BPPV. The supine head roll test is commonly used to diagnose horizontal canal BPPV. However, persistent geotropic DCPN observed during this test cannot be explained by conventional mechanisms of canalolithiasis or cupulolithiasis. The concept of a “light cupula” has been proposed to account for this unique nystagmus. In this review, we summarize the historical background, clinical features and diagnostic methods, presumed mechanisms, and treatment approaches of the light cupula phenomenon based on the available literatures up to date.

Review Article

Exploring the nexus: unilateral vestibulopathy and visuospatial cognitive impairments: Sun-Young Oh, Thanh Tin Nguyen, Marianne Dieterich; Res Vestib Sci. 2024;23(4):132-146. Published online December 15, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2024.014

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Abstract PDF: The interplay between vestibular disorders and visuospatial impairments has long captured scholarly attention. While evidence robustly supports visuospatial deficits in bilateral vestibulopathy, findings regarding unilateral vestibulopathy remain equivocal. Recent studies, both animal-based employing vestibular deafferentation models and human-based involving spatial cognitive tasks, hint at potential visuospatial cognitive impairments in individuals with acute and chronic unilateral vestibulopathy. Nevertheless, these results are preliminary and necessitate further rigorous investigation. The posture-first principle is evident in cognitive-motor dual tasks among patients with vestibular disorders. This review synthesizes these emergent insights, aiming to lay a groundwork for future studies that seek to elucidate this complex relationship further.

Original Article

Various symptoms and signs of vestibular paroxysmia in a tertiary neurotologic clinic: a retrospective comparative study: Tae Uk Cheon, Eun Hye Cha, Yehree Kim, Hong Ju Park; Res Vestib Sci. 2024;23(4):147-155. Published online December 15, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2024.021

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Objectives
Vestibular paroxysmia (VP) is characterized by brief episodes of vertigo due to neurovascular cross-compression (NVCC) of the eighth cranial nerve. This study aimed to analyze the clinical features of VP patients in a tertiary neurotologic clinic using the 2008 and 2016 diagnostic criteria and to compare these features.
Methods
A retrospective review was conducted on patients diagnosed with definite or probable VP at the Asan Medical Center from May 2012 to May 2013. Patients underwent comprehensive evaluations including history taking, physical examination, audiometry, vestibular function tests, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The 2008 and 2016 diagnostic criteria for VP were applied, and clinical characteristics were compared.
Results
Nineteen patients were included (14 females and five males; mean age, 57.9±14.5 years). According to the 2008 criteria, 17 patients were diagnosed with definite VP and two with probable VP; however, using the 2016 criteria, nine were definite and two were probable VP. NVCC was observed in 88.9% of patients under the 2016 criteria. MRI revealed NVCC predominantly involving the anterior inferior cerebellar artery. Patients with cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors presenting with VP-like symptoms responded to medication.
Conclusions
The 2016 diagnostic criteria for VP allow for a syndromic diagnosis based solely on clinical features. Neurovascular contact is commonly observed in VP patients, and CPA tumor can present VP-like symptoms and respond to carbamazepine. Although MRI is not included in the current criteria, it can be beneficial in diagnosis by identifying neurovascular contact and distinguishing CPA tumors.

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