Abstract

Episodic brief spinning sensation is presented occasionally by patients who visit dizziness clinic and described as an one of the most common clinical manifestations of 8th nerve compression syndrome. We have experienced 15 patients who mainly complained multiple spontaneous biref spins or 'quick spins'. The clinical characteristics of 'quick spins' are paroxysmal brief rotational sensations which are rarely accompanied by auditory or caloric test abnormalities, and generally not associated auditory symptom or triggers. These patients can have a good response to anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine. We suggest that the syndrome of 'quick spins' is commonly a sign of vestibular nerve hyperexcitability that could be caused by several underlying pathologies.