Research in Vestibular Science

Volume 6 (2); December 2007

Original Articles

Otolith Function Tests in Patient with Meniere’s Disease: Hong Ju Park, Jung Eun Shin, Jae Yoon Ahn, Ga Hyun Park, Yong Soo Jung, Hi Boong Kwak, Yeo Jin Lee, Jin Seok Yoo; J Korean Bal Soc. 2007;6(2):127-131.

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Abstract PDF: Background and Objectives: The aims of this study were to measure otolith function using subjective visual vertical (SVV) test and vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) test in patients with unilateral Meniere’s disease, and to see the relationship of the otolithic impairment with caloric and audiologic results. Materials and Methods: Twenty two patients with unilateral Meniere’s disease who received treatment and also had been tested for pure tone, caloric, SVV and VEMP tests were enrolled. All the tests were done simultaneously. Results: Five of 22 (23%) patients showed abnormal tilt to the lesion side in SVV test, and 13 of 22 (59%) patients showed abnormal VEMP results on the affected side. There was no correlation between SVV tilts and unilateral weakness (UW) in caloric tests or pure-tone average. There was also no difference of UW in patients with or without VEMP abnormalities. Two patients showed abnormal finding in both SVV & VEMP tests. One patient showed UW (47%) and SVV tilt (3.08°) to the lesion side, and the other showed normal UW and SVV tilt (3.22°) to the lesion side. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that the otolith system was implicated in 16 out of 22 (73%) patients with Meniere’s disease. However, there was no correlation between the abnormal results of the three tests and these findings suggest that impairment of the otolithic function is depending on the extent and/or the localization of Meniere’s disease, suggesting vestibular rehabilitation for the specific lesion might be helpful.

The Effect of Balance Exercise Using Exercise Ball on Balance Function of Elderly: Suk Joon Lee, Jai Hwan Hyun, Yong Soo Lee, Hyun Ju Lee, Hyun Jung Lee, Jae Yun Jung, Chung Ku Rhee; J Korean Bal Soc. 2007;6(2):132-137.

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Abstract PDF: Background and Objectives: Vestibular rehabilitation is an important therapy to treat dizziness in elderly. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of balance and resistance exercises in improving balance function in elderly. Methods: Sixty elderlies between the age of 65 to 80 years old were divided into two groups; the control group and exercise group. The exercise group carried out balance and resistance exercises using an exercise ball for 60 minutes each time, 3 times/week for 16 weeks. The elderlies in both groups went through sensory organization test (SOT) and motor control test (MCT) of Equi test pre-series of exercise and post-series of exercise. Results: Conditions 4 and 6 of SOT in control group and conditions 3, 4, 5, and 6 of exercise group showed significantly higher scores in post-exercise compared to those of pre-exercise status. In condition 4, the score was significantly higher in exercise group compared to that of control group. In sensory analysis, the visual and vestibule analyses ratio of post-exercise were significantly higher compared to those of pre-exercise status. The visual analysis ratio of exercise group was significantly higher compared to that of control group. In MCT, the latency of medium forward of exercise group was significantly decreased compared to that of control group in post-exercise status. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the balance and resistance exercises using an exercise ball was effective in improving various scores and ratio of SOT and sensory analyses in the elderly. This kind of exercises appears to improve balance function in the elderly. The balance and resistance exercises using exercise ball may be effective exercises to improve balance function of chronic dizziness including presbyastasis.

Diagnostic Value of Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential in Acoustic Neuroma: Young Jin Ahn, Sung Kwang Hong, Ji Soo Kim, Ja Won Koo; J Korean Bal Soc. 2007;6(2):138-142.

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Abstract PDF: Background and Objectives: Considering vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) represents functional integration of the inferior vestibular nerve and large proportion of acoustic neuroma (AN) originate from inferior vestibular nerve, VEMP test may provide more valuable information than ABR and the caloric test in terms of evaluating functional integration as well as screening test. Authors hope to clarify such hypothesis and also analyzed if parameters differ between cochlear lesion and retrocochlear lesion. Materials and Methods: Authors analyzed the results of VEMP test in 27 patients (10 males and 17 females) of AN and in 24 patients (9 males and 15 females) of unilateral definite Meniere’s disease (MD). Right-left difference of interpeak latency (IPL) and interaural amplitude difference (IAD) were used as parameters of VEMP. Longest diameter of the enhanced area was measured as the size of tumor on the axial view of Gadolium enhanced T1 weighted magnetic resonance image. Results: VEMP was abolished in 15 out of 27 AN patients (54.5%). Among the remaining 12 patients, 1 patient showed increased IPL and IAD at same time, while 2 patients exhibited increased IAD. The mean diameter of tumor in the group who showed positive VEMP waves was significantly smaller (0.95 cm) than that of abolished VEMP group (2.22 cm)(p=0.004). Similar tendency was also present in ABR and Caloric test. However, there was not significant difference between MD and AN in the latencies and amplitudes. Conclusions: VEMP test may not provide diagnostic information in smaller AN, especially less than 1 cm. And parameters of VEMP were not differ between cochlear and retrocochlear lesion. However, VEMP response seems still important for the comprehensive understanding of peripheral cochleovestibular status in addition to ABR and caloric test.

Change of Subjective Visual Vertical (SVV) in Patients of Vestibular Neuritis: Heil Noh, Sayong Chae; J Korean Bal Soc. 2007;6(2):143-149.

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Abstract PDF: Background and Objectives: Measurement of subjective visual vertical (SVV) in darkness with the head upright is one of the static function test of the otolithic system and is simple to perform in the patients. Changes of SVV were measured during the recovery period of vestibular neuritis to investigate the relation between SVV and the subjective improvements reported by the patients. Material and Methods: Sixty-two patients with unilateral vestibular neuritis were investigated. All the patients were diagnosed by physical examination with electronystagmography and the SVV were assessed during the acute period and sequentially followed during the recovery period. At the same time, the subjects were questioned in five scale of symptom improvement which were “Level 5: I am so dizzy to open my eyes”, “Level 4: I am dizzy not moving my head”, “Level 3: I am not dizzy if I don’t move my head”, “Level 2: I am not dizzy with head moving”, “Level 1: I am not dizzy at all”. Results: The calibrated mean values were 5.72±4.77 degree in vertical deviated toward the lesion side. There was no relation between the canal paresis and the tilt of SVV. As the SVV reaches the normal value, the symptom scale improved to level 2 (p=0.018). The mean recovery time could be obtained by calculating the regression curve of the well compensated groups. Conclusion: These results show that SVV correlated with clinical improvement of dizziness symptoms in vestibular neuritis. Therefore, this method can be used to evaluate vestibular neuritis during the follow up.

Lithium-Induced Downbeat Nystagmus with Reversible Splenial Lesion: Dong Uk Kim, Seung Han Lee, Hyun Jung Jung, Kyung Wook Kang; J Korean Bal Soc. 2007;6(2):150-154.

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Abstract PDF: Lithium is recognized as a cause of reversible or permanent downbeat nystagmus. Many patients who were treated with lithium for psychiatric illness developed downbeat nystagmus and other neurological manifestations. Reversible splenial lesions of corpus callosum are commonly seen on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in various neurological disorders including metabolic/toxic encephalopathy, encephalitis, patients with epilepsy receiving antiepileptic drugs. Herein, we report a patient with reversible downbeat nystagmus, disturbance of smooth pursuit, and gait ataxia who was treated with lithium. Also, we can observe reversible splenial lesion of corpus callosum on DWI in this patient.

Novel Mutation in FRMD7 Gene in X-linked Congenital Nystagmus: Sun Young Oh, Byoung Soo Shin, Man Wook Seo, Chang Seok Ki, Jeong Min Hwang, Ji Soo Kim; J Korean Bal Soc. 2007;6(2):155-160.

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Abstract PDF: Background and Objectives: Congenital nystagmus (CN) is an ocular oscillation that usually manifests during early infancy. To report a novel mutation in FERM domain containing 7 (FRMD7) gene in a Korean family with CN. Materials and Methods: Genomic DNA was prepared from peripheral blood leukocytes and direct sequencing of the entire coding and adjacent intronic regions was performed to detect sequence variation of FRMD7 gene, where mutations were found recently in patients with familial CN. The family showed an X-linked pattern of inheritance without father-to-son transmission. Results: Three family members with CN exhibited two sequence variations which were a novel mutation (c. 875T>C; Leu292Pro) and a polymorphism (c. 1403G>A; Arg468His, dbSNP rs#6637934). The proband was hemizygous for both variations and his mother and maternal grandmother were heterozygous carriers. Conclusion: This study provides an additional evidence for mutations in FRMD7 as a common cause of X-linked CN and expands its mutation spectrum.

Tilt Suppression of the Post-rotatory Nystagmus in Cerebellar Nodular Lesions: Sun Young Oh, Kwang Dong Choi, Jung Eun Kim, Ja Won Koo, Ji Soo Kim; J Korean Bal Soc. 2007;6(2):161-166.

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Abstract PDF: Background and Objectives: Head tilt at the end of step rotation about a vertical axis decreases the time constant (TC) of the post-rotatory nystagmus, which is known as tilt-suppression of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). Tilt suppression of the VOR is mediated by the cerebellar nodulus and ventral uvula and is eliminated after surgical ablation of those structures. However, studies on the tilt suppression of the VOR have been sparse in humans with cerebellar lesions. Materials and Methods: Five patients with circumscribed cerebellar lesions involving the nodulusor ventral uvula underwent recording of spontaneous and positional nystagmus, and the VOR. To evaluate tilt suppression of the VOR, the participants pitched their head forward at the end of step rotation about a vertical axis both in the clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. Results: The VOR gain was increased in a patient with infarction in the territory of the medial posterior inferior cerebellar artery while the gain of visually enhanced VOR was normal in all the patients. The time constants of perand post-rotatory nystagmus was increased in a patient with increased VOR gain and the tilt suppression of the post-rotatory nystagmus was impaired in two patients, either uni- or bilaterally. Spontaneous downbeat and central positional nystagmus were frequently accompanied. Conclusions: Nodular lesion may impair tilt suppression of the VOR. Measurement of tilt suppressive effect of the VOR may provide a valuable tool for evaluating the nodular dysfunction.

Comparison of Air Caloric Test and Vibration-Induced Nystagmus Test in Patients with Unilateral Chronic Otitis Media without Vertigo: Jae Yoon Ahn, Hong Ju Park, Jung Eun Shin, Ga Hyun Park, Yong Soo Jung, Hi Boong Kwak, Yeo Jin Lee, Jin Seok Yoo; J Korean Bal Soc. 2007;6(2):167-171.

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Abstract PDF: Background and Objectives: The aims of the study were to characterize the vibration-induced nystagmus (VIN) and air caloric test in patients with unilateral chronic otitis media, and to clarify the clinical availability of VIN by comparing the results of VIN test with those of air caloric test. Materials and Methods: Nineteen patients with unilateral chronic otitis media who had had no vestibular symptoms in past history were investigated. Pure tone audiometry (PTA), air caloric, VIN and subjective visual vertical (SVV) tests were done and the results were analyzed to estimate the utility for investigating vestibular imbalance. Results: If we consider a patient with abnormal results from two or more tests as a patient with latent vestibular imbalance, because they had no previous vestibular symptoms, 3 patients was considered to have latent asymmetric vestibular function. False positive rate were 32% in air caloric test, 5% in VIN test and 0% in SVV test. Conclusion: Our findings show that vestibular imbalance in patients with chronic otitis media should be determined through various tests and vibration-induced nystagmus test can be more useful than air caloric test in estimating the vestibular imbalance.

Follow-up Examination of Vibration-Induced Nystagmus in Patients with Unilateral Vestibular Neuritis: Hong Ju Park, Jung Eun Shin, Jae Yoon Ahn, Ga Hyun Park, Yong Soo Jung, Hi Boong Kwak, Yeo Jin Lee, Jin Seok Yoo; J Korean Bal Soc. 2007;6(2):172-175.

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Abstract PDF: Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to verify if vibration-induced nystagmus in patients with vestibular neuritis changed over time and to compare the results of vibration-induced nystagmus (VIN) test to those of caloric test. Materials and Method: We compared VIN results with those of caloric testing in 23 patients (M:F = 11:12, 15~67 years old) with unilateral vestibular neuritis seen at onset and in follow-up for around 2 months. The eye movement recordings were made and the maximum slow-phase eye velocities (SPV) were calculated during vibration. If spontaneous nystagmus was present, it was subtracted from the slow-phase eye velocities of VIN. Results: In acute stage, VIN of which SPV was directed towards the lesioned side was observed in 21 (91%). In follow-up, VIN of which SPV was directed towards the lesioned side was observed in 19 (83%). There was a significant decrease of the SPV of VIN over time. Significant correlations were observed in between canal paresis & SPV of VIN in both acute and follow-up stages. Conclusion: Our findings show that VIN test can predict the severity of vestibular asymmetry not only in acute stage but also in follow-up stage. Our results suggest that vibration-induced nystagmus might represent the peripheral vestibular asymmetry in patients with vestibular neuritis.

Clinical Consideration of Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential in Dizzy Patients: Young Hwa Yoo, Seong Cheon Bae, Jae Hyun Seo, Ki Hong Chang, Sang Won Yeo; J Korean Bal Soc. 2007;6(2):176-180.

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Abstract PDF: Background and Objectives: Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) is a relatively new diagnostic tool that is in the process of being investigated in patients with specific vestibular disorders. In this study, we examed the responses of VEMP in patients who complained of dizzines. Materials and Method: Eighty-six patients with complaint of dizziness and ten normal volunteers are included in this study. Among these patients, forty-six patients were diagnosed as unilateral vestibulopathy (A), five patients were bilateral vestibulopathy (B), nine patients were sudden sensorineural hearing loss with vertigo (C), fifteen patients were benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (D) and eleven patients were Meniere's disease (E). We compared VEMP parameters in each group. Results: In each group, abnormal response in VEMP was 33%(A), 0%(B), 11%(C), 12%(D) and 36%(E) respectively. and there was no absent VEMP formation, and there was no abscent VEMP formation. Conclusion: VEMP is a promising method for diagnosing and following patients with many vestibular disorders.

Clinical Manifestations of Headache in Meniere’s Disease: Jae Ho Ban, Hyun Jin Choi, Seung Suk Lee, Su Mi Kim, No Hee Lee, Hee Jun Kwon, Jong Kyu Lee; J Korean Bal Soc. 2007;6(2):181-185.

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Abstract PDF: Background and Objectives: A possible link between Meniere’s disease (MD) and headache was originally suggested by Prosper Meniere. We aimed to analyze the clinical manifestation of headache in definite MD compared with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) as a control group. Materials and Methods: We examined headache in 67 patients with definite MD according to the criteria of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). Sex- and age-matched 67 patients with BPPV served as a control group. Information was obtained concerning the prevalence, localization, severity, character, sequence of headache and response to therapy. Results: Altogether 60 MD patients (90%) and 47 BPPV patients (70%) was reply the questionnaire. 46 MD patients (69%) and 15 BPPV patients (22%) reported headache. Headache was moderate to severe in 39 MD patients (85%) and as a whole more severe than that of the BPPV patients (P<0.05). Temporal area was the most frequently involved region in MD group, whereas posterior neck area was most frequent in BPPV group. The sequence of headache and vertigo attack was pre-(23%), intra-(33%), after-(44%). The 39 patients (89%) of headache in MD was response to the vestibular suppressants, diuretics, calcium channel blocker. Conclusion: It is concluded that high incidence of headache and migraine in combination with MD seems to common pathophysiology with migraine. Therefore, our results could provide predictive value in the treatment and follow up of MD patients with headache.

Changes of Vibration-Induced Nystagmus by Age in Normal Subjects: Yong Soo Jung, Hong Ju Park, Jung Eun Shin, Jae Yoon Ahn, Ga Hyun Park, Hi Boong Kwak, Yeo Jin Lee, Jin Seok Yoo; J Korean Bal Soc. 2007;6(2):186-191.

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Abstract PDF: Background and Objectives: It has been reported that vibration applied either on the mastoid or on the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles induces nystagmus in normal subjects. The aims of the study were to characterize the direction and velocity of slow-phase eye movement which is induced by vibration in normal subjects and to propose the mechanism of vibration-induced nystagmus (VIN) in normal subjects. Materials and Method: We recorded eye movements during unilateral 100-Hz vibration on the mastoid bone and SCM muscles in 56 normal subjects. The subjects were divided into 4 groups in ages (20s, 30s, 40s, 50~60s). The directions of VIN, the degree of maximal slow-phase eye velocities were analyzed according to age. Positive value means slow-phase velocity (SPV) to the right side. Results: In 20s, vibration on right/left mastoids induced SPV of 1.2±2.0°/sec, 0±2.1°/sec and on right/left SCM muscles, 1.1±1.9°/sec, -1.2±2.5°/sec. In 30s, vibration on right/left mastoids induced SPV of 3.3±3.8°/sec, -0.3± 1.4°/sec and on right/left SCM muscles, 2.8±4.2°/sec, -1.0±1.5°/sec. In 40s, vibration on right/left mastoids induced SPV of 0±1.7°/sec, -0.2±1.2°/sec and on right/left SCM muscles, 0±1.8°/sec, 0±1.0°/sec. In 50~60s, vibration on the right/left mastoids induced SPV of -1.3±1.3°/sec, 1.2±1.3°/sec and on right/left SCM muscles, -0.6±0.9°/sec, 0.9 ±1.5°/sec. The directional preponderance of the slow-phase eye movement to the vibrated side was statistically significant in 20s and 30s, however, the preponderance of the slow-phase eye movement changed into the non-vibrated side in 50~60s. Conclusion: The proprioceptive input, changing major rotator from the inferior oblique muscle to the sternocleidomastoid muscles might explain the change of the directional preponderance of the slow-phase eye movements in normal subjects according to ages. Although this directional preponderance is not consistent in all age groups, it is still important in discriminating normal responses from abnormal responses which can be induced by vibration.

Vibration-Induced Nystagmus in Patients with Vestibular Disorders: Yeo Jin Lee, Hong Ju Park, Jung Eun Shin, Jae Yoon Ahn, Ga Hyun Park, Yong Soo Jung, Hi Boong Kwak, Jin Seok Yoo; J Korean Bal Soc. 2007;6(2):192-195.

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Abstract PDF: Background and Objectives: It has been reported that vibration applied either on the mastoid or the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles induces nystagmus in patients after unilateral vestibular neuritis. The aims of the study were to characterize the vibration-induced nystagmus (VIN) in patients with various vestibular disorders and to compare the results of VIN to unilateral weakness in caloric test. Materials and Methods: Fifthy-four patients with Meniere’s disease, 58 patients with unilateral vestibular neuritis, 170 patients with migraine-associated dizziness, and 78 patients with chronic recurrent vestibulopathy were included. We recorded eye movements during unilateral 100-Hz vibration on the mastoids and SCM muscles. The bithermal caloric test was also performed. Abnormal criteria of VIN were slow-phase slow-phase velocity (SPV) at 4 all different conditions ≥ 2°/s with the same directions or mean of SPV at vibration on both mastoids or both SCM muscles ≥ 5°/s with the same directions. Results: In Meniere’s disease, 28 of 57 (49.1%) of patients show pathologic VIN, 21 of 57 (36.8%) show pathologic canal paresis. 14 of 57 (24.6%) show abnormalities in both tests, and 35 of 57 (61.4%) show any abnormalities in either test. In unilateral vestibular neuritis, 43 of 58 (77.6%) showed pathologic VIN, 58 of 58 (100%) show canal paresis. In migraine-associated dizziness, 48 of 170 (28.2%) showed pathologic VIN, 58 of 170 (18.8%) show canal paresis. 15 of 170 (8.8%) showed abnormalities in both tests, and 65 of 170 (38.2%) show any abnormalities in either test. In chronic recurrent vestibulopathy, 23 of 78 (29.5%) of patients show pathologic VIN and 17 of 78 (21.8%) show pathologic canal paresis. Seven of 78 (9.0%) showed abnormalities in both tests, and 33 of 78 (42.3%) show any abnormalities in either test. Conclusion: VIN test can increase the sensitivity in detecting vestibular imbalance in vestibular disorders when combined with caloric test.

Clinical Characteristics of Secondary BPPV: Jae Ho Ban, No Hee Lee, Hyun Jin Choi, Su Mi Kim, Nam Hoon Lee, Sung Jin Lee; J Korean Bal Soc. 2007;6(2):196-201.

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Abstract PDF: pathic BPPV. Results: The site of canal affected by idiopathic BPPV (M=119, F=183) showed that 138 (Lt=62, Rt=76) had a lateral canal, 157 (Lt=63, Rt=94) had a posterior canal, 7 had a multicanal. The involved canal by secondary BPPV (M=45, F=37) showed that 34 had a lateral canal, 43 in posterior canal, 1 in anterior canal and 4 in multicanal. 28 patients with idiopathic sudden sensory hearing loss developed BPPV within a few days (posterior=17, lateral=7, multicanal=4). 12 patients had a unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy and ipsilateral BPPV (posterior=11, lateral=1, anterior canal=1). 14 patients with meniere’s disease developed ipsilateral BPPV (Lateral=9, posterior=5). 28 patients with BPPV had a history of headtrauma which is considered to be cause of BPPV. The mean duration of treatment is 2.68 on idiopathic BPPV, 6.27 on BPPV with ISSHL, 6.75 on BPPV with unilateral vestibulopathy, 2.28 on BPPV with meniere’s disease and 2.4 on posttraumatic BPPV. There was no significant difference of recurrence among groups. Conclusion: Secondary BPPV showed different prevalence of involved canal from idiopathic BPPV. The duration of treatment for BPPV with ISSHL or unilateral vestibulopathy take longer time than for other groups.

Comparative Analysis of Vestibular Asymmetry Parameters in Acute Unilateral Peripheral Vestibulopathy: Hoseok Choi, Kyu Sung Kim, Young Hyo Kim, In Kuk Hwang, Seung Yeon Jang, Seung Chul Lee; J Korean Bal Soc. 2007;6(2):202-206.

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Abstract PDF: Background and Objectives: There are known parameters that indicate vestibular asymmetry, such as directional preponderance (DP) on caloric test, asymmetry on slow harmonic acceleration (SHA) test, asymmetry of time constant (Tc) and slow cumulative eye position (SCEP) on velocity step test. Aim of this study is investigate the sensitivity and predictability of the vestibular asymmetry parameters among them. Materials & Methods: Twenty six patients who were diagnosed as acute unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy were enrolled in this study. We compared each parameter with site of lesion based on the direction of spontaneous nystagmus and canal paresis (CP) which were totally correlated in this group of patients. Results: Positive predictability of each parameter showed 58% in DP, 62% in SHA asymmetry, 62% in SCEP, 38% in Tc. In the cases that each parameter showed positive result, all of DP and SHA asymmetry indicated site of lesion, and showed high correlation coefficient(r=0.89). But in 27% of SCEP and 23% of Tc did not indicate site of lesion. Conclusion: All parameters showed low sensitivity for identifying laterality of lesion even the tests were performed with in one week after vertigo attack. DP and VOR asymmetry showed high positive predictability for indicating lesion site.

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