Decompensated labyrinthine weakness presenting as de novo peripheral vertigo: a discrete clinical entity?

Abstract

AbstractObjective:A distinct subgroup of patients, presenting with apparently spontaneous onset of vertigo, is described.Results:Although vestibular evaluation revealed caloric weakness, the proximate cause of vertigo was not labyrinthine dysfunction, but rather the loss of vestibular compensation for an older and previously compensated labyrinthine injury.Conclusion:Instead of addressing the vestibular weakness, effective management needs to focus on the condition that has caused the loss of compensation.