Vestibular disturbance in patients with large vestibular aqueduct syndrome(LVAS)

Large vestibular aqueduct syndrome (LVAS) is a common inner ear anomaly res ponsible for some unusual vestibular and audiological symptoms. The gross a ppearance of CT scan of the inner ear is generally normal. However, precise measurement of the inner ear components reveals abnormal dimensions, which may account for accompanying auditory or vestibular dysfunction. It has be en reported that sudden increase in cerebrospinal fluid pressure can cause further deterioration of healing due to transmission of pressure to the inn er ear through the enlarged vestibular aqueduct. However, vestibular functi on is not often studied. In this report, audiovestibular Function of 10 pat ients with large vestibular aqueducts was analysed and compared with the se verity of the radiological deformity. The literature was reviewed and typic al findings were discussed to emphasize varying aspects of audiovestibular function. It was found that some patients with LVAS have some spontaneous o r provoked vestibular disturbance such as vertigo after watching revolving objects. The mean value of electronystagmographic abnormality in patients w ith hearing loss is greater than in patients with normal hearing. However, there is no statistical correlation between the level of hearing loss. elec tronystagmographic abnormality and severity of radiological deformity.