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Objective: To compare the diagnostic accuracies of air caloric testing with electronystagmography and the vHIT (video-head impulse test)., Design: Prospective, controlled study., Study Sample: MD (Ménière's disease), 26; vestibular neuritis, 27; control, 56., Results: In MD, CP (canal paresis) was pathological in 88.5%, the GA (gain asymmetry) on vHIT was pathological in 65.3%, and the gain was abnormal in only one patient. The GA and CP, were significantly higher in the MD group than in the control group, indicating hypofunction of the horizontal canals in MD, whereas a hyperfunction may also occur. No correlation was observed between the results of the two tests for evaluating MD, suggesting that pathological outcomes of one test do not guarantee abnormalities on the other test. For vestibular neuritis, significantly higher CP (96.3%), GA (81.5%), and gain (51.9%) values were detected. A correlation was identified between the two tests for vestibular neuritis, indicating a similar diagnostic efficiency. The higher percentage of pathological GA versus pathological gain values indicates that the asymmetry may be more informative., Conclusions: The vHIT showed a higher specificity, whereas the caloric test a higher sensitivity. No correlation between the two methods was observed; therefore, the tests appear to provide complementary information.

Objectives: This study focuses on the diagnostic precision of caloric testing in detecting vestibular neuritis (VN)., Materials and Methods: In this study, 99 patients (36 men, 63 women, mean age: 44.63 years [Formula: see text] 12.08 SD) with superior VN were involved, and 157 participants with a normal functioning vestibular system were also investigated. All patients underwent a complete neurotological examination, including the caloric test with electronystagmography registration. The canal paresis (CP) and directional preponderance (DP) values were analysed., Results: A VN on the right side was diagnosed in 31.3% and on the left side in 68.7%. When the CP parameters between the control and VN patients were contrasted, a statistically significant difference was observed (p < 0.00001*, Mann-Whitney U test), indicating higher values in the latter group. The prediction of VN based on the CP value was successful in 71%, and statistical analysis indicated a significant result [p < 0.0001*; OR: 5.730 (95% CI 3.301-9.948)]. The DP values were also significantly higher in the VN group (p < 0.00001*). The prediction of VN according to the DP value was successful in 69.8%. A significant result was also observed in this case [p < 0.001*; OR: 4.162 (95% CI 2.653-8.017)]. When both CP and DP were considered, a predictive value of 84.8% with a significant outcome [p < 0.0001*; OR: 82.7 (95% CI 28.4-241.03)] was detected., Conclusions: Including the CP and DP parameters of the caloric test, VN could be detected in around 85%. Therefore, the caloric helps diagnose the disorder, but both parameters must be considered., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Purpose: To contrast the quality of life (QoL) impairment and depression scores of patients suffering from different vestibular disorders., Methods: 301 patients were examined due to vertiginous complaints at the Neurotology Centre of the Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery of Semmelweis University. These patients completed the Hungarian version of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised questionnaires., Results: According to neurotological examination, the distribution of the different diagnoses was as follows: Menière's disease (n = 101), central vestibular disorders (n = 67), BPPV (n = 47), vestibular neuritis (n = 39), other unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy (n = 18), PPPD (Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness) (n = 16), vestibular migraine (n = 8), and vestibular Schwannoma (n = 5). The results of the DHI questionnaire have indicated worsened QoL in 86.4%, out of which 33.6% was defined as severe. The Beck scale has shown depressive symptoms in 42.3% of the cases, with severe symptoms in 6.3%. Significantly higher total DHI and Beck scale results were observed in patients with central vestibular disorders, vestibular migraine, PPPD and peripheral vestibulopathy, contrasted to the results of the other four diagnosis groups. The onset of the symptoms did not significantly affect the severity of QoL worsening and depression symptoms., Conclusion: In this study, the QoL of vertiginous patients was worse in general, with the occurrence of depression symptoms. A difference was observed in the case of the values of patients with different vestibular disorders, indicating the importance of different factors, e.g., central vestibular compensation, behavioural strategies and psychological factors., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between the loss of the cochleovestibular functions in Ménière's disease (MD)., Methods: Forty-three patients with definite MD underwent pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and caloric test. Canal paresis (CP%), dPTA (interaural difference), and average PTA results were contrasted. IBM SPSS V24 was used for statistical analysis., Results: According to PTA, most patients were in stage C, and caloric weakness was found in 29 patients. Linear ( R 2 = 0.06) and nonlinear correlation tests (rho = 0.245, P = .113) between canal paresis (CP%) and dPTA showed no correlation, as well as between CP% and PTA analysis ( R 2 = 0.007, rho = 0.11, P = .481). As per the categorial analysis, no correlation was detected between the groups either (κ = 0.174, 95% CI: 0.0883 - 0.431). Based on the results of the analysis, it was concluded that a more advanced stage determined by audiometry does not indicate increasing values in the CP% parameter., Conclusions: Audiometric changes do not directly correspond with the vestibular ones; therefore, no specific correlation exists between them. Thus, for therapy planning and diagnosis, both tests are necessary.

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: A szédülés időskorban gyakori panasz, amely jelentősen befolyásolja az életminőséget. Háttere sok esetben multifaktoriális, egyes esetekben azonban jól meghatározott ok kimutatható. Célkitűzés: Kutatásunk célja az időskori szédülő populáció panaszainak, valamint életminőségének felmérése volt. Anyag és módszer: Kutatásunkba 36 (13 férfi, 23 nőbeteg, átlagéletkor ± SD, 72,78 év ± 4,6), Otoneurológiai Ambulanciánkon szédülés miatt vizsgált, 65 év feletti beteget vontunk be. Ők az általunk összeállított, panaszokkal és rizikófaktorokkal kapcsolatos kérdőív mellett a Dizziness Handicap Inventory-t is kitöltötték. Az utóbbi alapján meghatározható volt az életminőség-romlás, illetve annak mértéke. A statisztikai elemzést az IBM SPSS V24 szoftver segítségével végeztük, Mann-Whitney U-teszt és khi-négyzet-próba alapján. Minden esetben p<0,05 értéket tekintettünk szignifikáns különbségnek. Eredmények: A leggyakoribb diagnózisként a Ménière-betegséget, valamint a centrális vestibularis eltéréseket detektáltuk. A betegek visszajelzése alapján a szédülés volt a legdominánsabb tünet, amely a leggyakrabban órákig, illetve napokig tartott, és fele arányban volt forgó jellegű. Emellett a fülzúgás, a halláscsökkenés, valamint a vegetatív tünetek is dominánsak voltak. A leggyakoribb társbetegségek közül gyakoriságuk miatt kiemelendők a mozgásszervi, illetve szemészeti eltérések, a hypertonia, valamint a pszichiátriai betegségek. A betegek 77,8%-a jelzett valamilyen mértékű életminőség-romlást, és kiemelendő, hogy 30%-uk a súlyos kategóriába esett. A Dizziness Handicap Inventory kérdőívek alapján a fizikális, funkcionális, valamint emocionális részpontszámok hasonló értéket mutattak. Következtetés: Az időskori szédülés lényeges a beteg romló életminősége szempontjából. A társuló komorbiditások mellett a háttérben álló vestibularis eltérések kizárása, illetve diagnosztizálása fontos feladat. Ennek függvényében tervezhető a terápia, amely kapcsán a kísérő tünetekre is fontos hangsúlyt fektetni. Így az érintett betegek életminősége javítható. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(47): 1891-1896., Introduction: Vertigo is a common complaint in elderly, which has significant influence on the patients' quality of life. In many cases its background is complex, although, in some cases specific diagnosis can be made., Objective: Our study aimed to analyze the symptoms and quality of life of old-age vertiginous population., Material and Method: 36 patients (13 males, 23 females, mean age ± SD, 72.78 years ± 4.6) over 65 years, examined due to vertigo at our Neurotologic Department, were enrolled. A questionnaire including questions regarding the symptoms, risk factors, along with the Dizziness Handicap Inventory was used. Statistical analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS V24 software. Mann-Whitney U and chi square tests were used. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05., Results: Ménière's disease and central vestibular disorders were found as the most frequent diagnoses. Vertigo was the most tormenting symptom, which usually lasted for hours or days, and was defined as rotatory in 50%. Tinnitus, hearing loss and vegetative symptoms were also dominant. The most frequent comorbidities were musculoskeletal disorders, hypertension, ophthalmological diseases and psychiatric disorders. 77.8% of the patients have reported worsened quality of life, of which 30% was detected as severe. Based on the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, physical, functional and emotional scores showed similar results., Conclusion: Vertigo in elderly is important due to its influence on patients' quality of life. Besides comorbidities, the diagnosis of vestibular pathologies is of great importance. Therefore, therapy planning is possible, and patients' quality of life can be improved. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(47): 1891-1896.

Ménière disease is a disorder of the inner ear, characterized by rotational vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and vegetative symptoms. The aim of the present research is to examine the effectiveness of betahistine and piracetam in the reduction of vertigo attacks in Ménière disease. To verify our hypothesis, 105 (31 male and 74 females, mean age [standard deviation], 57.4 [11.05]) adult patients with definite Ménière disease were enrolled in this investigation. Beside the analysis of the hospital records, the subjective complaints of the patients and the completed vertigo diaries were taken into consideration too. The statistical analysis was completed using the IBM SPSS version 24 software. Retrospective analysis, including a 12 years period was conducted. Based on our results, betahistine was successful in the reduction of attacks. Statistically significant decrease was achieved in frequency of dizziness ( P = .000331) and vertigo ( P < .00001) and in the duration of them ( P = .000098), although in the mean power of them was not ( P = .0887). The mean dose in the symptomatic treatment was determined as 87.5 ± 27.2 mg per day; however, there was no connection detected between the dose of the agent and the effectiveness of the symptomatic control. By using dual therapy (betahistine and piracetam), vertigo episodes appeared significantly less often ( P = .027, Odds ratio: 4.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.2-20.2). Finally, it can be concluded that betahistine is effective in Ménière disease, but the daily dose of it should be set up for every patient individually. The advantage of the dual therapy was also confirmed.

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: A szédülés gyakori panasz, amellyel a betegek felkeresik a sürgősségi osztályt. Emellett fontos tünet, hiszen kihívást jelent mind a diagnosztika, mind a terápia szempontjából, és nagy hatással lehet a betegek életminőségére. Célkitűzés: Kutatásunk célja annak vizsgálata, hogy mennyire befolyásolta a szédülés a betegek életminőségét a sürgősségi osztály elhagyását követően. Módszer: A vizsgálat időtartama alatt 879, szédülést panaszoló beteg jelent meg a Semmelweis Egyetem sürgősségi osztályán. Részükre kérdőív került kiküldésre, amely tartalmazta a 'Dizziness Handicap Inventory' (DHI-) kérdőívet is. Megkeresésünkre 308 beteg (110 férfi, 198 nő; átlagéletkor: 61,8 ± 12,31 SD) válaszolt, az általuk visszaküldött kérdőíveket részletesen elemeztük. Eredmények: A leggyakoribb diagnózisok közé a benignus paroxysmalis positionalis vertigo, a centrális egyensúlyrendszeri eltérések és a szédülékenység tartoztak. Az elemzés alapján különbség volt látható a fizikális, a funkcionális és az emocionális pontszámok között. Kiemelendő, hogy a legmagasabb értékeket a fizikális csoportban regisztráltuk. A részletes otoneurológiai kivizsgáláson átesett betegek DHI-értékeit összevetettük azokéival, akik nem jártak ilyen vizsgálaton, a két csoport értékei között azonban nem volt szignifikáns különbség (p = 0,97). Emellett a DHI-érték emelkedése volt látható a végleges diagnózisig eltelt idő függvényében. Következtetés: A végleges diagnózisig eltelt idő, illetve a megfelelő kivizsgálás hiánya jelentős hatással van a szédülő betegek életminőségére. Lényeges a kivizsgálás, a mielőbbi diagnózis és a részletes egyensúlyrendszeri vizsgálat szerepe, ugyanakkor az utóbbi indokolt esetben kell, hogy történjen. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(30): 1216-1221., Introduction: Dizziness and vertigo are among the most common complaints in the emergency department. This may require interdisciplinary cooperation due to their complex presentation in the department and the effects on the patients' quality of life., Objective: Our study aimed to assess the effect of an acute vertigo episode on the quality of life after patients' discharge from the emergency department., Method: 879 patients examined at the Semmelweis University emergency department with vertigo and dizziness were included in the study. A questionnaire, including the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), was addressed to this population. We received 308 answered questionnaires back (110 males, 198 females; mean age 61.8 years ± 12.31 SD), which were further analyzed., Results: The most frequent diagnoses were benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, central lesions and dizziness. According to the analysis of the DHI questionnaire, a difference between physical, functional and emotional scores was shown, whereas the highest scores were registered in the physical group. The DHI questionnaire scores of patients undergoing a neurotological examination and those who did not were further compared, whereas no significant statistical difference was indicated (p = 0.97). In addition, an increase in DHI scores was seen depending on the time elapse for the definitive diagnosis., Conclusion: The absence of adequate examination and a late diagnosis of the dizziness cause have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. Therefore, substantial investigation, early diagnosis, and detailed vestibular examination are essential, but the latter should take place in justified cases. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(30): 1216-1221.

Objective: This study analyzed the possible effects of intratympanic steroid (ITS) therapy in the symptomatic treatment of vertigo attacks in patients with Ménière's disease., Methods: Thirty-five patients treated with ITS (dexamethasone) plus betahistine (Group A) and 35 patients treated with betahistine alone (Group B) were enrolled in this investigation. Complaints were analyzed using medical records and vertigo diaries. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS V24 software., Results: Based on the analysis, there were no significant differences in baseline features between the two groups. When the occurrence of vertigo attacks was compared using the Kaplan-Meier method, no significant difference was detected between Groups A and B (odds ratio [OR] = 1.051, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.965-1.067; p = 0.972). In addition, no difference in the incidence of vertigo attacks was noted in group A between the periods of treatment with betahistine alone and betahistine plus ITS when the groups were analyzed via logistic regression (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.065-1.467; p = 0.614)., Conclusion: It can be concluded that the addition of ITS therapy to betahistine did not improve outcomes in patients with Ménière's disease. Further prospective studies should be conducted to analyze the results in a more detailed manner.

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL), a sensorineural hearing loss of multifactorial origin, increases its prevalence in aging societies. Besides hearing aids and cochlear implants, there is no FDA approved efficient pharmacotherapy to either cure or prevent ARHL. We hypothesized that selegiline, an antiparkinsonian drug, could be a promising candidate for the treatment due to its complex neuroprotective, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and dopaminergic neurotransmission enhancing effects. We monitored by repeated Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) measurements the effect of chronic per os selegiline administration on the hearing function in BALB/c and DBA/2J mice, which strains exhibit moderate and rapid progressive high frequency hearing loss, respectively. The treatments were started at 1 month of age and lasted until almost a year and 5 months of age, respectively. In BALB/c mice, 4 mg/kg selegiline significantly mitigated the progression of ARHL at higher frequencies. Used in a wide dose range (0.15-45 mg/kg), selegiline had no effect in DBA/2J mice. Our results suggest that selegiline can partially preserve the hearing in certain forms of ARHL by alleviating its development. It might also be otoprotective in other mammals or humans.

The administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) often leads to immune-related adverse events. However, their effect on auditory function is largely unexplored. Thorough preclinical studies have not been published yet, only sporadic cases and pharmacovigilance reports suggest their significance. Here we investigated the effect of anti-PD-1 antibody treatment (4 weeks, intraperitoneally, 200 μg/mouse, 3 times/week) on hearing function and cochlear morphology in C57BL/6J mice. ICI treatment did not influence the hearing thresholds in click or tone burst stimuli at 4-32 kHz frequencies measured by auditory brainstem response. The number and morphology of spiral ganglion neurons were unaltered in all cochlear turns. The apical-middle turns (<32 kHz) showed preservation of the inner and outer hair cells (OHCs), whilst ICI treatment mitigated the age-related loss of OHCs in the basal turn (>32 kHz). The number of Iba1-positive macrophages has also increased moderately in this high frequency region. We conclude that a 4-week long ICI treatment does not affect functional and morphological integrity of the inner ear in the most relevant hearing range (4-32 kHz; apical-middle turns), but a noticeable preservation of OHCs and an increase in macrophage activity appeared in the >32 kHz basal part of the cochlea.

Background - Dizziness is one of the most frequent complaints when a patient is searching for medical care and resolution. This can be a problematic presentation in the emergency department, both from a diagnostic and a management standpoint. Purpose - The aim of our study is to clarify what happens to patients after leaving the emergency department. Methods - 879 patients were examined at the Semmel-weis University Emergency Department with vertigo and dizziness. We sent a questionnaire to these patients and we had 308 completed papers back (110 male, 198 female patients, mean age 61.8 ± 12.31 SD), which we further analyzed. Results - Based on the emergency department diagnosis we had the following results: central vestibular lesion (n = 71), dizziness or giddiness (n = 64) and BPPV (n = 51) were among the most frequent diagnosis. Clarification of the final post-examination diagnosis took several days (28.8%), and weeks (24.2%). It was also noticed that 24.02% of this population never received a proper diagnosis. Among the population only 80 patients (25.8%) got proper diagnosis of their complaints, which was supported by qualitative statistical analysis (Cohen Kappa test) result (κ = 0.560). Discussion - The correlation between our emergency department diagnosis and final diagnosis given to patients is low, a phenomenon that is also observable in other countries. Therefore, patient follow-up is an important issue, including the importance of neurotology and possibly neurological examination. Conclusion - Emergency diagnosis of vertigo is a great challenge, but despite of difficulties the targeted and quick case history and exact examination can evaluate the central or peripheral cause of the balance disorder. Therefore, to prevent declination of the quality of life the importance of further investigation is high.

Purpose: The aim of our study is to investigate the effectiveness and safety of the treatment, based on vertigo diaries and pure tone audiograms., Methods: The complete medical documentation of 105 definite patients suffering from Ménière's disease was analyzed. In the studied group, nine patients were treated with intratympanic gentamycine. Long-term follow-up of the patients was carried out, using vertigo diaries, medical letters, anamnestic data, and pure tone audiograms. Audiometric results and vertigo complaints before and after treatment were contrasted using IBM SPSS V24 software., Results: Based on our analysis, vertigo attacks appeared significantly less often after gentamycine treatment [p < 0.001; Odds ratio 0.003 (95% CI 0.001-0.012)], which confirms the efficacy of the therapy. Pure tone stages before and after the application of gentamycine were contrasted using the Mann-Whitney U test. When comparing the audiometric results of long-term follow-ups by using the logistic regression, a statistically significant difference was observed between the treated and not treated groups [p = 0.001; Odds ratio 0.141 (95% CI 0.064-0.313)], and based on the survivorship curve hearing impairment was more common in the not treated group which also supports our results. Based on the non-parametric test, there was no significant difference (p = 0.84) between the pure-tone stages of the control group and of those treated with gentamycine., Conclusion: Our results indicate that intratympanic gentamycine is effective in controlling vertigo attacks, and there is no higher risk for hearing loss than in case of spontaneous progression of the disorder.

Mal de débarquement syndrome is an uncommon vestibular disorder characterized by a constant sensation of swaying or motion after one disembarks from a vehicle such as a ship or plane, however, spontaneous onset also appears. These symptoms temporarily subside when the patient is subjected again to passive motion like driving a car. Chronic fatigue, anxiety, and depression are frequently associated with primary symptoms. The diagnosis is challenging, and often made by the patients themselves. The underlying pathophysiology and definitive therapy are unknown. Exposure to optokinetic stimulations and transcranial magnetic stimulations open therapeutic perspectives. We report a case series of 5 patients who presented with constant rocking, bobbing sensation that had been ongoing for several months. We found normal inner-ear function, non-related abnormalities and normal brain imaging. By presenting our patients' histories, we discuss the different diagnostic issues that help to diagnose this condition. We aimed to report the most recent findings on aetiology and treatment methods and to share our experiences with different therapeutic attempts. Mal de débarquement syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion and often unrecognized. A thorough clinical history, negative or non-specific clinical findings with a high degree of suspicion are needed for recognizing this disorder. Increasing awareness can lead to early diagnosis and prevent multiple physician visits and unnecessary diagnostic testing. Frequent diagnostic failure has a negative impact on the quality of life, associated with anxiety and depression. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(20): 846-851., (© 2020 Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest.)

Introduction: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common peripheral vestibular disorder. The most important symptom is vertigo, which is triggered by changes in head position and sometimes is accompanied by vegetative symptoms. Furthermore, etiology may be subcategorized into idiopathic and secondary (connected to other vestibular disorder, like Ménière's disease, vestibular neuritis, or vestibular migraine). Aim: To identify such parameter of ultrasound-computer-craniocorpography (US-COMP-CCG), which could be useful in the differentiation of idiopathic and secondary BPPV. Material and method: 135 patients suffering from BPPV and 140 normal vestibular functioning patients were examined with UC-COMP-CCG. Statistical analysis was completed by using IBM SPSS V24 software. Results: 109 patients suffered from idiopathic BPPV (i-BPPV), and 26 patients from secondary BPPV (s-BPPV). Parameters indicating the imbalance were observed in both the standing test and the stepping test. Respectively, remarkable results were given in the forehead covering and the self-spin parameter. Conclusion: By applying and examining both study groups with US-COMP-CCG, we were able to use modern diagnostics and thus have an objective evaluation based on their properties. The objective results from the US-COMP-CCG parameters show the deterioration of the vestibular system as well as the change in values, based on the cause of BPPV in secondary cases. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(6): 208-213.

Introduction: Tenotomy of the tendon of the stapedius and tensor tympani (TT) muscles is a minimal-invasive surgical therapeutic procedure in Ménière's disease (MD). It has been assumed that the TT medializes the stapes into the oval window, resulting in changes in perilymphatic pressures of the inner ear. By cutting the tendons of both middle ear muscles, they affect the pressure dynamics by not augmenting this pressure even further. Aim: The immediate and long-term investigation of the effect of middle ear muscle tenotomy on the quality of life of patients suffering from Ménière's disease, measured by the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). Method: A follow-up study of 22 patients with definite, unilateral Ménière's disease had undergone tenotomy under general or local anesthesia through an endaural approach. Pre- and postoperative DHI values were compared for all patients. Statistical analysis: The statistical analysis was completed by using the IBM SPSS V24 software. Since the parameters did not show normal distribution, non-parametric test (Mann-Whitney U test) was used. The significance level was specified as p<0.05. Results: A statistically significant reduction of DHI scores was noted in all patients. The tinnitus significantly reduced and all of the patients mentioned improved symptoms of MD. Conclusion: Although the follow-up period is short, and the pathomechanism (decrease of stapes medialization in the oval window) is not exactly clear, tenotomy seems to be a successful promising surgical treatment method with a high reduction of dizziness handicap score in conservative therapy-resistant Ménière's disease. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(5): 177-182.

Introduction: Ménière's disease (MD) is a disorder that affects the inner ear, characterized by vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss and vegetative symptoms. One of the main points of the management of the patients is the analysis of the vertigo diaries. Aim: To identify the typical characteristics of the symptoms and to highlight the importance of multidisciplinary approach. Material and method: 58 (12 male and 46 females, mean age 56.97 ± 10.45 SD) definite MD patients were enrolled in this investigation. The vertigo diaries filled out by the patients were analysed. The statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS V24 software. Since the parameters did not show normal distribution, non parametric test (Mann-Whitney U test) was used. Results: Based on the diaries, the most tormenting symptom is vertigo (mean power: 5.38 ± 2.06 SD), the second one is tinnitus (4.54 ± 2.81 SD), and last one is headache (2.77 ± 3.1 SD). Despite the frequent prevalence of associated headache, vestibular migraine could be ruled out in all of the cases. Another important outcome was that the attacks associated with headache were significantly stronger (p = 0.001). In the case of the vegetative symptoms, the association was even much stronger (p<0.01). According to the narrative analysis, the most frequent provocation factors of the attacks were the cold front and stress. Conclusion: Along with the treatment of vertigo, the management of the associated symptoms (headache, vegetative symptoms) is also of great importance. Monitoring the quality of life and psychiatric disorders suggests the importance of multidisciplinary approach. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(48): 1915-1920.

Background: Ménière's disease is characterised by episodic rotational vertigo, sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and vegetative symptoms. Objectives: The aim of our study is to follow-up the effects of the intratympanic steroid treatment of hearing loss in MD. Material and methods: A group of 105 clinically diagnosed MD patients were enrolled in this investigation. Long-term follow-up was carried out, and pure tone speech audiometry results of the subjects before and after application of steroid were contrasted. Statistical analysis was carried out using the IBM SPSS V24 software. Results: Based on the audiograms in this population, all stages of hearing loss were presented (from slight to profound). In most of the cases (68.6%), after intratympanic dexamethasone treatment, stagnation in the hearing profile was achieved. Moreover, there was a smaller group demonstrating hearing improvement after the treatment (12.4%). According to logistic regression [ p  = .001; Odds ratio: 2.75 (95% CI 1.068-4.442,)], there was a strong correlation between hearing improvement and dexamethasone treatment (all patients were treated with intratympanic dexamethasone, while improvement without steroid treatment could never be attained). Conclusions and significance: Intratympanically administered dexamethasone is a potent agent to prevent the progression of hearing loss in MD.

Despite of the symptoms of vertigo have been known since thousands of years, it was evident by the research of the pioneer scientists of the 19th century (Flourens, Ménière, Breuer and others) that dizziness can also be attributed to inner ear disfunctions. The discovery of the vestibulo-ocular reflex was an important milestone (Endre Hőgyes, 1884). The vestibulo-ocular reflex stabilizes images on the retina by rotating the eyes at the same speed but in the opposite direction of head motion. The milestone discovery of Hőgyes by stimulating individual labyrinth receptors and recording the activity of eye muscles were verified by János Szentágothai in 1950. Low-frequency lesions of the angular vestibulo-ocular reflex can be investigated by caloric test (Robert Bárány,1906), high-frequency lesions by head impulse test (Gabor Michael Halmagyi and Ian Stewart Curthoys, 1988).

Introduction: Congenital sensorineural hearing loss is one of the most common sensory defects affecting 1-3 children per 1000 newborns. There are a lot of causes which result in congenital hearing loss, the most common is the genetic origin, but infection, cochlear malformation or other acquired causes can be reasons as well. Aim: The aim of this study was to establish the etiological factors of congenital profound sensorineural hearing loss in children who underwent cochlear implantation. Results: Our results show that the origin of the hearing loss was discovered in 62.9% of our patients. The most common etiological factor was the c.35delG mutation of the gap junction protein β-2 gene, the allele frequency was 38.7% in our cohort. Infection constituted to 10.1%, and meningitis and cytomegalovirus infection were the second most common cause. 79.9% of our patients received sufficient hearing rehabilitation before the end of the speech development's period (6 years old), but 11.2% of our cases were still diagnosed late. Conclusions: Based on our data we can state that genetic evaluation is crucial in the diagnostic process of congenital profound sensorineural hearing loss. Sufficient hearing rehabilitation affects the whole life of the child, and by late cochlear implantation the speech development falls behind. We can decrease the ratio of the late implantation with the new protocol of newborn hearing screening, and with sufficient information provided to the colleagues, so the children may be referred to the proper center for rehabilitation without delay. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(21): 822-828.

Introduction: Ménière's disease is a disorder of the inner ear, characterized by episodic rotational vertigo, sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, aural pressure and vegetative symptoms. Since the improvement of these symptoms exerts an influence on the patients' quality of life and the condition seems to be incurable, the symptomatic treatment suggests an important question., Aim: Our study's aim is to evaluate how hypertension and diabetes exert influence on the patients' quality of life and how effective conservative pharmacologic treatment is. According to our assumption, both comorbidities have a significant influence on the symptoms and the therapy., Material and Method: Complete hospital documentation of 105 (31 men and 74 women, mean ± SD age, 57.4 ± 11.05) patients with definite Ménière's disease was analysed. The performance of the statistical analysis was completed by using IBM's SPSS V24 software., Results: The appearance of comorbid patients was more frequent than that of not comorbid patients. The influence of hypertension was supported by the tendency of the vertigo attacks, the higher doses of betahistine, and the larger need for the course of infusions. In the case of hearing loss, the negative effects of diabetes were confirmed by the more frequent appearance of the higher stages of hearing loss and the incidence of the hearing loss' damage, whereas in the relationship between the hearing loss and hypertension by the negative reply to the conservative therapy., Conclusion: The comorbidities have considerable effect on the condition of MD patients, so internal medical control is essential because of the control of the quality of life. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(4): 144-150.

Purpose: Pathogenic variants of the gap junction beta 2 (GJB2) gene are responsible for about 50% of hereditary non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss (NSHL). In this study, we report mutation frequency and phenotype comparison of different GJB2 gene alterations in Hungarian NSHL patients., Methods: The total coding region of the GJB2 gene was analyzed with Sanger or NGS sequencing for 239 patients with NSHL and 160 controls., Results: Homozygous and compound heterozygous GJB2 mutations were associated with early onset serious clinical phenotype in 28 patients. In 24 patients, two deletion or nonsense mutations were detected in individuals with mainly prelingual NSHL. In compound heterozygous cases, a combination of deletion and missense mutations associated with milder postlingual NSHL. A further 25 cases harbored single heterozygous GJB2 mutations mainly associated with later onset, milder clinical phenotype. The most common mutation was the c.35delG deletion, with 12.6% allele frequency. The hearing loss was more severe in the prelingual groups., Conclusion: The mutation frequency of GJB2 in the investigated cohort is lower than in other European cohorts. The most serious cases were associated with homozygous and compound heterozygous mutations. In our cohort the hearing impairment and age of onset was not altered between in cases with only one heterozygous GJB2 mutation and wild type genotype, which may exclude the possibility of autosomal dominant inheritance. In early onset, severe to profound hearing loss cases, if the GJB2 analysis results in only one heterozygous alteration further next generation sequencing is highly recommended.

Introduction: Physicians are found to have a great and increasing amount of patients suffering of vertigo in their everyday practice. For the treatment of the balance disorders, a vestibular training was introduced which played an influential role based on our study., Aim: Our aim was to create an easy and comprehensible training program which can be performed even with a family member., Methods: Our clinical treatment consists of intravenous vasoactive medicine administration, combined with vestibular training. For the investigation of the improvement we used the Jacobson and Newman questionnaire, and ultrasound-computer-craniocorpography. The statistical evaluation was based on ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's post method (p<0.05)., Results: After the combined clinical treatment, the patients' average training results showed improvement. Following the eight-day training, the patients scored higher results from day to day due to the improvement of their abilities while doing the different tasks. Moreover, the questionnaire results also showed the improvement of their status., Conclusions: By improving the brain stem circulation, combined with an assisting training program, there is a significant decrease in the complaints and an overall improvement in the quality of life, even though the imbalance cannot be cured. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(12): 470-477.

Introduction and Aim: To diagnose acute vestibular syndrome (AVS) in a prospective study by a new bedside test (providing 1A evidence) based on oculomotor analysis and assessment of hearing loss. To assess the frequency of central and peripheral causes of acute vestibular syndrome in the emergency room. To establish the diagnostic accuracy of acute cranial computed tomography as compared to oculomotor analysis done by video oculography goggles and audiometry., Method: Between 1st March 2016 and 1st March 2017 we documented 125 patients (62 women, 63 men, average age 53 years) in the emergency room of the Petz Aladár County Teaching Hospital using the above bedside and instrumental testing. Diagnosis was verified by cranial magnetic resonance imaging., Results: According to the results of the instrumental examination in AVS in 67% we found a peripheral cause and in 33% a central pathology. In 62% isolated posterior circulation stroke manifested itself by isolated vertigo without additional focal signs and the acute cranial computed tomography showed negative results in 96%. The instrumental examination increased diagnostic accuracy by making the diagnosis of isolated inferior semicircular canal vestibular neuritis possible., Conclusions: The new bedside oculomotor test is suitable for the diagnosis of posterior circulation stroke manifesting with isolated vertigo in early cases, when the routine neuroradiologic methods have a lower sensitivity or are not available. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(51): 2029-2040.

According to international statistics, the first examination of 25% of patients with vertigo is carried out in Emergency Departments. The most important task of the examining physician is to diagnose life threatening pathologic processes. One of the most difficult otoneurological diagnostic challange in Emergency Departments is to differentiate between dangerous posterior scale stroke presenting with isolated vertigo and the benign vestibular neuritis.These two disorders can be safely differentiated using fast, non-invasive, evidence based bedside tests which have been introduced in the past few years. 35% of stroke cases mimicking vestibular neuritis (pseudoneuritis) are misdiagnosed at the Emergency Department, and 40% of these cases develop complications. During the first 48 hours, sensitivity for stroke of the new test that is based on the malfunction of the oculomotor system is better than the diffusion-weighted cranial magnetic resonance imaging. Using special test glasses each component of the new test can be made objective and repeatable.