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Dysequilibrium of ageing (presbyastasis)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

A. Belal Jr  and
Aram Glorig
A. Belal Jr*
Affiliation:
Professor of Otolaryngology, Alexandria School of Medicine, Egypt.
Aram Glorig
Affiliation:
Associate Director of Research, House Ear Institute, Los Angeles, California.
*
A. Belal M.D. P.O. Box 7344, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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Abstract

We reviewed clinical findings in 740 patients over age 65 who consulted the Otological Medical Group, Inc., during a one-year period for dizziness. A thorough neurotologic evaluation is indicated in every such case to determine the specific cause of dizziness. In 21 per cent of these patients, a specific cause of dizziness was found. In the remaining 79 per cent, the diagnosis of primary dysequilibrium of ageing (presbyastasis) was made.

We classified dysequilibrium of ageing (presbyastasis) according to the character, time course, and precipitating factors of dizziness. Two clinical types were described: constant and unclassified. The histological finding in the temporal bones of four cases with dysequilibrium of ageing were reviewed. Pathological changes other than those in the peripheral vestibular system seem to be responsible for dysequilibrium of ageing.

In the present series, about three-fourths of the patients had a daily dose of nicotinic acid to produce flushing of the skin. In 16 per cent, the dizziness was minor, requiring no special treatment. In the remaining 9 per cent with incapacitating vertigo, a vasodilator regimen, antivertiginous drugs, and Cawthorne's vestibular exercises were prescribed.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 100 , Issue 9 , September 1986 , pp. 1037 - 1041
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1986

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