Acoustic neuroma presenting as exercise-induced vertigo

• Published in: Journal of laryngology and otology Vol. 116; no. 8; pp. 630 - 632
• Main Authors: Chee, Nelson Wang Cheng, Tong, Helen Mui Huey
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 01.08.2002
• Subjects: (RF) Otorhinolaryngology; Acoustic; Adult; Audiometry, Pure-Tone; Biological and medical sciences; Ear, auditive nerve, cochleovestibular tract, facial nerve: diseases, semeiology; Exercise; Humans; Hyperventilation; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Medical sciences; Neuroma; Neuroma, Acoustic - complications; Neuroma, Acoustic - diagnosis; Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Tumors; Vertigo; Vertigo - etiology; Vertigo - physiopathology; Neuroma, Acoustic; Hyperventilation; Vertigo; Equilibrium disorder; Case study; Physical exercise; Human; Symptomatology; Nervous system diseases; Cranial nerve disease; Effort; ENT disease; Benign neoplasm; Inaugural sign
• ISSN: 0022-2151; 1748-5460
• DOI: 10.1258/00222150260171641

We present two subjects with previously undiagnosed acoustic neuromas who complained of vertigo whenever they ran. One had normal hearing while the other already had a unilateral sensorineural deafness. Hyperventilation for 30 seconds provoked an ipsilateral beating nystagmus and reproduced the vertiginous sensation in both subjects. Hyperventilation is a simple bedside test that should be performed when assessing a subject with vertigo or when there is a clinical suspicion of an acoustic neuroma.