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Open Access 27-01-2024 | Spinocerebellar Ataxia | Original Communication

Abnormal vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials as a risk factor for unpredicted falls in spinocerebellar ataxia: a preliminary study

Authors: Seo-Young Choi, Kwang-Dong Choi, Jae-Hwan Choi, Ji-Soo Kim

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 5/2024

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to correlate the symptoms and signs with the findings of laboratory vestibular function tests in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA).

Method

We retrospectively recruited 26 patients with SCA (9 men, median age: 52, age range: 21–67). Assessments included Dizziness Handicap Inventory, EuroQoL Five-Dimension, symptom questionnaires manifesting during walking in daily life, the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), and vestibular function tests including 3D video-oculography, video head impulse test, subjective visual vertical, and cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP).

Results

Cross-analyses revealed that the patients with VEMP abnormalities showed higher SARA (p = 0.014) and prevalence of unpredictable falls (p = 0.046). The patients with SCA1 more frequently had unpredictable falls (75%, p = 0.038) and VEMP abnormalities (88%, p = 0.001) compared to SCA2 (29% falls, 17% VEMP abnormalities) and SCA6 (no falls or VEMP abnormalities).

Conclusion

Abnormal VEMPs are strongly associated with unpredicted falls in patients with SCA, particularly in those with SCA1. Impaired processing of otolithic information may contribute to falls in SCAs, and VEMP may help identifying the patients with a risk for unpredicted falls and preventing fall-related injuries in SCA. Limited number of patients with lower SARA scores warrant further confirmatory studies.

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Title: Abnormal vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials as a risk factor for unpredicted falls in spinocerebellar ataxia: a preliminary study
Authors: Seo-Young Choi
Kwang-Dong Choi
Jae-Hwan Choi
Ji-Soo Kim
Publication date: 27-01-2024
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Spinocerebellar Ataxia
Gaze-Evoked Nystagmus
Published in: Journal of Neurology / Issue 5/2024
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-024-12195-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abnormal vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials as a risk factor for unpredicted falls in spinocerebellar ataxia: a preliminary study

Abstract

Objective

Method

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Method

Results

Conclusion

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