[Signs and symptoms associated to otoneurologic alterations diagnosed on computerized vestibular exam of patients with multiple sclerosis].

OBJECTIVE

To identify main symptoms and signs on computerized vestibular testing in patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

METHOD

Thirty patients with the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis were studied. We analyzed data related to presented symptoms and the findings from a computerized vestibular testing realized in the otoneurological ambulatory in Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo in 2003.

RESULTS

Reported symptoms consisted mainly of disequilibrium (60%), tingling of limbs (43.3%), vertigo (40%), headache and anxiety (36.7%), tinnitus (30%), depression (26.7%). In vestibular testing we found alterations in positional nystagmus (6.7%), spontaneous nystagmus with the eyes shut (30%), directional nystagmus (13.3%) and caloric testing (63.3%). In the final conclusion of the exam, the diagnosis of irritative type peripheral vestibular syndrome (60%) and central syndrome (13.4%) prevailed.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the realization of an otoneurological exam has become indispensable in patients with multiple sclerosis. This is due to high prevalence of alterations at computerized vestibular exam and of otoneurological symptoms.