[Ischemia of the anterior vestibular artery (Lindsay-Hemenway syndrome). Review and comments].

INTRODUCTION

The Lindsay and Hemenway syndrome is produced by ischemia in the territory of the anterior vestibular artery and is characterized by an initial episode of acute vertigo followed by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and decreased or abolished caloric response.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of anterior vestibular artery syndrome in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

DESIGN

A 3-year retrospective study (January 1994 to December 1996).

SETTING

Patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of the Zamora and Salamanca (Spain) health districts seen in two outpatients clinics.

STUDY SUBJECTS

Ninety-eight patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients diagnosed as anterior vestibular artery syndrome were revised (16.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the literature is scarce, the incidence of Lindsay-Hemenway syndrome seems to be underestimated.