3D analysis of spontaneous upbeat nystagmus in a patient with astrocytoma in cerebellum

Auris Nasus Larynx. 2012 Apr;39(2):216-9. doi: 10.1016/j.anl.2011.03.005. Epub 2011 May 23.

Abstract

Aims: We report the case of a 58-year-old female patient who consulted our Department complaining of positional vertigo and showing spontaneous upbeat nystagmus (UBN) in darkness.

Method: We analyzed her UBN three-dimensionally. The MRI scan revealed the astrocytoma in the left cerebellum involving the cerebellar vermis.

Result: Three-dimensional analysis showed a spontaneous UBN rotating around the intra-aural axis in the pitch plane.

Conclusion: Since the cerebellar vermis is known to plays an inhibitory role on the central vertical vestibule-ocular reflex (VOR), the present results suggest that the spontaneous UBN in darkness observed in this patient was induced by an imbalance of central vertical VOR tone.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Astrocytoma / physiopathology*
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Electronystagmography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Nystagmus, Pathologic / physiopathology*
  • Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular / physiology
  • Vestibular Function Tests
  • Videotape Recording*