Horizontal semicircular canal jam: Two new cases and possible mechanisms.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) of the horizontal semicircular canal (hSCC) can present with otoconia blocking its lumen (canalith jam), with signs and symptoms that make it difficult to distinguish from central nervous system pathology.

Objective

Here we report two cases of canalith jam affecting the hSCC and offer a theoretical mechanism based on known vestibular neurophysiology.

Methods

We use video-oculography to document the canalith jam and show the moment the otoconia loosen.

Results

Canalith jam is a rare form of BPPV remedied with repositioning maneuvers.

Conclusion

Clinicians should consider canalith jam as a mechanism for BPPV when the nystagmus is (a) Direction fixed with fixation removed and during positional testing

SUBMITTER: Schubert MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7042637 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature