J Korean Bal Soc.  2004 Dec;3(2):372-378.

Otologic Causes of Drop Attacks in Elderly Patients

• Lee H
• Yi HA
• Lim JG
• Ahn BH
• Park BR

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Many neurologists are unaware of the drop attack that may occur from an inner ear dysfunction especially in elderly. We performed this study to investigate the clinical features and results of quantitative audiovestibular tests in six elderly patients (> or =65 years of age) who presented with drop attacks attributable to an inner ear pathology. MATERIALS AND METHOD:Group was divided into Meniere's syndrome (4) or non-Meniere peripheral vestibulopathy (2). Standard dizziness questionnaire and quantitative audiovestibular function testing were performed.
RESULTS
Episodes were described as a sudden push to the ground in four or a violent illusionary movement of environment leading to a fall in two. All cases gave a history of prior vertiginous episodes and vestibular testing revealed unilateral caloric paresis. Ipsilateral hearing loss was documented in four cases.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that otologic causes should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the drop attack in elderly, even if the symptoms and signs were not consistent with Meniere's syndrome.

Keyword

Otologic cause; Drop attack; Elderly patients

MeSH Terms

Aged*
Diagnosis, Differential
Dizziness
Ear, Inner
Hearing Loss
Humans
Meniere Disease
Paresis
Pathology
Surveys and Questionnaires
Syncope*