Vestibular Function After Covid-19: A Comparative Study of Audiovestibular Outcomes
Muhammed Mokresh1, Melis Demirag Evman2, Berk Erol3, Beyza Nisanur Balkan1, Ikranur Armagan1, Cemil Aydin1, Omar Alomari1
1Hamidiye International School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, 2Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, 3Department of Audiology, Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kirdar Training and Research Hospital
Objective:

To analyze the correlation of vestibular symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo in patients following Covid-19 infection, evaluate their onset, duration, and vestibular findings, and compare the etiology with that of vertigo cases tested negative for Covid-19.

Background:

Covid-19 has been associated with a variety of long-term symptoms in patients, including dizziness and vertigo. The specific onset timing, duration, and vestibular characteristics of these symptoms post-Covid-19 have not been extensively documented, and the reported long-term consequences remain controversial. There is a pressing need to standardize these findings by providing comprehensive data from all countries. 

Design/Methods:

This study included patients from 2020 to June 2021 who have tested positive for Covid-19 and present with dizziness or vertigo symptoms post-infection. The control group consisted of age- and gender-matched individuals without a history of Covid-19. Patients have undergone ear examinations, vestibular maneuvers, Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT), Videonystagmography (VNG), and audiological tests. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS (v20.0.).

Results:

The study included 39 Covid-19 positive patients and 35 controls. The mean age was 42.12±10.85 years for the Covid-19 group and 45.94±14.69 years for the controls (p=0.21). Gender distribution was similar (p=0.41). The mean time since Covid-19 positivity was 3.02±2.03 months. VNG results showed no pathology in 94.8% of Covid-19 patients vs. 82.9% of controls (p<0.001). In the vHIT, significant differences in bilateral and left-side pathologies were noted (p=0.002). Dix-Hallpike/Roll test results also differed significantly (p<0.001). No significant correlations were found between the time since Covid-19 infection and the test results.

Conclusions:
Covid-19-positive patients show distinct vestibular test findings compared to controls, suggesting a potential impact of Covid-19 on vestibular function. Differences in VNG and vHIT results indicate subtle effects on the vestibular system. Further standardized, multicenter studies are needed to understand and document the long-term vestibular consequences of Covid-19.
10.1212/WNL.0000000000211196
Disclaimer: Abstracts were not reviewed by Neurology® and do not reflect the views of Neurology® editors or staff.