| Abstract [eng] |
Aim: To review the etiology, diagnostics and treatment of alternobaric vertigo, and to assess its prevalence among divers in Lithuania. Objectives: 1. To analyze the prevalence, etiology, diagnostics, treatment of alternobaric vertigo 2. To conduct an online survey to interview divers about dizziness, nausea, vomiting and other experienced symptoms, age, gender, diving experience, tobacco use, health disorders affecting the auditory tube and vestibular system. 3. To assess auditory tube and vestibular function using otorhinolaryngological, otoneurological tests. 4. To evaluate and compare the results between divers with and without dizziness. To evaluate the prevalence of the condition among divers in Lithuania. Methods: In the first phase of the study, the online survey “Prevalence of Alternobaric Vertigo Among Divers in Lithuania” was distributed, with 57 divers participating. In the second phase 16 participants underwent examination, including otorhinolaryngological assessments (acoustic impedance testing, tuning fork tests, the ETDQ-7 questionnaire), vestibular function evaluation (positional tests, vestibulo-ocular reflex assessment, caloric test). Calculations were performed using MS Excel 2014, IBM SPSS Statistics programs. Results: Dizziness during diving was reported by 49.1% of the respondents. The most prevalent symptoms - ear pain and congestion (77.2%), while the least common - hearing impairment (14%), temporary deafness (1.75%). Nausea was experienced by 22.8% of participants, vomiting was reported by 5.3%. Dizziness occurred in 71.4% of smokers and 28.2% of non-smokers. Conclusions: 1. Alternobaric vertigo is common among divers and can pose health risks. The main cause of alternobaric vertigo episodes is auditory tube dysfunction. To prevent vertigo episodes, it is crucial to restore proper auditory tube function. 2. Dizziness episodes occur in 49.1% of divers, with the most prevalent symptoms being ear congestion and pain, reported by 77.2% of divers. Smoking is the most significant factor influencing the occurrence of vertigo. No clear correlations were found between underlying health conditions and the duration or severity of symptoms. 3. None of the participants showed dysfunction of the auditory tube. Vestibular system dysfunction was identified in four participants. 4. Study found that women experience dizziness episodes more frequently than men and smoking may be linked to a higher frequency of dizziness and other symptoms. The diver’s examination revealed no significant differences in the auditory tube and vestibular system function between those who experienced dizziness episodes and those who did not. Episodes of alternobaric vertigo may be suspected in two participants. Keywords: Alternobaric vertigo; auditory tube dysfunction; vestibular system function. |
