European annals of otorhinolaryngology, head and neck diseases
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Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis · Apr 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyA protective effect of 5-HT3 antagonist against vestibular deficit? Metoclopramide versus ondansetron at the early stage of vestibular neuritis: a pilot study.
Ondansetron is an antiemetic 5-HT3 receptor antagonist with proven efficacy in central balance disorder. A pilot study investigated impact on acute unilateral vestibular neuritis. ⋯ Early treatment with ondansetron associated to corticosteroids and antiviral treatment reduced vestibular deficit in acute-phase vestibular neuritis as compared to reference histamine H1 receptor antagonists. The treatment did not affect central compensation. Benefit includes improved tolerance of vertigo syndrome and reduced hospital stay. These results should be confirmed on a larger series, particularly to determine the mechanism of action of 5-HT3 antagonists on vestibular function.
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Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis · Feb 2012
Case ReportsIsolated hypoglossal palsy due to cervical osteophyte.
Isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy is rare, and etiological diagnosis is difficult. We report a case of isolated hypoglossal compression by a cervical osteophyte in the hypoglossal canal exit. ⋯ Hypoglossal palsy is infrequent, but generally a sign of skull base pathology. History-taking and careful examination guide rational selection of the radiological examinations required for etiological diagnosis.
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Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis · Dec 2011
ReviewAnatomy and physiology of cerebrospinal fluid.
The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is contained in the brain ventricles and the cranial and spinal subarachnoid spaces. The mean CSF volume is 150 ml, with 25 ml in the ventricles and 125 ml in subarachnoid spaces. CSF is predominantly, but not exclusively, secreted by the choroid plexuses. ⋯ The CSF space is a dynamic pressure system. CSF pressure determines intracranial pressure with physiological values ranging between 3 and 4 mmHg before the age of one year, and between 10 and 15 mmHg in adults. Apart from its function of hydromechanical protection of the central nervous system, CSF also plays a prominent role in brain development and regulation of brain interstitial fluid homeostasis, which influences neuronal functioning.
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Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis · Nov 2011
ReviewDiagnostic value of various investigations in children with suspected foreign body aspiration: review.
Foreign body aspiration is a serious condition during childhood that requires prompt management to avoid complications and irreversible lung injury. Rigid bronchoscopy under general anaesthesia is the procedure of choice for removal of aspirated foreign bodies, but it can be associated with serious complications. The positive diagnosis can sometimes be challenging except in the case of radiopaque or obstructive foreign bodies, due to the low sensitivity and specificity of clinical history and physical examination. ⋯ The sensitivity and specificity of chest CT for the diagnosis of bronchial foreign body must be validated by a prospective study. A national multicentre study is currently underway to determine whether CT can replace flexible bronchoscopy when the diagnosis of bronchial foreign body is uncertain.
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Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis · Nov 2011
Case ReportsFacial palsy associated with leptospirosis.
The authors report a rare case of facial palsy associated with leptospirosis. ⋯ This case illustrates the possible association between leptospirosis and facial palsy.