Vertigo and Cerebral Hemoglobin Changes during Unilateral Caloric Stimulation.

The aim of the present study using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is to evaluate the correlation of cerebral (parieto-temporal lobe) hemoglobin changes and vertiginous sensation during unilateral caloric stimulation. During the hot water (44° C) stimulus, cerebral hemoglobin was increased bilaterally, but it was dominant ipsilaterally. During the unilateral cold water (30° C) stimulus, cerebral hemoglobin was decreased on both sides, especially on the ipsilateral side. Vertigious sensation was strong in cases with marked left-right difference of cerebral hemoglobin changes. The usefulness of NIRS to investigate the relationship between peripheral vestibular organ and vestibular cortex was verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]