Vestibular function in HIV patients: Preliminary report

Main purpose of this study was to evaluate vestibular function,focusing attention on percentage of peripheral damagein 30 HIV positive patients (23 male, 7 female), age range26-68 years, belonging to Categories A-C of CDC classificationof infection, underwent electronystagmographywith bithermic stimulation according to Freyss (125 cc ofwater at 30 °C and 44 °C in 30 sec). The angular velocityof slow phase was considered as the main value oflabirinthine functionality. Peripheral vestibular damage hasbeen found in 35.7% of Class A patients; a similarpercentage of peripheral signs was found in Classes B andC, where, on the contrary, increased central vestibular signswere observed. In order to evaluate equilibrium in thesepatients, a Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) test was performed.Scores were > 21 points in 85.7% of Class A patients anddecreased in Classes B and C.