Tullio phenomenon
Encyclopedia
Tullio phenomenon, sound-induced vertigo, dizziness, nausea or eye movement (nystagmus) was first described in 1929 by the Italian biologist Prof. Pietro Tullio. (1881–1941) During his experiments on pigeons, Tullio discovered that by drilling tiny holes in the semicircular canals of his subjects, he could subsequently cause them balance problems when exposed to sound.
The cause is usually a fistula
in the middle or inner ear, allowing abnormal sound-synchronized pressure changes in the balance organs. (semicircular canals) Such an opening may be caused by a barotrauma (e.g. incurred when diving or flying), or may be a side effect of fenestration surgery, syphilis or Lyme disease.
Patients with this disorder may also experience vertigo, imbalance and eye movement set off by changes in pressure, e.g. when nose-blowing, swallowing or when lifting heavy objects.
Tullio phenomenon is also one of the common symptoms of superior canal dehiscence syndrome
(SCDS), first diagnosed in 1998 by Dr. Lloyd B. Minor
, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore
, USA.
The cause is usually a fistula
Fistula
In medicine, a fistula is an abnormal connection or passageway between two epithelium-lined organs or vessels that normally do not connect. It is generally a disease condition, but a fistula may be surgically created for therapeutic reasons.-Locations:Fistulas can develop in various parts of the...
in the middle or inner ear, allowing abnormal sound-synchronized pressure changes in the balance organs. (semicircular canals) Such an opening may be caused by a barotrauma (e.g. incurred when diving or flying), or may be a side effect of fenestration surgery, syphilis or Lyme disease.
Patients with this disorder may also experience vertigo, imbalance and eye movement set off by changes in pressure, e.g. when nose-blowing, swallowing or when lifting heavy objects.
Tullio phenomenon is also one of the common symptoms of superior canal dehiscence syndrome
Superior canal dehiscence syndrome
Superior canal dehiscence syndrome is a rare medical condition of the inner ear, first described in 1998 by Dr. Lloyd B. Minor of Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA, leading to hearing and balance disorders in those affected....
(SCDS), first diagnosed in 1998 by Dr. Lloyd B. Minor
Lloyd B. Minor
Lloyd Brooks Minor is an American scientist, surgeon, and provost and senior vice president for academic affairs of The Johns Hopkins University.-Biography:Minor graduated from Brown University with a Sc.B. in 1979 and an M.D. in 1982...
, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore
Baltimore
Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
, USA.
External links
- Encyclopædia Britannica - Tullio Phenomenon
- Dr. Timothy C. Hain - Tullio's phenomenon
- University of Rochester
- Brain - Otolith Tullio Phenomenon
- American Hearing Research Foundation - Perilymph Fistula - Tullio Phenomenon
- Vestibular Disorders Association - SCDS
- Hopkins Medical News - The Clue in the Old Bones
- Hopkins Gazette - Old Bone Collection Reveals Basis for Some Dizziness
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute - SCDS with Tullio
- Delaware Biotechnology Institute - SCDS with Tullio - animation
- "Doctor, I can hear my eyes" - W Albuquerque, A M Bronstein