Vertigo with upbeat nystagmus shortly after exposure to a small amount of organic solvent

Abstract

Vertigo is a symptom with several possible etiologies. In this case, a 53-year-old woman presented with a 1-month history of vertigo. She had smelled an unpleasant organic solvent for three hours while working at a desk before the onset of vertigo. Physical examination revealed upbeat nystagmus and a wide-based gait but was otherwise unremarkable; no problems with coordination were observed. Further diagnostic tests, including MRI, inner ear function tests, blood sample analysis assessment of Vitamin B12 levels, and urinalysis, were performed. Vestibular rehabilitation and prevention of exposure to organic solvent were recommended to the patient. The upbeat nystagmus gradually subsided, then the nystagmus and gait disturbance resolved after six months. Patient history and past reports show that such a small amount of organic solvent can cause vertigo. This case highlights a diagnostic approach to vertigo and emphasizes the importance of obtaining a comprehensive history from the patient.

Keywords:

• Vertigo
• organic solvent
• upbeat nystagmus
• central nystagmus

Acknowledgments

None.

Patient consent

Patients’ approval for the mentioned data is collected.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

No targeted funding was received for this study.