Swallowing-induced vertigo and downbeat nystagmus

Abstract

Intermittent vertigo and downbeat nystagmus (DBN) have been reported in various disorders including rotational vertebral artery syndrome, basilar invagination, cardiac asystole, Chiari malformation, episodic ataxia and multiple systemic atrophy [1]. Herein, we describe a patient with vertigo and DBN induced by swallowing. This novel observation provides the evidence of cross-coupling between the vestibular system and other non-vestibular visceral afferents.