Citation

Akin FW, Murnane OD. Otolaryngol. Clin. North Am. 2011; 44(2): 323-334.

Affiliation

Vestibular/Balance Laboratory, Audiology Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Mountain Home, TN 37684, USA; Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, East Tennessee State University, TN 37614, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.otc.2011.01.005

PMID

21474007

Abstract

Young adults are more likely to suffer blast injury and traumatic brain injury (TBI) than other age groups. This article reviews the literature on the vestibular consequences of blast exposure and TBI and concussion. In addition, the vestibular test findings obtained from 31 veterans with a history of blast exposure and/or mild TBI are presented. The authors discuss loss of horizontal semicircular canal function and postural instability related to head injury. Preliminary data suggest the novel theory that otolith organs are uniquely vulnerable to head injury and blast exposure.

Language: en