# Analysis of autonomic nervous function and associated symptoms in patients with peripheral vestibular disorders

## TL;DR

This study shows that different types of inner ear damage affect autonomic nervous function, sleep, and emotions differently in patients with vestibular disorders.

## Contribution

The study identifies multisite vestibular lesions as a key factor in worsening autonomic and functional outcomes.

## Key findings

- Multisite vestibular lesions significantly worsen autonomic dysfunction and functional impairment.
- Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) is an independent risk factor for reduced heart rate variability (SDNN).
- HRV parameters correlate with age, sleep quality, depression, and corrected QT interval.

## Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the differential effects of vestibular lesion sites, specifically the semicircular canals and otolith organs, on autonomic nervous system function, emotional state, and sleep quality by analyzing heart rate variability (HRV) and clinical symptom scale scores in patients with peripheral vestibular disorders.

A total of 144 patients with peripheral vestibular disorders admitted between September 2023 and December 2024 were enrolled and divided into four groups based on vestibular function test results: Group A (normal semicircular canal and otolith function), Group B (abnormal otolith function), Group C (abnormal semicircular canal function), and Group D (abnormal semicircular canal and otolith function). Baseline characteristics, clinical symptoms, sleep and emotion scale scores, and HRV parameters were compared across groups.

Significant differences were observed in the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) total score, DHI physical and functional sub-scores, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score, and HRV across the four groups (all p < 0.05). Standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN) was negatively correlated with age, DHI, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores, and corrected QT interval (all p < 0.05). DHI was identified as an independent risk factor for reduced SDNN (p < 0.05).

Multisite vestibular lesions significantly exacerbated functional impairment and autonomic dysfunction, underscoring the need for an integrated assessment of vestibular function, emotional state, and sleep quality for clinical management.