Vestibular Dynamics During Pregnancy: A Case Series Analysis Utilizing Video Head Impulse Test

Introduction: This study aims to assess the impact of pregnancy on the vestibular system by evaluating semicircular canal function in thirteen participants using the Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT) from the 20th gestational week with an 8‐week follow‐up.
Methods: Conducted at Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana from April to June 2023, this case‐series study involved weekly vHIT examinations on 13 pregnant women beyond the 20th gestational week, utilizing the EyeSeeCam device. Analysis of variance tests were employed to analyze semicircular canal changes over 8 weeks. The study also incorporated the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) in Colombian Spanish, assessing functional, emotional, and physical scales to gauge disability related to vestibular symptoms during pregnancy.
Results: The mean age was 24.8 (SD 4.3), with gestational weeks ranging from 20.6 to 32.4 (mean gestational week 26, SD: 12.3). Primiparity was prevalent (62.5%). Noteworthy ascending trends in vestibulo‐ocular reflex (VOR) gains were observed in lateral (P < .0001) and anterior (P = .0007) canals. Posterior semicircular gains displayed a significant and variable trend throughout pregnancy (P = .0037). No saccades were detected, and there was no significant increase in
asymmetry in LARP, RALP, or lateral planes. Moderate or severe disability was reported in DHI functional (50%) and physical (55%) scales throughout pregnancy.
Conclusions: The case‐series study reveals distinct trends in lateral and anterior canal gains during pregnancy, while posterior canal gains exhibit variability. These trends may be associated with volumetric and functional changes in the posterior labyrinth. Notably, moderate or severe disability persists despite these vestibular shifts throughout pregnancy.