We explored how salivary α-amylase levels might relate to autonomic dysfunction in patients experiencing vertigo from Ménière disease (MD) and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Our study focused on individuals admitted to the emergency room for vertigo attacks, comparing results from 15 patients with MD and 9 with BPPV to a control group of 10 volunteers.
By collecting saliva samples during the attacks and on subsequent days, we aimed to see if there were significant differences in amylase levels between the groups. While we did find that the amylase levels post-BPPV attack were considerably lower than those in the control group, the differences between MD and BPPV patients were not significant.
We noted an interesting undulating pattern of amylase levels across both conditions, hinting at a potential autonomic imbalance in BPPV. However, the overall findings suggest that while amylase may offer some insight into the body's response during vertigo, its direct effectiveness as a treatment in this context remains unproven. Thus, further investigation is warranted to clarify its role and effectiveness.
Read More