[Vestibular dysfunction in the postpartum period following gestosis].

The state of the vestibular system was evaluated in 30 postpartum women following gestosis and 25 controls after uncomplicated pregnancy. Examination using the electronystagmographic technique failed to reveal spontaneous nystagmus (Ny) in the latter group whereas 13.3% and 30% women of the former group had it with the eyes open and closed respectively. Provocative functional tests significantly improved detectability of Ny. Hyperventilation was associated with Ny in 80% and 12% of the women after complicated and uneventful pregnancy respectively while orthostatic test revealed Ny in 63% and 12% of them. Active head rotation with closed eyes produced well-apparent experimental Ny in women of both groups, but it was significantly more pronounced in the former one. Post-gestosis women displayed markedly impaired reaction in vestibular-ocular reflex suppression test. It is concluded that 80% of the women with complicated pregnancy exhibited vestibular dysfunction of central origin in the postpartum period.