Vestibular toxicity during dialysis induced by Gentamycin

Introduction: Gentamicin is a widely used antibiotic, often responsible for bilateral and symmetrical vestibulotoxicity. The pathogenic mechanisms of Gentamicin-induced ototoxicity are still unknown. Although many substances are able to counteract ototoxicity in vitro, there is a lack of clinical evidence about the effectiveness of drug therapies. Vestibular rehabilitation can improve the symptoms of ototoxicity. Case report: We report a case of severe vestibular toxicity, in absence of cochleopathy, occurring in a dialysis patients treated with Gentamicin. The diagnosis of permanent vestibular areflexia was confirmed by bed-side examination and instrumental methods. Discussion: Vestibular damage induced by Gentamicin is particularly disabling. In the absence of therapies to treat the ototoxic damage, prevention and early detection represent the only possible strategy for this condiction.