Tullio’s Phenomenon

Other Known Aliases – Sound-induced vestibular activation.

Definition – Vertigo, dizziness, nausea, and nystagmus caused by a load noise.

Clinical Significance – This pathology is due to a communication between the middle and inner ear classically associated with congenital syphilis.  Recently, it has been associated with superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS).  This can also be elicited with nose-blowing, valsalva, and heavy lifting.

History – Named after Italian biologist Pietro Tullio, Ph.D. (1881-1941), who originally studied this finding in pigeons and published it in 1929. 

Tullio blowing a whistle in the ear of rabbit test subject

References

1. Firkin BG and Whitwirth JA.  Dictionary of Medical Eponyms. 2nd ed.  New York, NY; Parthenon Publishing Group. 1996.
2. Bartolucci S, Forbis P.  Stedman’s Medical Eponyms.  2nd ed.  Baltimore, MD; LWW.  2005.
3. Yee AJ, Pfiffner P. (2012).  Medical Eponyms (Version 1.4.2) [Mobile Application Software].  Retrieved http://itunes.apple.com.
4. Whonamedit – dictionary of medical eponyms. http://www.whonamedit.com/
5. Tullio, Pietro: Das Ohr und die Entstehung der Sprache und Schrift. Berlin, Germany: Urban & Schwarzenberg; 1929.
6. Kaski D, Davies R, Luxon L, Bronstein AM, Rudge P. The Tullio phenomenon: a neurologically neglected presentation. Journal of Neurology. 2012; 259(1):4-21. [pubmed]
7. Halmagyi GM, Curthoys IS, Colebatch JG, Aw ST. Vestibular responses to sound. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 2005; 1039:54-67. [pubmed]