Veterans With Gulf War Syndrome

RELEASE DATE: September 2, 1997 (Embargoed)

CONTACT:
Kenneth Satterfield
(703) 519-1563
(415) 978-3504 (9/5/97-9/10/97)
Email: [email protected]
VETERANS WITH GULF WAR SYNDROME

MORE PRONE TO SUFFER SIGNIFICANT BALANCE PROBLEMS

New study finds that majority of veterans with Gulf War Syndrome display symptoms identical to central nervous system disorders.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Desert Storm veterans identified with Gulf War syndrome are more prone to suffer from significant balance problems, exhibiting symptoms consistent with a central nervous system disorder. This is the finding of a new research study conducted by Peter Roland, MD, and Robert W. Haley, MD, both from the University of Texas - Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX.

The results of the research were presented at the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery Foundation which is being held at the Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA on September 7-10, 1997. The meeting is the largest gathering for otolaryngologists, physicians who specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of the ears, nose, throat and related structures of the head and neck.

Methodology: Twenty-three veterans with Gulf War Syndrome and 20 control subjects were evaluated using auditory brainstem response (ABR), sinusoiddal harmonic acceleration, platform posturography and ENG (electronystagmography). The symptoms were evaluated using a 2-page questionnaire.

Results: Stastically significant differences between Gulf War veterans and control subjects indicated that Gulf War veterans suffered from chronic balance disorder. The symptoms found were consistent with central nervous system dysfunction.

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Editor's Note: For additional information regarding this research and the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting, contact Ken Satterfield at (703) 519-1563 or at the annual meeting newsroom,

(415) 978-3504.