Introduction: According to the Brazilian Society of Diabetes, there are 5 million diabetics in Brazil. In the state of Rio Grande do Sul only, there are, probably, 400.000 diabetics23,27. This group of people can present vestibular alterations. Aim: This article had the objective to contribute with the searches to help improve the quality of life of the diabetics and to search the nystagmus/ positional vertigo and electronystagmographic evaluation, and to identify possible alterations. Study design: Prospective clinical. Material and method: 12 Diabetics Type I, insulin dependents, between 12 and 27 years old, and members of Associação Riograndense de Apoio aos Diabéticos (ARAD). To observe the vestibular reactions, we did a specific interview, otoscopy, tympanometric, search of the Nystagmus/ Positional Vertigo and Electronystagmographic Evaluation in the selected sample. Results: We verified Periferic Irritable Vestibular Syndrome in 75% of the altered results. 62,5% in this group didn't present otoneurologyc symptom. Conclusions: We note that the effect of Diabetes Type I in the vestibular function may be taken into consideration like any other usual complications, since the same may occur in asymptomatic patients, and also because with the early etiologic diagnostic it is possible to help in the prevention of this disease's complications.
diabetes Mellitus; electronystagmographic; irritable vestibular sindrome; vertigo; labyrintholgy
