Why monitor vestibular function in a patient undergoing cisplatin-based chemotherapy?

• A. Lightheadedness upon standing
• B. Ataxia of gait or stance
• C. Dizziness with a type B tympanogram
• D. Hearing loss

Answer: (B)

Vestibular toxicity from cisplatin tends to show up as balance problems and impaired coordination. When the vestibular system or its connections to the brain are affected, patients often develop gait instability and difficulties with stance—what clinicians would call ataxia of gait or stance. Detecting this kind of imbalance during treatment helps identify neurotoxic effects early so the therapy can be adjusted or supportive measures started to prevent falls and guide rehab.

The other signs described point to different issues. Lightheadedness upon standing is more about orthostatic changes in blood pressure. A dizziness complaint with a type B tympanogram indicates middle-ear fluid, not vestibular dysfunction. Hearing loss reflects cochlear (hearing) damage; while cisplatin is ototoxic, the question focuses on monitoring vestibular function, for which gait instability is the most direct and relevant sign.