Correlation of nicotine-induced nystagmus, vertigo, nausea and imbalance with nicotine plasma concentrations

Introduction: Nicotine acts through different cholinergic receptors in the peripheral and central vestibular system and may cause nystagmus, postural imbalance, vertigo and nausea. The inter-relationship of these signs and symptoms as well as their dependence on the blood nicotine concentration has not yet been studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the nicotine (NIC) plasma-concentration and (a) nicotine-induced nystagmus (NIN), (b) imbalance, (c) vertigo and (d) nausea in healthy volunteers. Vertigo and nausea were estimated at rest and during vestibular and optoki…