Valsalva maneuver

Short description: Technique for equalising pressure in the middle ears

Valsalva maneuver

A man performs the Valsalva maneuver while his ear is examined with an otoscope.

[edit on Wikidata]

The Valsalva maneuver is performed by a forceful attempt of exhalation against a closed airway, usually done by closing one's mouth and pinching one's nose shut while expelling air, as if blowing up a balloon. Variations of the maneuver can be used either in medical examination as a test of cardiac function and autonomic nervous control of the heart, or to clear the ears and sinuses (that is, to equalize pressure between them) when ambient pressure changes, as in scuba diving, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or air travel.[1]

A modified version is done by expiring against a closed glottis. This will elicit the cardiovascular responses described below but will not force air into the Eustachian tubes.[citation needed]

## Contents

* 1 History
* 2 Physiological response
* 3 Applications
* 3.1 Normalizing middle-ear pressures
* 3.2 Strength training
* 3.3 Pain management
* 3.4 Regulation of heart rhythm
* 3.5 Medical diagnostics
* 3.5.1 Cardiology
* 3.5.2 Neurology
* 3.5.3 Palpation of supraclavicular lymph nodes
* 3.5.4 Oral–antral communication
* 3.5.5 Urogenital medicine
* 4 Complications
* 4.1 Preretinal
* 5 Valsalva device in spacesuits
* 6 See also
* 7 References
* 8 External links

## History

The technique is named after Antonio Maria Valsalva,[2][3] a 17th-century physician and anatomist from Bologna whose principal scientific interest was the human ear. He described the Eustachian tube and the maneuver to test its patency (openness). He also described the use of this maneuver to expel pus from the middle ear.[citation needed]

## Physiological response

Blood pressure (systolic) and pulse rate during a normal response to a Valsalva maneuver. Forty-millimeter mercury pressure is applied at 5 seconds and relieved at 20 seconds.

The normal physiological response consists of four phases.[4][3]

1. Initial pressure rise

On application of expiratory force, pressure rises inside the chest forcing blood out of the pulmonary circulation into the left atrium. This causes a mild rise in stroke volume during the first few seconds of the maneuver.
2. Reduced venous return and compensation

Return of systemic blood to the heart is impeded by the pressure inside the chest. The output of the heart is reduced, and stroke volume falls. This occurs from 5 to about 14 seconds in the illustration. The fall in stroke volume reflexively causes blood vessels to constrict with some rise in pressure (15 to 20 seconds). This compensation can be marked with pressure returning to near or above normal, but the cardiac output and blood flow to the body remain low. During this time, the pulse rate increases (compensatory tachycardia).
3. Pressure release

The pressure on the chest is released, allowing the pulmonary vessels and the aorta to re-expand, causing a further initial slight fall in stroke volume (20 to 23 seconds) due to decreased left atrial return and increased aortic volume, respectively. Venous blood can once more enter the chest and the heart; cardiac output increases.
4. Return of cardiac output

Blood return to the heart is enhanced by the effect of the entry of blood that has been dammed back, causing a rapid increase in cardiac output (24 seconds on). The stroke volume usually rises above normal before returning to a normal level. With the return of blood pressure, the pulse rate returns to normal.

In summary, the maneuver increases intrathoracic pressure and, thus, a decrease in preload to the heart. This decreased preload leads to cardiovascular changes through the baroreflex and other compensatory reflex mechanisms.[3] Deviation from this response pattern signifies either abnormal heart function or abnormal autonomic nervous control of the heart. Dentists also use Valsalva following extraction of a maxillary molar tooth. The maneuver is performed to determine if there is a perforation or antral communication.

## Applications

### Normalizing middle-ear pressures

When rapid ambient pressure increase occurs, as in underwater diving or aircraft descent, this pressure tends to hold the Eustachian tubes closed, preventing pressure equalization across the eardrum and causing pain.[5][6][7] To avoid this painful situation, divers, caisson workers and people in pressurised aircraft attempt to open the Eustachian tubes by swallowing, which tends to open the tubes, allowing the ear to equalize itself.[citation needed]

If this fails, then the Valsalva maneuver may be used. This maneuver, when used as a tool to equalize middle ear pressure, carries with it the risk of auditory damage from over-pressurization of the middle ear.[1][6][8] The Valsalva maneuver generates about 20–40 mm of Hg pressure.[9] It is safer, if time permits, to attempt to open the Eustachian tubes by swallowing a few times, or yawning, or by using the Valsalva technique of breathing a minimal amount of air gently into nostrils held closed by the fingers as soon as mild pressure is felt before it increases to the point that its release would be painful. The effectiveness of the "yawning" method can be improved with practice; some people can achieve release or opening by moving their jaw forward or forward and down, rather than straight down as in a classical yawn,[6] and some can do so without moving their jaw at all by activating the tensor tympani muscle, which is heard by the individual as a deep, rumbling sound. The opening can often be heard by the practitioner, thus providing feedback that the maneuver was successful.[citation needed]

During swallowing or yawning, several muscles in the pharynx (throat) elevate the soft palate and open the throat. One of these muscles, the tensor veli palatini, also acts to open the Eustachian tube. This is why swallowing or yawning is successful in equalizing middle ear pressure. Contrary to popular belief, the jaw does not pinch the tubes shut when closed. The Eustachian tubes are not located close enough to the mandible to be pinched off. People often recommend chewing gum during ascent/descent in aircraft because chewing gum increases the rate of salivation, and swallowing the excess saliva opens the Eustachian tubes.

In a clinical setting, the Valsalva maneuver is commonly done against a closed glottis or an external pressure measuring device, thus eliminating or minimizing the pressure on the Eustachian tubes. Straining or blowing against resistance, as in blowing up balloons, has a Valsalva effect, and the fall in blood pressure can result in dizziness and even fainting.

### Strength training

The Valsalva maneuver is commonly believed to be the optimal breathing pattern for producing maximal force. It is frequently used in powerlifting to stabilize the trunk during exercises such as the squat, deadlift, and bench press, and in both lifts of Olympic weightlifting.[10] Additionally, competitive strongmen often use the Valsalva maneuver in things such as log press, yoke walks, and stone loading, as well as any other strongman movements.[citation needed]

### Pain management

The Valsalva maneuver can reduce pain during lumbar puncture.[11] According to Kumar, et al., performing the maneuver on an awake patient triggers predictable cardiovascular and autonomic responses that can be timed by a skilled surgeon to maximize anesthetic benefit for the patient.

### Regulation of heart rhythm

The Valsalva maneuver may be used to arrest episodes of supraventricular tachycardia.[12][13] Blood pressure (BP) rises at onset of straining-because the increased intrathoracic pressure (ITP) is added to the pressure in the aorta. It then falls because the ITP compresses the veins, decreasing the venous return and cardiac output. This inhibits the baroreceptors, causing tachycardia and a rise in peripheral vascular resistance (PVR). When the glottis is opened and the ITP returns to normal, cardiac output is restored, but the peripheral vessels are constricted. The blood pressure therefore rises above normal, and this stimulates the baroreceptors, causing bradycardia and a drop in BP to a normal level.[14]

### Medical diagnostics

#### Cardiology

The maneuver can sometimes be used to diagnose heart abnormalities, especially when used in conjunction with an echocardiogram.[15][unreliable medical source?] For example, the Valsalva maneuver (phase II) increases the intensity of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy murmurs, namely those of dynamic subvalvular left ventricular outflow obstruction. This is due to the decreased preload in this phase, worsening the obstruction and thus accentuating the murmur.[3] At the same time, the Valsalva maneuver (phase II) decreases the intensity of most other murmurs, including those resulting from aortic stenosis and atrial septal defect. The decrease in murmur intensity occurs from a smaller preload, which reduces the amount of blood ejected through the stenotic aortic valve, thereby decreasing murmur intensity.[3]

Effect of Valsalva (phase II)  | Cardiac finding

|

Decreases murmur
Aortic stenosis
Pulmonic stenosis
Tricuspid regurgitation
Increases murmur | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Mitral valve prolapse
Earlier onset of murmur
Mitral valve prolapse

#### Neurology

The Valsalva maneuver is used to aid in the clinical diagnosis of problems or injuries in the nerves of the cervical spine.[16] Upon performing the Valsalva maneuver, intraspinal pressure slightly increases. Thus, neuropathies or radicular pain may be felt or exacerbated, which may indicate nerve impingement by an intervertebral disc or other part of the anatomy. Headache and pain upon performing the Valsalva maneuver are also one of the main symptoms in Arnold–Chiari malformation. The Valsalva maneuver may help check for a dural tear following certain spinal operations, such as a microdiscectomy. An increase in intra-spinal pressure will cause cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) to leak out of the dura, causing a headache.[citation needed]

The Valsalva maneuver has been associated with transient global amnesia.[17][18][19][20][21]

#### Palpation of supraclavicular lymph nodes

As the lymph nodes may be buried, asking the patient to perform the Valsalva maneuver can push the cupola of the lung upward, bringing deep-seated nodes to a more accessible position for palpation.[22] Palpation may identify an enlargement of the supraclavicular lymph nodes, a diagnostic indicator of cancer. The prevalence of malignancy in the presence of supraclavicular lymphadenopathy is reported to be in the range of 54% to 85%.[23]

#### Oral–antral communication

A variant of the Valsalva maneuver is used to aid diagnosis of oral–entral communication, i.e., the existence of a connection between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus.[24]

#### Urogenital medicine

The Valsalva maneuver is used to aid in the diagnosis of intrinsic sphincteric deficiency (ISD) in urodynamic tests. Valsalva leak point pressure is the minimum vesicular pressure associated with urine leakage. Although there is no consensus on the threshold value, values > 60 cm H2O are commonly considered to indicate hypermobility of the bladder neck and normal sphincter function.[25] Also, when examining women with pelvic organ prolapse, asking the patient to perform the Valsalva maneuver is used to demonstrate maximum pelvic organ descent.[26]

## Complications

The Valsalva maneuver is relatively safe, and side effects are rare. Yet, complications include Valsalva retinopathy in susceptible patients. There are also reports of syncope, chest pain, and arrhythmias due to the performance of the maneuver, so caution is necessary for patients with preexisting coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, or congenital heart defects.[3]

### Preretinal

Valsalva retinopathy is pathological syndrome associated with the Valsalva maneuver.[27][28][3] It presents as preretinal hemorrhage (bleeding in front of the retina) in people with a history of transient increase in the intrathoracic pressure and may be associated with heavy lifting, forceful coughing, straining on the toilet, or vomiting. The bleeding may cause visual loss if it obstructs the visual axis, and patients may note floaters in their visual field. Usually, this causes no permanent visual impairments, and sight is fully restored.

## Valsalva device in spacesuits

Astronaut showing the use of the "Valsalva"

Main article: Engineering:Valsalva device

Some spacesuits contain a device called the Valsalva device to enable the wearer to block their nose to perform the Valsalva maneuver when wearing the suit. Astronaut Drew Feustel describes it as "a spongy device called a Valsalva that is typically used to block the nose in case a pressure readjustment is needed".[29] One use of the device is to equalize pressure during suit pressurization.[30]

## See also

* Medicine:Barostriction - obstruction of pressure equalization passages
* Medicine:Ear clearing - Equalising of pressure in the middle ears
* Biology:Müller's maneuver - Procedure used in medicine to diagnose some types of tinnitus
* Biology:Vagal maneuver - Action used to slow down the heart rate by stimulating the vagus nerve
* Medicine:Handgrip maneuver - Performed by clenching one's fist forcefully for a sustained time until fatigued

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Taylor, D (1996). "The Valsalva Manoeuvre: A critical review". South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society Journal 26 (1). ISSN 0813-1988. OCLC 16986801. http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/6264. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
2. ↑ Template:Whonamedit
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Srivastav, Shival; Jamil, Radia T.; Zeltser, Roman (2023), "Valsalva Maneuver", StatPearls (Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing), PMID 30725933, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537248/, retrieved 2023-10-25
4. ↑ Luster, EA; Baumgartner, N; Adams, WC; Convertino, VA (1996). "Effects of hypovolemia and posture on responses to the Valsalva maneuver". Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine 67 (4): 308–13. PMID 8900980.
5. ↑ Brubakk, A.O.; Neuman, T.S., eds (2003). Bennett and Elliott's physiology and medicine of diving (5th Rev ed.). United States: Saunders Ltd.. ISBN 978-0-7020-2571-6. [page needed]
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Kay, E. "Prevention of middle ear barotrauma". http://faculty.washington.edu/ekay/MEbaro.html.
7. ↑ Kay, E. "The Diver's Ear – Under Pressure" (Flash video). http://faculty.washington.edu/ekay/.
8. ↑ Roydhouse, N. (1978). "The squeeze, the ear and prevention". South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society Journal 8 (1). ISSN 0813-1988. OCLC 16986801. http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/6169. Retrieved 11 June 2008.
9. ↑ Lee, K. J. (2015) (in en). KJ Lee's Essential Otolaryngology, 11th edition. McGraw Hill Professional. ISBN 9780071849937. https://books.google.com/books?id=62eJCgAAQBAJ&q=Valsalva+maneuver+generates.
10. ↑ Findley, Brian W. (August 2003). "Is the Valsalva Maneuver a Proper Breathing Technique?". Strength & Conditioning Journal 25 (4): 52. https://journals.lww.com/nsca-scj/Citation/2003/08000/Is_the_Valsalva_Maneuver_a_Proper_Breathing.13.aspx.
11. ↑ Kumar, Chandra Mohan; Van Zundert, Andre A. J. (2018). "Intraoperative Valsalva maneuver: a narrative review". J Can Anesth 65 (5): 578–585. doi:10.1007/s12630-018-1074-6. PMID 29368315.
12. ↑ Lim, S. H.; Anantharaman, V.; Teo, W. S.; Goh, P. P.; Tan, A. T. H. (1 January 1998). "Comparison of Treatment of Supraventricular Tachycardia by Valsalva Maneuver and Carotid Sinus Massage". Annals of Emergency Medicine 31 (1): 30–35. doi:10.1016/S0196-0644(98)70277-X. PMID 9437338.
13. ↑ Winter, C.; Nagappan, R.; Arora, S. (2002). "Potential dangers of the Valsalva manoeuvre and adenosine in paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia - beware preexcitation". Critical Care and Resuscitation 4 (2): 107–111. PMID 16573413. https://www.cicm.org.au/CICM_Media/CICMSite/CICM-Website/Resources/Publications/CCR Journal/Previous Editions/June 2002/06_2002_Jun_Potential-Dangers.pdf.
14. ↑ Klabunde, Richard. "Hemodynamics of a Valsalva Maneuver". https://www.cvphysiology.com/Hemodynamics/H014.
15. ↑ Zuber, M.; Cuculi, F.; Oechslin, E.; Erne, P.; Jenni, R. (2008). "Is transesophageal echocardiography still necessary to exclude patent foramen ovale?". Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal 42 (3): 222–225. doi:10.1080/14017430801932832. PMID 18569955.
16. ↑ Johnson, RH; Smith, AC; Spalding, JM (1969). "Blood pressure response to standing and to Valsalva's manoeuvre: Independence of the two mechanisms in neurological diseases including cervical cord lesions". Clinical Science 36 (1): 77–86. PMID 5783806.
17. ↑ Lewis, S (1998). "Aetiology of transient global amnesia". The Lancet 352 (9125): 397–399. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(98)01442-1. PMID 9717945.
18. ↑ Sander, Kerstin; Sander, Dirk (2005). "New insights into transient global amnesia: recent imaging and clinical findings". The Lancet Neurology 4 (7): 437–444. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(05)70121-6. PMID 15963447.
19. ↑ Moreno-lugris; Martínez-Alvarez, J; Brañas, F; Martínez-Vázquez, F; Cortés-Laiño, JA (1996). "Transient global amnesia. Case-control study of 24 cases". Revista de Neurología 24 (129): 554–557. PMID 8681172.
20. ↑ Nedelmann; Eicke, BM; Dieterich, M (2005). "Increased incidence of jugular valve insufficiency in patients with transient global amnesia". Journal of Neurology 252 (12): 1482–1486. doi:10.1007/s00415-005-0894-9. PMID 15999232.
21. ↑ "Transient global amnesia and venous flow patterns". The Lancet 357 (9256): 639. 2001. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(05)71434-3. PMID 11558519.
22. ↑ Karpf, M.; Walker, H. K.; Hall, W. D.; Hurst, J. W. (1980). "Lymphadenopathy". Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations (third ed.). Butterworths. ISBN 9780409900774. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK256/.
23. ↑ "Assessment of lymphadenopathy – Differential diagnosis of symptoms". BMJ Best Practice. http://bestpractice.bmj.com/best-practice/monograph/838/diagnosis.html.
24. ↑ "How Do I Manage Oroantral Communication? Key Points". 19 March 2013. http://www.oasisdiscussions.ca/2013/03/19/oc-2/.
25. ↑ Cystoscopy and Urethroscopy in the Assessment of Urinary Incontinence at eMedicine
26. ↑ Bump, Richard C.; Mattiasson, Anders; Bø, Kari; Brubaker, Linda P.; Delancey, John O.L.; Klarskov, Peter; Shull, Bob L.; Smith, Anthony R.B. (1996). "The standardization of terminology of female pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction". American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 175 (1): 10–17. doi:10.1016/S0002-9378(96)70243-0. PMID 8694033.
27. ↑ Gibran, S K; Kenawy, N; Wong, D; Hiscott, P (2007). "Changes in the retinal inner limiting membrane associated with Valsalva retinopathy". British Journal of Ophthalmology 91 (5): 701–702. doi:10.1136/bjo.2006.104935. PMID 17446519.
28. ↑ Connor AJ (2010). "Valsalva-related retinal venous dilation caused by defaecation". Acta Ophthalmologica 88 (4): e149. doi:10.1111/j.1755-3768.2009.01624.x. PMID 19747224.
29. ↑ "US astronaut grapples with 'tears in space'". spacedaily.com. 25 May 2011. http://www.space-travel.com/reports/US_astronaut_grapples_with_tears_in_space_999.html.
30. ↑ Sam Cristoforetti [@AstroSamantha] (22 November 2011). "It's a Valsalva device, to equalize ears as the pressure in suit increases". https://twitter.com/AstroSamantha/status/138912801153490944.

## External links

* Definitions of various clinical tests for neuropathy
* Vitreous Hemorrhage at eMedicine
* Valsalva Retinopathy at eMedicine

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