Many of the Siamese cats affected are deaf as well. The prognosis for Siamese cats with congenital vestibular syndrome is good, with clinical signs usually abating by the, time the cat is 6 months of age. In Burmese cats, however, the prognosis is not as good, and the poor quality of life for most of these individuals will usually warrant euthanasia. Affected cats exhibit a rippling of the skin on their backs, especially when petted in the lower back region. The exact cause of this condition remains unknown.
Some researchers feel that it is a form of epilepsy.
Even food preservatives used in cat foods have been accused of causing feline hyperesthesia syndrome. Medical therapy for this disorder consists of the use of antianxiety medications or sedatives in an attempt to modify the cat's behavior. FIE is caused by a sudden disruption of blood supply to the brain, similar to a stroke in humans. Although a definitive cause has yet to be determined, cardiomyopathy, neoplasia metastasis, and even feline heartworms are suspect. The pupils of the eyes may become dilated, and blindness may be apparent.