Evaluation of Vestibular Function by Dynamic Posturography and Other Equilibrium Examinations

Abstract

We evaluated the significance of dynamic posturography (EquiTest) in vestibular function assessment by comparing it with our routine equilibrium examinations comprised of nystagmographic data and other postural tests. Fifty—two patients with unilateral peripheral vestibular disorders were examined. Differences in test results between pendular rotation test and dynamic posturography were found in 23 out of 52 (44%) patients with unilateral peripheral vestibular disorders. In 5 patients, no abnormality of vestibular function could be detected by means of a three—test battery (spontaneous and positional nystagmus and pendular rotation test) used for evaluating vestibular compensation. In spite of these results, the patients complained of vertigo of dizziness and showed abnormal results in dynamic posturography. Dynamic posturography was superior to other postural tests in the detection of pathology corresponding with the patients' complaints. From these results, dynamic posturography (EquiTest) appeared to provide new information about such conditions of vestibular patients which other equilibrium examinations have not heretofore been able to detect.

Key Words:

• vestibular compensation
• vestibule—ocular reflex
• vestibulospinal reflex