A posture equilibrometer for the diagnosis of vestibular disease

Since the vestibulospinal level of vestibular function is frequently neglected in the evaluation of vertiginous patients, we developed a new posture equilibrometer for recording body swaying X (left-right) and Y (fore-aft) components of angular displacement, velocity, and acceleration with its transducer on the head of the subject. The data from patients undergoing Romberg test with eyes open and closed, Romberg test with head turned left and right and Mann test were analysed. We conclude that the equilibrometry allows one to evaluate precisely the vestibulospinal function and the sensory interaction.

Effect of althesin (CT-1341) on thyroid-adrenal function in man

The effects of althesin on adrenocortical and thyroid function were investigated by measuring plasma concentrations of cortisol, thyroxine (T4) and free thyroxine index (FTI) in 29 surgical patients. Althesin did not change the plasma cortisol concentrations from the preanaesthetic control value; however, the concentrations increased significantly after the start of surgery and thereafter. Althesin anaesthesia per se decreased slightly, but significantly, plasma T4 concentration, but did not influence the FTI value. The surgical operation increased the FTI value slightly but significantly. Our data would suggest that Althesin anaesthesia can be used in patients who have abnormal adrenocortical or thyroid activity.