Schubert MC, Stitz J, Cohen HS, Sangi-Haghpeykar H, Mulavara AP, Peters BT, Bloomberg JJ. Prototype tests of vertical and torsional alignment nulling for screening vestibular function.
J Vestib Res 2018;
27:173-176. [PMID:
29064832 DOI:
10.3233/ves-170618]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
We have developed a non-invasive, behavioral measure of ocular alignment using a computer tablet, colored lenses, and touch screen software.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to determine if these tests differentiate healthy controls from patients with vestibular disorders.
METHODS
In the vertical alignment nulling test (VAN), subjects were asked to adjust a horizontal line that was offset vertically from a fixed horizontal line. In the torsional alignment nulling test (TAN) subjects were asked to adjust a line that was rotationally offset (i.e. clockwise) from a fixed horizontal line. We measured VAN and TAN in 14 healthy controls and 8 patients with known vestibular disorders.
RESULTS
Patients had significantly worse scores than controls on TAN, (mean 2.2 vs 0.75, p = 0.01), and no differences for scores compared to controls on VAN, (mean 0.4 vs 0.8, p = 0.07).
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that TAN, and possibly VAN, have potential for identifying misalignments in ocular position. After further technical development these tests might be useful in the future for screening patients in facilities that are not equipped to perform cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials.
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