[Orientational evaluation of otolith function by eye counter-rolling in patients with various kinds of vertigo]

Measurement of ocular counterrolling (OCR) is well known as a simple method to evaluate the peripheral vestibular organ, especially the otolith organ. But it has rarely been used because of the difficulty in differentiating between pathologically reduced OCR and the wide physiological variation of this parameter.

In this study, the OCR of 55 patients with unclarified vertigo (n = 20), vestibular neuronitis (n = 15), Menière's disease (n = 10), and benign paroxysmal positional nystagmus (n = 10) were evaluated and compared to a control group (n = 30) with the intention of diagnosing peripheral vestibular dysfunction and establishing a differential diagnosis. The test sequence was carried out with Vesta goggles by Panares and included head tilts of 5 degrees, 15 degrees, and 30 degrees to the left and right.

The results show a significantly reduced OCR in patients suffering from peripheral vestibular disorders when compared to the control group.

There is no specific finding for a specific type of vestibular lesion, but otolith function is affected in several disorders as measured by ocular counterrolling.