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Phobic postural vertigo: body sway during vibratory proprioceptive stimulation
Johan Holmberg1, Mikael Karlberg, Per-Anders Fransson
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Lund University Hospital, Sweden.
Neuroreport
|June 13, 2003
Summary
Phobic postural vertigo patients exhibit greater balance instability and rely less on visual cues. They are more sensitive to proprioceptive disturbances, suggesting an anxious balance control strategy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vestibular System Disorders
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Phobic postural vertigo (PPV) is a common vestibular disorder.
- Patients with PPV may exhibit altered sensory reliance for maintaining balance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sensory reweighting in phobic postural vertigo patients.
- To compare postural control strategies between PPV patients and healthy individuals.
Main Methods:
- Posturography was used to assess stance control in 14 PPV patients and 24 healthy controls.
- Vibratory proprioceptive calf muscle stimulation was applied during quiet stance with eyes open and closed.
Main Results:
- PPV patients demonstrated higher torque variance, indicating poorer postural control, especially at higher frequencies.
- Proprioceptive stimulation exacerbated postural instability in PPV patients.
- Patients with PPV showed a reduced ability to use visual information to compensate for proprioceptive disturbances.
Conclusions:
- Phobic postural vertigo patients are more susceptible to proprioceptive sensory disturbances.
- PPV patients exhibit a diminished capacity to utilize visual feedback for upright stance regulation.
- Altered sensory processing in PPV may contribute to an anxious balance control strategy.