[Investigations concerning the head-trunk-coordination]

In the assessment of vertigo patients with suspected cervicocephalic somatosensory deficit, the studies published thus far have focused on reflectory systems like the cervico-ocular reflex or the postural systems. Our study examines the cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility of head and body coordination. We therefore introduce two preliminary test series: the "subjective zero chin-knee-angle of the occipital joints" and the "saccadic repositioning during trunk rotation".

Subjective recordings of dizziness complaints were done using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory.

The study population consisted of 24 patients with palpatory cervicocephalic somatosensory deficit (group I) and 23 patients with a central vestibular compensated unilateral vestibular deficit (group II). Twenty-two healthy patients served as controls. The aim of the study is to provide a detailed examination of the "subjective zero chin-knee-angle of the occipital joints" as well as a detailed discussion of "saccadic repositioning with trunk rotation" by three-dimensional videooculography (3D-VOG).

We were able to separate patients with a cervicocephalic somatosensory deficit with the first test procedure and differentiate them from groups II and III. The second test procedure shows a significant difference between groups I and III.

We conclude from the group difference that the recording of cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility is a further indication of disturbed cervical proprioception.