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Using Unidirectional Rotations to Improve Vestibular System Asymmetry in Patients with Vestibular Dysfunction

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Deficient high-acceleration vestibular function in patients with polyneuropathy.

A Palla¹, A Schmid-Priscoveanu, A Studer

¹Neurology Department, Zurich University Hospital, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland. antpalla@access.unizh.ch

|June 10, 2009

Summary

Balance problems in polyneuropathy (PNP) patients often stem from vestibular nerve issues, not just foot proprioception. This suggests physical therapy targeting vestibular function can improve balance and reduce disability in PNP patients.

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Published on: August 4, 2022

Area of Science:

Neurology
Ophthalmology
Vestibular System

Background:

Unsteadiness is a common symptom for patients diagnosed with polyneuropathy (PNP).
Balance disorders in PNP patients may arise from reduced sensory input from the feet or impaired vestibular nerve function.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the contribution of vestibular nerve involvement to balance disorders in patients with polyneuropathy.
To differentiate between reduced proprioception and vestibular deficits as causes of unsteadiness in PNP.

Main Methods:

37 patients with confirmed polyneuropathy (PNP) underwent horizontal search-coil head-impulse testing.
This method assesses the high-acceleration vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) to evaluate vestibular nerve function.
Patients included those with predominantly axonal (18) and demyelinating (19) PNP.

Main Results:

Reduced horizontal vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gains were observed in 27 out of 37 PNP patients.
Unilateral VOR deficits were found in 13 patients, and bilateral deficits in 14 patients.
No significant difference in VOR deficits was noted between axonal and demyelinating PNP subtypes.

Conclusions:

Two-thirds of polyneuropathy (PNP) patients exhibited reduced horizontal high-acceleration vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain.
These findings indicate that the vestibular nerve is frequently affected in patients with PNP.
Targeting vestibular function in physical therapy can enhance balance control and reduce disability in PNP patients.