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Computerized dynamic posturography: a new method for the evaluation of postural stability following anaesthesia
1Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden.
British Journal of Anaesthesia
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Midazolam sedation significantly impacts balance in healthy adults for up to 105 minutes. Dynamic posturography effectively assesses these balance disturbances, unlike the Romberg test.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Midazolam is a common sedative.
- Assessing post-sedation recovery of postural stability is crucial for patient safety.
- Existing methods like the Romberg test may not fully capture subtle balance deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the duration of postural instability after intravenous midazolam administration.
- To compare the sensitivity of dynamic posturography versus the Romberg test in detecting midazolam's effects on balance.
Main Methods:
- 11 healthy volunteers underwent dynamic posturography before and at 45, 105, and 165 minutes after receiving 0.1 mg/kg intravenous midazolam.
- The Equitest system was used for dynamic posturography, including a quantified Romberg test with eyes open and closed.
Main Results:
- Postural stability was significantly impaired up to 45 minutes post-midazolam (P < 0.008).
- Balance returned to baseline levels not until 105 minutes after administration.
- The quantified Romberg test did not detect residual midazolam effects on balance.
Conclusions:
- Healthy individuals require up to 105 minutes to regain full postural stability after midazolam sedation.
- Dynamic posturography is a sensitive tool for objectively assessing balance disturbances following sedation.
- Current clinical balance tests may underestimate the duration of impairment.