High Rate of Postural Blindness in Patients With Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease: A Clinical Observation

Background: Patients affected by idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) are known to have difficulties in sensorial integration. The ratio of the postural sway in the standing position with closed eyes to open eyes (Romberg Quotient) is a simple way to investigate the role of the visual channel in postural control in this category of patients. Objective: We aim to share our observation about the incidence in patients with IPD of postural blindness, namely the reduction of the postural sway by closing the eyes. Methods: Patients had to stay quiet on a force plate for 30 s in four conditions: eyes open and closed both on a firm and a compliant surface. Results: 30% of the 22 patients analyzed reduced their postural sway by closing their eyes on both firm and compliant surfaces. Conclusion: The role of vision for postural control in patients with IPD should be further investigated.