[Posturography in the principle of vestibular diagnosis, interpretation and clinical results]

A force platform technology using bonded strain gauges was developed to analyse postural sway as a function of time. Physiologically, the human body is in a state of balance--independent of the position of head, neck, hip, arms or legs and despite permanent oscillations, as long as the centre of gravity projected onto the base of support falls within a limited area. Some examples demonstrate the principles and interpretation of measurements. The method is clinically appropriate to discover ataxias and to manifest Romberg's sign. The diagnostic scope is extended by including a tilting platform in a short test battery of various degrees of difficulty. In contrast to 20 healthy persons, 20 patients with Menière's disease showed an obviously reduced ability to remain standing during the attack-free interval.