[Objective evaluation of compensation of permanent loss of vestibular function]

The method of quantitative assessment of the dynamics of compensation of peripheral equilibrium disturbances was applied in patients with sudden permanent unilateral loss of vestibular function of different aetiology. The course of compensation was assessed by means of the test of threshold excitability during rotation for establishing the threshold of practical compensation. It was found that the rate of the compensation process was influenced by: 1) greater adaptation of the central nervous system in young subjects, 2) earlier beginning of exercises. The clinical importance of early detection of the threshold of practical compensation and its significance for expert opinion are discussed.