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Vestibular induced postural responses in Parkinson's disease
M A Pastor1, B L Day, C D Marsden
1MRC Human Movement and Balance Unit, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK.
Brain : a Journal of Neurology
|October 1, 1993
Summary
Vestibular dysfunction does not cause postural instability in mild to moderate Parkinson's disease. While more disabled patients sway more, this is linked to baseline sway, not vestibular response.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human Physiology
- Movement Disorders
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by motor deficits, including postural instability.
- The role of vestibular system dysfunction in PD-related postural instability is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if vestibular control dysfunction is a primary cause of postural instability in Parkinson's disease patients.
Main Methods:
- Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) was applied to 15 PD patients and 10 controls.
- Body sway and ground reaction forces were measured during standing with eyes closed and varying head positions.
- Responses were analyzed for speed, direction, latency, and amplitude.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in GVS-induced body sway speed or direction were found between PD patients and controls.
- More disabled PD patients showed greater sway speed, but this correlated with their higher baseline sway.
- No group differences were observed in ground reaction force response latency or amplitude.
Conclusions:
- Vestibular dysfunction does not account for postural deficits in mild to moderate Parkinson's disease.
- Postural instability in PD is likely multifactorial, with baseline sway influencing responses to vestibular stimulation.