Clinical comparisons of posturography and electronystagmography

A retrospective study was conducted of 103 balance-disturbed patients of mixed etiologies tested with electronystagmography (ENG) and computerized dynamic posturography (CDP). CDP was abnormal for 83% of the group as compared to 42% abnormal ENG results. In cases of otolithic dysfunction, ENG was more sensitive and gave specific information. Results of this preliminary study indicate that CDP has merit when used in the evaluation of patients with undifferentiated balance complaints. ENG testing is still needed in cases of vestibular dysfunction to establish anatomic level and laterality as well as for lesions involving the otolith. Additional study will be needed to verify these findings and to develop a means of detecting otolith dysfunction with CDP.