Neurocognitive measures in the assessment of vestibular disturbance in patients with brain injury

Issue title: Balance and Vestibular Function

Guest editors: Brian D. Greenwald and James M. Gurley

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Gay, Robin K.

Affiliations: Mount Sinai Medical Center, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, 1450 Madison Avenue, Box 1674, New York, NY 10029, USA. Tel.: +1 212 241 9505; E-mail: robin.gay@mountsinai.org

Abstract: Introduction:Problems with balance and dizziness are one of the most common complaints of individuals who have experienced a brain injury and are reported in up to 90% of cases. Despite the ubiquity of vestibular disturbance in this population, there remains a dearth of research on the interaction between physiological and cognitive systems responsible for maintaining balance. Purpose:The purpose of this article is to review studies on the interaction of physiological and cognitive processes required to maintain balance that may aide assessment and recovery of balance disturbance in patients with brain injury. Summary:This article provides a review of research on the role of higher order cognitive processes in maintaining balance and rational for further inclusion of neurocognitive measures in the assessment of vestibular disturbance. Conclusion:Greater inclusion of neurocognitive measures in assessment of vestibular disturbance provides a method of assessment containing increased ecological validity compared to traditional assessments, better prepares patients for discharge, and may reduce the incidence of future injury.

Keywords: Balance, dizziness, mild traumatic brain injury, concussion, sports injury, neurocognitive assessment, falls prevention, brain injury rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-130870

Journal: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 32, no. 3, pp. 473-482, 2013