Journal of Vestibular Research - Volume 25, issue 2

Authors: Fuhrman, Susan I. | Redfern, Mark S. | Jennings, J. Richard | Furman, Joseph M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This study investigated whether spatial aspects of an information processing task influence dual-task interference. Two groups (Older/Young) of healthy adults participated in dual-task experiments. Two auditory information processing tasks included a frequency discrimination choice reaction time task (non-spatial task) and a lateralization choice reaction time task (spatial task). Postural tasks included combinations of standing with eyes open or eyes closed on either a fixed floor or a sway-referenced floor. Reaction times and postural sway via center of pressure were recorded. Baseline measures of reaction time and sway were subtracted from the corresponding dual-task results to calculate reaction time task costs …and postural task costs. Reaction time task cost increased with eye closure (p= 0.01), sway-referenced flooring (p< 0.0001), and the spatial task (p= 0.04). Additionally, a significant (p= 0.05) task x vision x age interaction indicated that older subjects had a significant vision X task interaction whereas young subjects did not. However, when analyzed by age group, the young group showed minimal differences in interference for the spatial and non-spatial tasks with eyes open, but showed increased interference on the spatial relative to non-spatial task with eyes closed. On the contrary, older subjects demonstrated increased interference on the spatial relative to the non-spatial task with eyes open, but not with eyes closed. These findings suggest that visual-spatial interference may occur in older subjects when vision is used to maintain posture. Show more

Keywords: Posture, aging, dual-task, spatial task, spatial orientation

DOI: 10.3233/VES-150546

Citation: Journal of Vestibular Research, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 47-55, 2015

Authors: Seferlis, Fokion | Chimona, Theognosia S. | Papadakis, Chariton E. | Bizakis, John | Triaridis, Stefanos | Skoulakis, Charalambos

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The aim of the present study was the investigation of age influenced changes in ocular motility testing in healthy subjects. Two hundred and fifty subjects between 18 and 70 years old were enrolled in a prospective study. Study population was divided in 5 groups of 50 subjects each (group A: 18-30 years old, group B: 31-40 years old, group C: 41-50 years old, group D: 51-60 years old and group E: 61-70 years old). Ocular motility was recorded by video-oculography and age related normative data were obtained with respect to: a) gain and slow phase velocity of smooth pursuit tracking, …b) latency, velocity and accuracy of saccade eye movements and c) gain and slow phase velocity of optokinetic eye movements. The influence of age on all parameters was examined by one-way ANOVA. A statistically significant difference was found in all parameters analyzed for smooth pursuit test, saccade eye movements and optokinetic eye movements in between groups. In conclusion, aging influences the majority of the parameters in ocular motility testing, carried out by means of video-oculography. Elderly healthy subjects showed a deterioration of performance in all parameters of the eye tracking tested. Age must be taken into account during interpretation of the eye tracking tests, especially in patients with central nervous system lesions. Show more

Keywords: Aging, eye tracking, ocular motility testing, saccade eye movements, smooth pursuit tracking, optokinetic eye movements, video-oculography

DOI: 10.3233/VES-150548

Citation: Journal of Vestibular Research, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 57-66, 2015

Authors: Feuerecker, Regina | Habs, Maximilian | Dieterich, Marianne | Strupp, Michael

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Chronic subjective dizziness (CSD) is a form of chronic dizziness. Many patients report fewer symptoms when they get up with an aggravation over of the day. Therefore, the change in the severity of the symptoms during daytime was evaluated and compared with other chronic vestibular diseases: bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP) and downbeat nystagmus (DBN). DESIGN/METHODS: In a prospective study 131 patients with CSD, 108 patients with BVP, and 38 patients with DBN filled out a questionnaire asking about the symptom intensity (0 = no symptoms, 1 = light, 2 = moderate, 3 = strong) at 6 …time-points. The influences of duration of the disease and physical activity on the change of symptoms were also investigated. RESULTS: The symptom intensity score in CSD was lower after getting up in comparison to later time points. In BVP a strong sensation of dizziness after getting up with worsening in the evening was observed. In DBN symptoms significantly improved during daytime. In BVP, the symptom intensity scores were significantly higher in patients with symptoms more than six month as less than six month. In the other groups, no association between duration of illness and intensity of perceived dizziness could be seen. CONCLUSION: There are considerable differences in the change in symptoms between the three diseases. Taking the patient history simply asking how the symptoms are when the patient gets up in the morning and how they change during daytime can be helpful in the differential diagnosis. Having less or no symptoms after getting up may be a diagnostic criterion for CSD. Show more

Keywords: Chronic subjective dizziness, phobic postural vertigo, downbeat nystagmus, bilateral vestibulopathy

DOI: 10.3233/VES-150547

Citation: Journal of Vestibular Research, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 67-72, 2015

Authors: Bigelow, Robin T. | Agrawal, Yuri

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: A growing body of literature suggests the inner ear vestibular system has a substantial impact on cognitive function. The strongest evidence exists in connecting vestibular function to the cognitive domain of visuospatial ability, which includes spatial memory, navigation, mental rotation, and mental representation of three-dimensional space. Substantial evidence also exists suggesting the vestibular system has an impact on attention and cognitive processing ability. The cognitive domains of memory and executive function are also implicated in a number of studies. We will review the current literature, discuss possible causal links between vestibular dysfunction and cognitive performance, and suggest areas of future …research. Show more

Keywords: Vestibular system, cognition, visuospatial ability

DOI: 10.3233/VES-150544

Citation: Journal of Vestibular Research, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 73-89, 2015

Authors: Cornell, Elaine D. | Burgess, Ann M. | MacDougall, Hamish G. | Curthoys, Ian S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: We have previously shown that bone-conducted vibration to each mastoid in humans results in small stimulus-locked horizontal and vertical eye movements suggesting that the ipsilateral superior oblique and the contralateral inferior rectus are activated. However, as torsional responses were not measured we have repeated the study by measuring torsional as well as horizontal and vertical responses in seven adult subjects during different directions of gaze. METHODS: We measured stimulus-locked horizontal (H), vertical (V) and torsional (T) eye movements during brief stimulation to the mastoid unilaterally and bilaterally using a high-speed, high-resolution video technique. Bone-conducted vibrations …were delivered to each mastoid separately as well as bilaterally using a Radioear B71 bone oscillator while the subjects viewed targets 2 metres away situated straight ahead and 10° to the right and left. RESULTS: For unilateral stimulation the eyes moved downwards when directed away from the stimulated mastoid, along with bilateral counter-rolling away from the side of stimulation. Horizontal movements were small, with little effect of gaze position. Bilateral stimulation enhanced the downward responses. CONCLUSIONS: Bone conducted vibration to the mastoid in humans produces vertical and torsional eye movements consistent with activation of the ipsilateral superior oblique muscle, and the contralateral inferior oblique muscle to produce counter rolling of the eyes away from the stimulated mastoid. Show more

Keywords: Bone conducted vibration, otolith, eye movements

DOI: 10.3233/VES-150550

Citation: Journal of Vestibular Research, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 91-96, 2015

Authors: Thompson, Karla J. | Goetting, Jay C. | Staab, Jeffrey P. | Shepard, Neil T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) (formerly chronic subjective dizziness) may be treated using the habituation form of vestibular and balance rehabilitation therapy (VBRT), but therapeutic outcomes have not been formally investigated. OBJECTIVE: This pilot study gathered the first data on the efficacy of VBRT for individuals with well-characterized PPPD alone or PPPD plus neurotologic comorbidities (vestibular migraine or compensated vestibular deficits). METHODS: Twenty-six participants were surveyed by telephone an average of 27.5 months after receiving education about PPPD and instructions for home-based VBRT programs. Participants were queried about exercise compliance, perceived benefits of therapy, …degree of visual or motion sensitivity remaining, disability level, and other interventions. RESULTS: Twenty-two of 26 participants found physical therapy consultation helpful. Fourteen found VBRT exercises beneficial, including 8 of 12 who had PPPD alone and 6 of 14 who had PPPD with co-morbidities. Of the 14 participants who found VBRT helpful, 7 obtained relief of sensitivity to head/body motion, 5 relief of sensitivity to visual stimuli, and 4 complete remission. Comparable numbers for the 12 participants who found VBRT not helpful were 1 (head/body motion), 3 (visual stimuli), and 0 (remission). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study offers the first data supporting the habituation form of VBRT for treatment of PPPD. Show more

Keywords: Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness, chronic subjective dizziness, habituation, vestibular rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/VES-150551

Citation: Journal of Vestibular Research, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 97-104, 2015