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The Influence of Otolith Dysfunction on the Clinical Presentation of People With a Peripheral Vestibular Disorder

KJ Murray, PhD, is Physiotherapist, Dizzy Day Clinics, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
KD Hill, PhD, is Director, Preventive and Public Health Division, National Ageing Research Institute, and School of Physiotherapy, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
B Phillips, PhD, is Associate Professor of Allied Health, School of Physiotherapy, LaTrobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
J Waterston, MD, FRACP, is Neurologist and Senior Lecturer, Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Address all correspondence to Dr Murray at: kmurray{at}dizzyday.com

Background and Purpose: Traditional vestibular function testing has measured horizontal semicircular canal function only. Otolith function tests have recently been developed, but their clinical significance has not been determined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of otolith dysfunction on the clinical presentation of individuals with a peripheral vestibular disorder.

Subjects and Methods: Twenty-one subjects with loss of horizontal semicircular canal function only and 37 subjects with combined loss of horizontal semicircular canal and otolith organ function were recruited. All subjects received a comprehensive clinical assessment, including self-report questionnaires and measures of balance performance.

Results: No significant differences were identified between subjects with or without otolith dysfunction with respect to symptom severity, self-perceived handicap, functional limitations, or balance performance.

Discussion and Conclusion: Otolith dysfunction does not significantly influence the clinical presentation of individuals with a peripheral vestibular disorder. Other factors, including symptom severity, may be more influential.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				R. A Clendaniel On "The Influence of Otolith Dysfunction..." Murray et al. Phys Ther. 2007;87:143-152. Physical Therapy, April 1, 2007; 87(4): 476 - 477. [Full Text] [PDF]