Vestibular patients examined by posturography: sensory interaction testing.

Posturography (PG) examines the influence of vestibular disturbance on standing balance via the vestibulospinal reflex. Testing under several conditions, in which the sensory input by vision and proprioception is impeded from contributing in a normal way, evaluates the "sensory interaction." In a number of patients with known peripheral vestibular disorders, PG showed normal results, which indicate that, for these patients, the possible influence of the vestibular dysfunction has been cancelled at the central level (compensation). In the others, influence was seen in several degrees. The sensory interaction indicated that this group can be subdivided according to the sensory input that had the most influence in the balance performance in standing. The sensory contribution of vision and proprioception was mostly positive (i.e., enhancing the vestibular compensation). In some cases, there was a negative effect, indicating that the sensory input considered had a disturbing influence. No pattern of results could typify the several groups of peripheral vestibular disturbances. Posturography provides complementary information to the classically obtained diagnoses. The data of posturographic examination can provide useful information about the problem of falling in the elderly and give suggestions for adequate rehabilitation exercises.