ROLE OF POSTUROGRAPHY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF VESTIBULAR PATIENTS

Computerized dynamic posturography uses a force platform that can both translate and rotate. When combined with visual stimuli, it can be us ed to determine the relative importance of the various sensory inputs critical for balance, namely vision, somatosensation, and vestibular s ensation. Studies to date have shown several patterns of abnormalities on posturography, the best recognized being the vestibular pattern. M any patients with a high suspicion of having a peripheral vestibular a bnormality (based on other information) have such a pattern. Moreover, few normal subjects have Such abnormalities. Although computerized dy namic posturography does not help in localizing a lesion or determinin g its etiology, such testing does provide a functional measure that ca n be helpful in understanding a patient's ability to properly use vest ibular system information. Posturography is helpful in the management of patients with suspected vestibular disorders. In addition to sugges ting the presence of a vestibular system abnormality, particularly an uncompensated peripheral vestibular deficit, a bilateral peripheral ve stibular deficit, or a central vestibular abnormality computerized dyn amic posturography may help guide the clinician regarding choice of tr eatment and counseling of patients. Further studies are required to de termine the ultimate role of computerized dynamic posturography in the management of patients with vestibular disorders.