Computerized dynamic visual acuity test in the assessment of vestibular deficits

Objective: The study was designed to measure dynamic visual acuity (DVA) du ring head movement as an assessment of the functional impact of vestibular deficits. Study Design: The study design was a prospective, clinical study. Setting: The study was performed in a tertiary, ambulatory referral center. Patients: Forty-two normal subjects, 29 patients with unilateral vestibular loss, and 26 patients with bilateral vestibular hypofunction who were 19-8 7 years of age were examined. Intervention: Diagnostic intervention was performed. Main Outcome Measure: Main outcome measures included the reliability, sensi tivity, and specificity of a computerized test that measures visual acuity during head movement in normal subjects and in patients with vestibular def icits. Results: The computerized DVA test was reliable in both normal subjects (in traclass correlation coefficient [ICC] r = 0.87) and in patients with vesti bular deficits (ICC r = 0.83). The sensitivity of the DVA test was 94.5% an d the specificity was 95.2%. The positive predictive value (individuals who test positive on the DVA test who will have a vestibular deficit) was 96.3 %. The negative predictive value (individuals who test negative on the DVA test who will not have a vestibular deficit) was 93%. Conclusions: The computerized DVA test is reliable and is able to distingui sh among normal subjects and patients with vestibular deficits.