Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  1999 Mar;42(3):306-310.

Evaluation of the Otolithic Function in Unilateral Peripheral Vestibulopathy Using Ocular Counterrolling (OCR) and Subjective Visual Horizontal (SVH)

• Rhee CK
• Park HM

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Most of the vestibular function tests are tests of horizontal semicircular canal function, and those of the otolithic function are limited for use in the clinical setting. Static otolithic dysfunction can be evaluated by ocular counterrolling (OCR) and subjective visual horizontal (SVH). The authors performed this study to confirm the usefulness of OCR and SVH in assessing otolithic function in unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
OCR and SVH were measured in 10 unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy patients and their results were compared with those of 10 normal controls. Correlation between the OCR and the SVH was analyzed. The degree of the OCR and the SVH of the patients was compared with gain and asymmetry in the slow harmonic acceleration (SHA) rotation chair test.
RESULTS
The OCR of the patients was 3.90+/-5.90degrees inclined toward the lesion side, and was significantly greater when compared with that of control group (1.15+/-1.13degrees) (p<0.05). The patient group aligned the horizontal luminous bar toward the lesion side by 2.95+/-2.78degrees, which differed significantly from the normal mean, 0.11+/-0.16degrees (p<0.01). The tilt of the SVH in the patients was correlated with their OCR's (r=0.84, p<0.05). Correlation between the gain and asymmetry in the SHA rotation chair test, and the degree of the otolothic hypofunction (OCR and SVH) proved to be nearly absent.
CONCLUSION
The measurement of the OCR or the SVH may be useful in assessing asymmetries in otolith function in unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy.

Keyword

Otolithic function; Ocular counterrolling; Subjective visual horizontal

MeSH Terms

Acceleration
Humans
Otolithic Membrane*
Semicircular Canals
Vestibular Function Tests