Vestibulospinal reaction in the stepping test with relative pressure changes in the middle ear

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of relative pressure changes in the middle ear on the stepping test in 59 normal subjects. The pressure in the middle ear was altered by exposure of the external auditory canal to positive or negative pressures. Six pressure loading conditions (-300, -200, -100, + 100, +200, +300 mmH₂O) were maintained constantly in the stepping test. The angle of rotation, the angle of transition, the distance of transition were determined.
1) There were significant deviations in the angle of rotation towards ipsilateral side at +300 mmH₂O of pressure, and towards the contralateral side at -300 mmH₂O.
2) There was a significant deviation in the angle of transition towards the ipsilateral side at +300 mm H₂O of pressure.
3) There was no significant change in the distance of transition at any pressure.
This test will be used to investigate vestibulospinal reactions in patients with Meniere's disease.