Abstract
Vestibulospinal reactions in the stepping test with pressure applied to the external auditory canal (-300, -200, -100, 100, 200, 300 mmH2O) were examined in 20 patients with Meniere's disease refered to our clinic from November, 1988 to August, 1989. The angle of rotation of the body around its vertical axis (AOR), the direction of displacement (DOD), and the distance of displacement (POD) from the original position were measured and compared with the results in 59 normal subjects.
1) Marked deviations in AOR were seen in 10% of the Meniere's disease patients ; the DOD and POD results were within normal limits. The ears showing marked deviations in AOR had normal caloric responses.
2) No meaningful correlations were found between the AOR results and those of electrocochleography and glycerol testing.
3) Statistically significant correlations were found between AOR deviation and both duration of disease and the time since the last attack of vertigo.
4) AOR deviation provides a useful indication that Meniere's disease is in the active stage.
