Abstract
Angular acceleration of head movement was measured during stepping in patients with unilateral vestibular disorder (acoustic neurinoma before surgery (pre-AT), 10; acoustic neurinoma after surgery (post-AT), 9; acute peripheral vestibular disorder (APVD), 4).
1) In patients with post-AT or APVD, the amplitude of specified angular acceleration toward the affected side was significantly higher than that toward the normal side.
2) The amplitude of specified angular acceleration showed a negative correlation with the degree of CP (canal paresis) on the calorigram in patients with pre-AT, but a positive correlation in those with APVD.
3) The amplitude of specified angular acceleration showed a negative correlation with the degree of DP (directional preponderance) in Barany's rotation test in all the patients.
4) These findings suggest that the function of the semicircular canals and compensation by the vestibular spinal reflex in patients with unilateral vestibular disorder can be detected by measuring the specified angular acceleration during stepping.
