( c ) specific balance TEST
( c ) specific balance TEST
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is an exercise-based treatment program designed to promote vestibular adaptation and substitution
A majority of balance function tests examine the pathways from the inner ear balance organs to the eyes (vestibulo ocular reflexes).
The Epley Omniax is a mechanical chair that enables treatment of benign positional vertigo under video guidance. More than 90% of BPV is treatable at the bedside. The rotator is useful when BPV affects more than one semicircular canal or is difficult to treat at the bedside due to a limited range of neck movement, physical disability or where an unusual eye-movement (atypical positional nystagmus) is observed.
1. Positional Testing on The Epley.
The Epley Omniax is a mechanical chair that enables treatment of benign positional vertigo under video guidance. More than 90% of BPV is treatable at the bedside. The rotator is useful when BPV affects more than one semicircular canal or is difficult to treat at the bedside due to a limited range of neck movement, physical disability or where an unusual eye-movement (atypical positional nystagmus) is observed.
The test is performed after a 3 hour fast.
Pre-medication with anti nauseants (prochlorperazine, ondansetron) is recommended for patients with motion sensitivity.
The test itself takes 5-10 minutes.
Preparation and explanation takes 10 minutes.
2. Vestibulospinal Reflex Testing.
A majority of balance function tests examine the pathways from the inner ear balance organs to the eyes (vestibulo ocular reflexes).
Vestibulospinal reflex tests assess balance pathways to the trunk and limbs. These tests use a low intensity vibration pulse or electrical pulse to activate the balance organs and record the resultant muscle response (using electromyography or EMG) and whole body displacement (using a force platform or 3D motion capture system).
These tests are still used chiefly in research but hold promise as methods of assessing imbalance and gait disturbance.