Algorithm for determining the type of vestibular dysfunction in patients with vertigo

SUMMARY. The article describes an algorithm for identifying the type of vestibular dysfunction and its severity in patients with dizziness and imbalance in the stage of subcompensation, based on the assessment of clinical, vestibulometric, stabilographic parameters and the assessment of balance on the Berg scale. The developed algorithm allows differentiating such types of ataxia as cerebellar, vestibular, sensitive and psychogenic. The timely start of medical rehabilitation, depending on the type and severity of vestibular dysfunction, significantly accelerates the process of compensating for impaired functions and improves the quality of life and patients.

OBJECTIVE OF STUDY. To determine the type of vestibular dysfanction and the degree of its severity in patients with vertigo and balance disoders during the period of subcompensation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. Examined 42 patients with complaints of vertigo and balance disoders, mean age (40±3.5 years), including 12 men and 30 women. Neurological testing, vestibulometry with functional tests, stabilometry, neuroorthopedic testing of pericranial muscles, and acoustic stem potentials were performed. Neuroimaging studies cover magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. To evaluate balance function the Berg’s scale used.

RESULTS. Algorithm for assessing the type of vestibular dysfunction developed. Vestibular ataxia detected in 20 out of 42 patients, cerebellar ataxia in 17 out of 42 patients and sensitive ataxia in 5 out of 42 patients, as well as the severity of the identified type of ataxia in patients with dizziness and impaired detection function during the subcompensation period.

CONCLUSION. Determination of the type of vestibular dysfunction and its degree determines the conduct of adequate pathogenetic therapy and the use of medical rehabilitation methods. Rehabilitation of balance function depends on the nosological form of the disease and the assessment of kind of ataxia, the severity of its and speed of compensations mechanisms of disorders functions. A personalized approach in the choice of medical rehabilitation methods, work with phobic disorders, significantly improves the quality of rehabilitation care provided to patients with ataxia of different origin.

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