INDICATIONS FOR VESTIBULOMETRY AND STABILOMETRY

One of the most common reasons to have this examination is frequent dizziness. This is the most widely spread unpleasant non-nonspecific symptom of many disorders.

Causes of dizziness are many:

• Damage of the central nervous system or the vestibular nerve (a cerebral accident, tumor, disseminated sclerosis, chronic vertebrobasilar insufficiency, cranium and brain injuries, etc.);
• inner ear disorders (Meniere's syndrome, benign positional vertigo, labyrinthitis, etc.);
• side effects of pharmaceuticals;
• disorders of the cardiovascular system;
• degenerative cervical spine cord disease;
• psychogenic disorders.

In cases of dizziness, an accurate diagnostic requires, apart from a standard neurologic examination, a special study which should involve equilibrium and nystagmus tests.

Vestibulometry (videonistagmography) is a modern method of the vestibular system examination based on registration of eyeball movements by video cameras while certain tests are being performed. The technique is used in the diagnostics of dizziness caused by central nervous system and inner ear pathologies.

Stabilometry is a novel but very promising diagnostic method which makes it possible to analyze transfers of the center of mass relative to the center of support and to evaluate patient’s stability when moving and standing. The procedure is performed with the use of NeuroCom, a specialized testing station which records patient’s body motions in the state of rest and under certain loads and performs spatial and quantitative stability analysis.

Computer-assisted stabilometry is used effectively:

• in diagnostics of ataxia (a motion coordination disorder), in cases of neurologic, endocrine and cardiologic pathologies, ENT diseases and psychogenous disorders;
• to carry out stabilometry training before traveling by air or sea in order to prevent sea sickness;
• in rehabilitation therapy to objectively evaluate treatment results and effectively manage the rehabilitation process of recovery of balance, support, movement and coordination functions.

Indications for the examination:

• instability (stagger);
• nonrotary vertigo (sway or waver);
• hardships to orientate oneself in the surroundings (e.g., during the night);
• gait abnormalities;
• motion sickness (when traveling in a car, by air or by sea).

VESTIBULOMETRY AND STABILOMETRY PROCEDURES

Vestibulometry:

A lightweight plastic mask is put of the patient's head. The mask is equipped with video cameras that record eye movements during tests and send data to a computer. Special software processes the collected parameter values. Tests include various types of tracking of a target projected on a screen, certain turns of the head and torso, alternative stimulation of ear drums with cold and warm air and, if necessary -- rotation in a chair. Besides, that, gait and movement coordination are studied.

The procedure takes up to one hour.

Stabilometry:

The patient puts on a protective vest fixed to the test cabin with safety belts in order to prevent falling during tests. In the course of test exercises, the surrounding conditions and feet support are changed causing imbalances that are recorded by the computer and analyzed with specialized software.

The procedure takes up to one hour.

PREPARATION FOR THE TESTING:

Vestibulometry:

• On the day preceding the test, the patient must not take pharmaceuticals that depress the vestibular system such as tranquilizers or betahistine;
• the test is taken on an empty stomach; use of eye cosmetics (lash mascara) is not advised.

Contraindications to vestibulometry:

• acute (or aggravated chronic) disorders of the external ear and middle ear;
• severe concomitant pathology of the cardiovascular system;
• advanced age and cognitive disorders related to it;
• weight over 100 kg.

Stabilometry:

• The patient should wear cotton fabric socks and trousers;
• the test is taken on an empty stomach;
• on the day preceding the test, the patient should not take pharmaceuticals that depress the vestibular system like tranquilizers or betahistine;

Contraindications to stabilometry:

• severe concomitant pathology of the locomotor apparatus;
• epilepsy;
• severe concomitant pathology of the cardiovascular system;
• advanced age and cognitive disorders related to it;
• weight over 120 kg or height over 205 cm.

HOW TO GET A STUDY AT THE RCMC

1. Call the Contact Center to make an appointment
2. Conclude a contract for the provision of paid services at the registry
3. Pay the invoice at the cash desk of the RCMC or via ЕРИП (SSIS: Single Settlement and Information Space)
4. Come to the consultation on time.