Postural responses to low-intensity, short-duration, galvanic vestibular stimulation as a possible differential diagnostic procedure.
OBJECTIVE
In this study we investigated the effect of polarity-related differences in short-duration very low-intensity galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS), not perceived by the subject, by evaluating the minimal postural sway responses in healthy people. We also verified its possible usefulness as a differential diagnostic tool in patients with postural instability disturbances related to polyneuropathy or peripheral vertigo.


METHODS
We applied bimastoid opposite polarity direct current GVS (0.7 mA for 1 s) and recorded the induced postural response with an electromagnetic head position tracker. Latency, amplitude, velocity and an asymmetry index were measured between two reverse polarity sessions.


RESULTS
The postural response was easily recorded and was statistically wider in amplitude and velocity in the polyneuropathy group than in the other groups. Postural responses were asymmetric only in the group with mild peripheral vertigo.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that even weak GVS affects vestibular excitability: cathodal polarization increases whereas anodal GVS decreases excitability. Symmetry and amplitude or velocity of the postural responses, particularly in the eyes closed condition, can differentiate the three groups of subjects tested.
Rinalduzzi
S
S
Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy. r.steno@libero.it
Cipriani
A M
AM
Capozza
M
M
Accornero
N
N
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001703:Biophysics; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020277:Polyradiculoneuropathy, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D012372:ROC Curve; D014717:Vertigo / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult