The dynamic posturographic pressure test for the presumptive diagnosis of perilymph fistulas

Abstract

A diagnosis of perilymph fistulas (PLFs) can be made only by identification of repeated accumulation of crystal-clear fluid from an otic capsule defect or labyrinthine window at tympanotomy. It would be highly desirable to base a decision to operate for the diagnosis and management of PLFs on a database that includes quantitative test data, which confirms, with a high probability, a clinical suspicion of PLF. This article reviews progress in the development of a test of the vestibular response to external auditory canal pressure changes as recorded by dynamic posturography. Based on results to date, it appears that a fistula test with dynamic posturography is more sensitive than those based on VOR responses. This may be due to the ability of dynamic posturography to isolate vestibular from both visual and somatosensory influences on motor responses during external canal pressure changes.