Estimated Vestibulogram (EVEST): Effective Graphic Tool for Vestibular
Assessment
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The availability and development of the methods testing the
vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) bring a broader view into the lateral
semi-circular canal (L-SCC) function. At the same time, a higher number
of evaluated parameters increases demands on the specialist’s
diagnose-making process. OBJECTIVE: To provide medical specialists a new
diagnostic-graphic tool, Estimated Vestibulogram- EVEST, enabling a
quick and easy-to-read visualization of the enhanced VOR test results
within the L-SCC. METHODS: The research data for the development of the
EVEST involved 148 participants including 49 healthy volunteers (28
female and 21 male) and 99 (58 female and 41 male) patients with a
diverse degree of peripheral vestibular deficit. The correspoding L-SCC
VOR test results, from patients meeting the diagnostic criteria, were
used to create the EVEST. RESULTS: Based on the test results from the
sample of 148 participants we demonstrate on cumulative and single EVEST
graphs that the EVEST is a functional and reliable tool for quick
graphic diagnosis of diverse types and levels of the peripheral
vestibular loss. CONCLUSIONS: Unique patterns of the EVEST can help to
easily distinguish various types and levels of the peripheral vestibular
loss.