Role of the functional head impulse test in evaluating vestibulo-ocular reflex abnormalities in individuals with Parkinson's disease

PurposeTo assess vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR) function in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) using a new method called functional head impulse test (fHIT).Study DesignCase-control study.SettingTertiary medical center.ParticipantsTwenty individuals with PD were recruited for PD group, and twenty healthy individuals for the control group. Ages of both groups ranged from 47 to 76 years.Main Outcome MeasuresAccording to the modified Hoehn-Yahr score, PD group was classified as an early stage with a range of 1-2.5 and a mid-late stage with a range of 3-5. Percentage of correct answers (%CA) was calculated using fHIT for lateral, anterior and posterior semicircular canal (SCC) planes.ResultsPD group had statistically lower fHIT %CA in the right lateral, left lateral, and left posterior SCC planes compared to control group (p < .05). There was no statistical difference between two PD severity groups and functional VOR abnormality.ConclusionIt was concluded that the functional VOR in the right lateral and left lateral and left posterior SCC plane was affected in individuals with PD. Our results show that impaired VOR and reduced dynamic visual acuity should be considered in individuals with PD for vestibular rehabilitation exercises.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess VOR function in patients with Parkinson's disease using fHIT. The results showed that PD patients had lower fHIT %CA in the right lateral, left lateral, and left posterior SCC planes compared to the control group. However, there was no statistical difference in VOR abnormality between different PD severity groups. These findings suggest that impaired VOR and reduced dynamic visual acuity should be taken into consideration for vestibular rehabilitation exercises in individuals with PD.