Possibilities of Application of Modern Neurophysiological Methods in Diagnosis of Vibration Disease

Abstract

Vibration disease is one of the leading in the structure of occupational diseases. A more detailed study of the pathogenesis, expanding the possibilities of diagnosis of vibration disease, is necessary. The aim of the study is to determine the diagnostic value of stabilometry, quantitative sensory testing and neuroenergocarting in vibration disease associated with the combined effects of local and general vibration. Materials and methods. Two groups of patients were examined: with the diagnosis of vibration disease associated with the combined effect of local and general vibration – 50 people (age 48.7 ± 3.1 years), not in contact with vibration – 30 people (age 49.1 ± 2.8 years). The study of the equilibrium function, the determination of the level of the constant potential of the brain by 12 standard leads and the determination of temperature and pain sensitivity. Statistical processing of the results was carried out using the software package “Statistica 6.0” (StatSoft Inc., USA). Differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. Results. In vibration disease, the vertical stance of patients is more unstable than in patients with no contact with vibration. In patients with vibration disease, there is a decrease in the threshold of cold sensitivity and an increase in the threshold of thermal sensitivity and thermal pain compared to the control group. According to our data, the increased level of permanent potential in patients with vibration disease is observed in the central (22.7 (12.6; 30.7) mV) and right central (20.4 (11.5; 27.1) mV), also the average level of permanent capacity in this group is increased – 17.1 (8.4; 25.8) mV.Conclusion. The results obtained indicate the involvement of the neurosensory complex united by single thalamic and cortical centers in the pathological process and confirm the diagnostic value of the methods used.