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

Abstract

To assess vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR) function in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) using a new method called functional head impulse test (fHIT). Case-control study. Tertiary medical center. Twenty 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. According 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. PD 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. It 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.