Back to Search Start Over

Abnormal Vestibulo–Ocular Reflex Function Correlates with Balance and Gait Impairment in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Authors :
Marco Tramontano
Laura Casagrande Conti
Amaranta Soledad Orejel Bustos
Nicola Ferri
Tommaso Lelli
Ugo Nocentini
Maria Grazia Grasso
Andrea Turolla
Paolo Pillastrini
Leonardo Manzari
Source :
Audiology Research, Vol 14, Iss 5, Pp 799-808 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent autoimmune neurological condition in the world, leading to a wide variety of symptoms, including balance disorders. Objective: To evaluate the angular vestibulo–ocular reflex (aVOR) of all six semicircular canals (SCCs) through Head Impulse (HIMP) and Suppression HIMP (SHIMP) paradigms and any correlations with clinical balance scales. Methods: All participants were assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Mini-BESTest (MBT). Vestibular function was measured by video Head Impulse Test (vHIT), obtaining aVOR gain for each SSC. Results: Twenty-seven PwMS (mean age 47.93 ± 8.51 years old, 18 females) were recruited. Most of the patients (81.48%) presented abnormal aVOR gains for at least one SSC. A moderate to strong correlation between aVOR gains of the left anterior SSC and, respectively, the MBT and the BBS was found. The subgroup analysis, based on the EDSS class, confirmed the correlation with the BBS in the patients with the most significant disability. Conclusions: People with MS may present impairments of the aVOR in one or more semicircular canals. The aVOR gain impairment of the vertical semicircular canals correlates with balance and gait disorders identified through clinical scales in PwMS.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20394349
Volume :
14
Issue :
5
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Audiology Research
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.6f4bf25726d410c8ea1429e768f7737
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres14050067