Majallah-i Dānishgāh-i ̒Ulūm-i Pizishkī-i Bābul (Apr 2009)
Comparison of Equilibrium Deficits in Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease with Normal Subjects Using Videonystagmography
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Parkinson is the most prevalent degenerative disorder of central nervous system. In this disorder other than muscular deficits, oculomotor abnormalities are seen. This is the consequence of basal ganglia impairment. The most common abnormalities include increased saccade latency, hypometric saccades and decreased saccade velocity. The purpose of this study was to compare saccadic parameters using videonystagmography in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease and normal subjects.METHODS: In this cross sectional study, saccadic movements were investigated in 30 patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease and 30 normal subjects (35-70 years). Saccade latency, velocity and accuracy were quantitatively analyzed. Saccadic measurements were conducted using videonystagmography.FINDINGS: Parkinsonian group included 18 males and 12 females. Normal group included 20 males and 10 females. Average of horizontal saccadic latency in Parkinsonian patients was 0.4±0.2 and in normal group was 0.3±0.1 that was statistically significant (p<0.001). Accuracy of horizontal saccade in Parkinsonian patients was 36.7% and in normal group was 96.7 % (p<0.001). Velocity of horizontal saccade in Parkinsonian patients was 350.5±85.30 and in normal group was 493.3±79.9 (p<0.001). Differences in right eye was statistically significant (p<0.001).CONCLUSION: This study showed that patients with Parkinson’s disease manifest saccadic deficits. This suggests dopaminergic control of these ocular movements. We can consider these differences as the characteristic of Parkinson disorder in diagnosis and treatment.
