Subjective Visual Vertical during Caloric Stimulation in Healthy Subjects: Implications to Research and Neurorehabilitation

Martha Funabashi; Aline I. Flores; Amanda Vicentino; Camila G. C. Barros; Octavio M. Pontes-Neto; João P. Leite; Taiza E. G. Santos-Pontelli

doi:10.1155/2015/367695

Rehabilitation Research and Practice (Jan 2015)

Subjective Visual Vertical during Caloric Stimulation in Healthy Subjects: Implications to Research and Neurorehabilitation

Martha Funabashi,
Aline I. Flores,
Amanda Vicentino,
Camila G. C. Barros,
Octavio M. Pontes-Neto,
João P. Leite,
Taiza E. G. Santos-Pontelli

Affiliations

Martha Funabashi: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, 3-48 Corbett Hall, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G4, Canada
Aline I. Flores: Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, School of Medicine at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Dos Bandeirantes 3900, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
Amanda Vicentino: Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, School of Medicine at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Dos Bandeirantes 3900, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
Camila G. C. Barros: Department of Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Dos Bandeirantes 3900, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
Octavio M. Pontes-Neto: Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, School of Medicine at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Dos Bandeirantes 3900, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
João P. Leite: Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, School of Medicine at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Dos Bandeirantes 3900, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
Taiza E. G. Santos-Pontelli: Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, School of Medicine at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Avenida Dos Bandeirantes 3900, 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/367695
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 2015

Abstract

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Background. The subjective visual vertical (SVV) is a perception often impaired in patients with neurologic disorders and is considered a sensitive tool to detect otolithic dysfunctions. However, it remains unclear whether the semicircular canals (SCCs) are also involved in the visual vertical perception. Objective. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of horizontal SCCs on SVV by caloric stimulation in healthy subjects. Methods. SVV was performed before and during the ice-cold caloric stimulation (4°C, right ear) in 30 healthy subjects. Results. The mean SVV tilts before and during the caloric stimulation were 0.31° ± 0.39 and −0.28° ± 0.40, respectively. There was no significant difference between the mean SVV tilts before and during stimulation p=0.113. Conclusion. These results suggest that horizontal SCCs do not influence SVV. Therefore, investigations and rehabilitation approaches for SVV misperceptions should be focused on otolithic and cognitive strategies.

Published in Rehabilitation Research and Practice

ISSN: 2090-2867 (Print); 2090-2875 (Online)
Publisher: Wiley
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Medicine: Medicine (General)
Website: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/8095

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