ADAPTATION TO VESTIBOLOPATHIES 

Otorinolaringologia 2005 September;55(3):179-81

Copyright © 2009 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Vestibular compensation: the role of otolith system

Vicini C.

Dipartimento di Chirurgie Specialistiche UO di ORL e Chirurgia Cervico-Facciale Servizio di Stomatologia e Chirurgia Orale Ospedale Morgagni Pierantoni ASL di Forlì, Forlì

Otolith compensation in animals has been amply demonstrated with the eccentric VOR study after selective otolith deafferentation. When the otolith system is damaged for experiment there is a deficiency of otolith compensation that demonstrates the essential role of commissural fibres from two otological sytems. In a human experimental model, working with dark linear movements along interneural axis, a complete OOR restoration after 6-10 weeks has been reported. The presence of concomitant otolith damage and monolateral canalar damage can condition a more persistant asymmetry of the VOR. The Spinal Otolith System has a relevant contribution to static and dynamic postural function. VEMPs, VEPPs, subjective visual vertical, static posturography, Head Heave Test (HHT) are better indicators of residual activity and functional restoration of otolith receptors after vestibular damage.