EQUILIBRIUM DISORDERS IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: POSTUROGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Objective: To assess equilibrium disorders in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients
Design: Posturography in mildly to moderately disable patients (EDSS, range 1,5 to 3,5).
Patients: 38 definite MS inpatients (22 females and 16 males, aged 22-58 yy, mean age 38 yy) .
Interventation: Posturography in four conditions: eyes open and closed standing on a solid surface and on a foam pad. Findings have been compared to clinical and neuroimaging signs of brainstem involvement
Measurements: General stability and Fourier Analysis of sway frequencies .
Results: General Stability was normal in 7 patients (18,4 %); Fourier Analysis was normal in 17 subjects (44,7 %).When abnormal, a specific pattern characterized by an inversion of the 0 – 0.1 Hz and 0.1 – 0.25 Hz. frequencies bands was observed. In all abnormal cases clinical or imaging signs of brainstem lesion were revealed
Conclusions: Equilibrium disorders are frequent (71,6%) also in mildly impaired patients; sensitivity and specificity of Posturography regarding brainstem involvement is high (respectively 86 and 87%)