Conventional provocative tests for vertigo like caloric test, video head impulse test (vHIT) and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) aid in diagnosing site of lesion and do not test degree of impairment. During recovery from vertigo, the initial compensation prevents nystagmus at rest. Compensation during movement occurs later. The effect of compensation is best assessed by the dynamic visual acuity test (DVA). This measures the ability of the VOR (Vestibular Ocular Reflex) to compensate for retinal slip during head movements.
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BalanceEye DVA comes with a head mounted inertia measurement unit (IMU) which can assess dynamic visual acuity in relation to baseline static visual acuity in all planes of head movement (yaw, pitch roll, right anterior – right posterior and left anterior – left posterior).
Clinical utility of DVA
Dynamic visual acuity is one of the most versatile and underrated test protocols that could yield rich dividends in daily clinical practice. Because of its powerful sensors, portable form factor, ease of use and analytics driven reporting, it can easily be integrated with your ENT / Neurology / Audiology practices.
Below are some sample use cases where DVA can help you in your daily clinical practice:
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Assess VOR in all SCC planes.
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Differentiate deficits due to peripheral vestibular loss from VOR function due to central compensation (active and passive DVA).
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Assess alertness and cognition by measuring the sensory processing time.
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Unmask deficits due to concussive head injuries using gaze stabilization test.
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Study VOR function for sports persons requiring high velocity head – eye coordination, presenting with vestibular deficits (in whom routine testing may not reveal the deficit).
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Study visual acuity during head motion for people having difficulty focusing vision while moving.
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Monitor progress of rehabilitation of vestibular deficits using gaze stabilization test.