Analysing Vestibulo-ocular and Oculomotor Reflex with Advancing Age

Abstract

Background: Video Head Impulse Test (v-HIT) and saccades test of Videonystagmography (VNG) are used clinically to differentially diagnose patients into peripheral and central vestibular pathologies. However, age and clinic specific norms are required for both the tests. Aims: To investigate if there is any changes in parameters of v-HIT and saccades test with advancing age. Design: A prospective cross sectional research design study was carried out from April 2023 to June 2023 at the department of School of Audiology & Speech Language Pathology. Method & Materials: Individuals between the age range of 20- 80 years were included in the study. Participants with no history of vertigo, neurodegenerative disorders, negative Fukuda stepping and Romberg test were included. All of them underwent through v-HIT followed by saccades test of VNG. Results: Total 60 individuals participated in the study. Mean and SD values for gain, number of saccades and amplitude of saccades were determined as the parameters of v-HIT. On studying effect of age on vHIT, gain parameter was found to be changing with advancing age. Further, Mean and SD were also determined for velocity, precision and latency parameter of saccade test which was performed in horizontal and vertical planes at 0.3 Hz, 0.45 Hz and 0.6 Hz frequency of target stimulus. latency parameters were observed to be increasing with increase in age of participants. Conclusion: Age specific norms are necessary especially for gain parameter of vHIT test and latency parameter of saccade test