Evaluation of uncompensated unilateral vestibulopathy using the modified clinical test for sensory interaction and balance

OBJECTIVE: To compare the results of the Modified Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction and Balance (mCTSIB) and the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) of computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) to better understand the role and limitations of the mCTSIB in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of patients with uncompensated unilateral vestibulopathy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective blind study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. INTERVENTIONS: Ninety-eight patients with uncompensated unilateral vestibulopathy were enrolled. After diagnosis was established through ocular motor studies, head roll and Dix-Hallpike tests, caloric testing, and pure tone audiometry, the mCTSIB and SOT were administered simultaneously. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Composite or comprehensive scores and equilibrium scores. RESULTS: When composite or comprehensive scores were used to classify subjects as normal or abnormal, the mCTSIB and SOT showed significant agreement (p > 0.256). SOT condition 2 (eyes closed on a firm surface) showed a greater degree of correlation than did other conditions; the foam-surface or eyes-open conditions yielded poor correlation coefficients. CONCLUSION: The mCTSIB can be used instead of the SOT in screening to distinguish normality from abnormality in dizzy patients with unilateral vestibulopathy. However, the degree of dizziness assessed by SOT condition was poorly correlated with mCTSIB results, especially in conditions with the eyes open and those using a foam surface.