The association between video-nystagmography and sensory organization test of computerized dynamic posturography in patients with vestibular symptoms

Objective Vertigo is a complex symptom which imposes diagnostic and treatment challenges. Laboratory evaluation of vertigo includes video-nystagmography (VNG) and computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) for the evaluation of different aspects of this complaint. There are vague indications for each test and potential disagreements between them. The aim of this study is to examine the association between the test results of the VNG and sensory organization test (SOT) of CDP in patients referred for both vestibular tests. Methods Retrospective data regarding 56 patients age 17–82 years were collected. Patients suffered vestibular complaints and were referred for VNG and CDP evaluation on the same day. The level of agreement between VNG (including caloric test) and the vestibular input of the SOT for each patient was calculated. Results Among the study group, 10 showed abnormal caloric test results, of which 3 (5.4%) had normal vestibular input in the SOT, and 7 (12.5%) had impaired input ( p = 0.724). Spontaneous nystagmus was recorded in 13 patients by VNG, of which 2(3.6%) had normal vestibular input and 11(19.6%) had impaired vestibular input ( p = 0.056). Conclusions This study shows no statistically significant association between the VNG test and SOT test results. Our results emphasize the difference between the tested aspects in each laboratory test, and the need to define specific indications for each of them. There is a marginally significant association between impaired vestibular input and spontaneous nystagmus, demonstrating the non-localizing nature of this sign.