[Investigations concerning the head-trunk-coordination].

BACKGROUND: In the assessment of vertigo patients with suspected cervicocephalic somatosensory deficit, the studies published thus far have focused on reflectory systems like the cervico-ocular reflex or the postural systems. Our study examines the cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility of head and body coordination. We therefore introduce two preliminary test series: the "subjective zero chin-knee-angle of the occipital joints" and the "saccadic repositioning during trunk rotation".

METHODS: Subjective recordings of dizziness complaints were done using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory.

PATIENTS: The study population consisted of 24 patients with palpatory cervicocephalic somatosensory deficit (group I) and 23 patients with a central vestibular compensated unilateral vestibular deficit (group II). Twenty-two healthy patients served as controls. The aim of the study is to provide a detailed examination of the "subjective zero chin-knee-angle of the occipital joints" as well as a detailed discussion of "saccadic repositioning with trunk rotation" by three-dimensional videooculography (3D-VOG).

RESULTS: We were able to separate patients with a cervicocephalic somatosensory deficit with the first test procedure and differentiate them from groups II and III. The second test procedure shows a significant difference between groups I and III.

CONCLUSION: We conclude from the group difference that the recording of cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility is a further indication of disturbed cervical proprioception.