How to Apply Classical Mechanics to the Results of the Video Head Impulse Test?

Abstract

Functional evaluation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) is one of the most important issues in the examination of the dizzy patient. The video Head Impulse Test (vHIT) has become an essential tool at the bedside and in the laboratory examination of the VOR. Most of vHITs devices only outputs the results of the head and eye movements based on velocity data and graphs, we consider that the position and acceleration data and graphs could have some clinical interest. With this interest we developed a standardized computer-based method to calculate position and acceleration graphs with the velocity data obtained from the vHIT. With the help of a specific computational development program a Graphical User Interface (GUI) was designed. Position and acceleration graphs were done using the classical mechanics methods. The GUI was tested measuring the head and eye displacements in normal and altered vHIT responses. The source files of the developed GUI are available on web: http://mlibra.com. The developed tool can be a useful tool to investigate some vHIT responses.