Clinical Significance of Type 5 Patterns in Platform Posturography

Several abnormal patterns have been identified on the sensory portion of the computerized dynamic posturography test. The vestibular deficit pattern, also known as the “5–6” pattern, is frequently seen in patients with either uncompensated unilateral vestibular lesions, severe bilateral peripheral vestibular loss, or dysfunction involving the vestibular pathways in the brain stem and/or cerebellum. In both sensory conditions 5 and 6, the patient's balance/equilibrium is determined primarily by the vestibular system. A subgroup of the vestibular deficit pattern has been identified, in which only sensory condition 5 is abnormal. This article presents findings in several cases identified with the 5 pattern. Implications for diagnosis and for monitoring the recovery phase after treatment are discussed.