Perfil de alterações oculomotoras em pacientes com disfunções vestibulares

Abstract

Introduction: the control of eye movement is complex, involves several areas of the brain and, when it is not in perfect working order, oculomotor changes are perceived by tests, which are carried out in the population with different vestibular dysfunctions, whether peripheral, central or mixed. Objective: to provide the profile of oculomotor changes in patients with vestibular disorders treated in a university extension project on Vestibular Rehabilitation. Methods: this is a descriptive and retrospective study, considering data from patients treated in an extension project in Vestibular Rehabilitation, diagnosed with peripheral, central or mixed vestibular dysfunction, of both sexes, over 18 years of age. During the assessment, sociodemographic and clinical information was collected and an oculomotor assessment was carried out, in which slow pursuit tests, saccadic movements, canceled Vestibulo Ocular Reflex (RVO), convergence test, covered eye and optokinetic reflex. Results: 85 individuals were evaluated, the majority of whom were female (77,6%), diagnosed with vestibulopathy of peripheral origin (75,3%), presenting oculomotor changes in slow pursuit tests (54,1%), saccadic movements (43,5%), Canceled RVO (52,9%), convergence test (65,8%), covered eye test (15,3%), and optokinetic reflex (15,3%). Conclusion: in the present exploratory study, there was a higher prevalence of vestibular dysfunctions in women, mostly elderly, with a higher frequency of conditions of peripheral origin, with oculomotor changes in the slow pursuit and convergence tests. In those of central origin, the biggest changes occurred in the slow pursuit tests, in the canceled RVO and in the convergence test. Given the relationship between oculomotor dysfunctions and vestibular symptoms, it is suggested that new studies be carried out to deepen the discussion on oculomotor changes, their intervention models and impact on the lives of the general population.