Introduction: Lateral trunk flexion (LTF) is a common postural deformity in Parkinson's disease (PD). Postural control is known to depend on visual, vestibular, and somatosensory information.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vestibular dysfunction and postural abnormalities in PD patients with LTF.
Methods: We enrolled a total of 19 PD patients with LTF (PD-LTF+) and 19 age- and sex-matched PD patients without LTF (PD-LTF-). All patients underwent vestibular tests, including spontaneous nystagmus, gaze-evoked nystagmus, ocular movements, optokinetic eye test, fast positioning maneuvers, and the bithermal caloric test.
Results: Most of the PD-LTF + patients had abnormal vestibular function (11/19), while there were fewer vestibular function injuries in the control group (3/19). In PD-LTF + group, there were 5 patients (5/11, 45.5%) of peripheral vestibular dysfunction, 2 patients (2/11, 18.2%) of central vestibular damage, and 4 patients (4/11, 36.4%) of mixed injuries. The peripheral vestibular deficiencies could be either bilateral (4/9, 44.4%) or unilateral (5/9, 55.6%). The unilateral vestibular dysfunction was ipsilateral to the leaning side in 2 patients and contralateral to the leaning side in the other 3 patients.
Conclusion: Vestibular dysfunction may be an independent risk factor for LTF in PD patients.
Keywords: Parkinson’s disease; Pisa syndrome; lateral trunk flexion; nystagmus; vestibular dysfunction.