Subjective visual vertical test in patients with chronic dizziness without abnormal findings in routine vestibular function tests.

Conclusion: The subjective visual vertical (SVV) test can detect abnormality of the otolithic organs and the graviceptive pathways present in a considerable number of patients having dizziness but presenting no abnormal findings in conventional vestibular function tests.

Objective: To evaluate whether the SVV test can detect dysfunction of the otolithic organs and perception of gravity in patients with dizziness having no abnormal finding on routine tests for the vestibular system.

Patients and methods: Forty-four patients who complained of chronic dizziness but had no abnormal finding on routine tests for vestibular system and on brain MRI studies were selected between 2004 and 2006. SVV tests were performed on these patients. Patients with chronic dizziness caused by apparent psychogenic disorders, such as depression, were excluded.

Results: Among the 44 patients, 3 showed abnormal tilts of SVV. The latter three patients had deep white matter hyperintensities on their MRI, probably due to aging.