Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that may affect multiple organ systems. While cochlear and otolith involvement has been investigated, the impact on semicircular canal-mediated vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) function remains unclear....
Findings are preliminary; audiologists and vestibular specialists should be aware that PCOS may be associated with vestibulo-ocular reflex changes, but evidence is insufficient to alter vestibular screening or referral practice at this time.
If PCOS is confirmed as a risk factor for vestibular dysfunction, it could broaden indications for vestibular screening in women of reproductive age attending ENT or audiology clinics.
- 01Case-control design compared vHIT findings in women with PCOS versus controls without the condition.
- 02vHIT measures the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), which keeps vision stable during head movement.
- 03PCOS is a common endocrine (hormonal) disorder; its vestibular effects are poorly understood.
- 04Study explores a novel link between hormonal and vestibular health.
- 05Results are exploratory and need replication before any clinical guidance changes.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome show measurable differences in vestibulo-ocular reflex function compared to controls on vHIT.
studyunclear- PMID
- 42228394
- DOI
- 10.1080/00016489.2026.2677603.
- Journal
- Acta Oto-Laryngologica
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 3
- Population
- Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared to healthy female controls
- Intervention
- Video head impulse testing (vHIT) to assess vestibulo-ocular reflex in PCOS
- Comparator
- Healthy female controls without PCOS
Primary outcomes
Vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain measured by vHIT; Presence of saccades (corrective eye movements) on vHIT