Virtual reality-based visual vertical perception, fall risk, and vestibulo-ocular reflex evaluation in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

In obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), intermittent hypoxia and oxygen desaturation resulting from recurrent apnea episodes may adversely affect vestibular function.ObjectiveThis study aimed to provide a multidimensional evaluation of vestibular function in individuals with OSAS by assessing objective and functional/subjective vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), visual perception, and fall risk.MethodsVideo Head...

Audiologists and vestibular clinicians seeing patients with obstructive sleep apnea should be aware of potential co-existing vestibular dysfunction — including impaired vestibulo-ocular reflex and altered visual vertical perception — which may warrant formal vestibular screening in this population.

Identifying vestibular deficits in obstructive sleep apnea patients opens a new clinical dimension linking a common sleep disorder to fall risk and balance impairment, with implications for multidisciplinary care pathways.

1. 01VR-based tools were used to assess visual vertical perception (sense of 'upright') and vestibulo-ocular reflex (eye-stabilising reflex) in OSA patients.
2. 02Obstructive sleep apnea patients showed measurable differences in vestibular and balance measures compared to controls.
3. 03Fall risk was evaluated as a key outcome, given OSA's known associations with neurocognitive impairment.
4. 04Published in the Journal of Vestibular Research, a specialist peer-reviewed journal.
5. 05Virtual reality offers a novel, objective method for vestibular assessment that may be more sensitive than traditional tests.

PMID

42108610

DOI

10.1177/09574271261451100.

Journal

Journal of Vestibular Research

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

4

Population

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Intervention

Virtual reality-based assessment of visual vertical perception, vestibulo-ocular reflex, and fall risk