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.
- 01VR-based tools were used to assess visual vertical perception (sense of 'upright') and vestibulo-ocular reflex (eye-stabilising reflex) in OSA patients.