Instability in Patients with CANVAS: Can Computerized Dynamic Posturography Help in Diagnosis?

OBJECTIVE: To describe the pattern of dynamic posturography or its role in diagnosis in patients with cerebellar ataxia with neuropathy and vestibular arreflexia syndrome (CANVAS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present and describe posturographic data of four patients diagnosed with the CANVAS syndrome in a tertiary hospital.

RESULTS: In all patients, the average balance score was diminished. Two patients presented a pattern of visual dependence. The other two showed misuse of three posturography sensory information (visual, vestibular and propioceptive information), specially null use of vestibular information, deterioration of somatosensory input, and poor use of strategies, particularly in conditions 5 and 6.

CONCLUSIONS: If there is misuse of somatosensory information in sensory organization test (SOT) in a patient with bilateral vestibular deficit, a possibility of CANVAS should be considered. The SOT provides valuable information, because it evaluates sensory inputs influence the maintenance of balance.