Clinical usefulness of the personal computer for equilibrium examinations.

A personal computer (PC) system and its usefulness for equilibrium examinations is reported. The system was introduced into clinical routine practice for the following purposes: i) Reduction of test result measurement troubles in clinical practice, ii) Clearer observation of eye movements and body sway, iii) Quantitative analysis of nystagmus responses or body sway, iv) Easy introduction into clinical practice of new parameters or new tests, v) Programmable arrangement of stimulating devices, and vi) Effective storage of test data. Our PC system has been successful for these purposes and provided many useful options in equilibrium examinations. Although computer systems for equilibrium examination have not been popular due to high costs, the PC system, which can be obtained at a reasonable price, has become as powerful a device as the conventional small computer, and is expected to become a popular method for both research and routine clinical practice in the near future.