LAUSR

Objective Apart from headache dizziness, vertigo or visual problems are common symptoms after a head trauma. Making an adequate diagnose of the symptoms remains challenging and only a few laboratory tests exist. The computerised sensory organisation test (SOT) differentiates the sensory integration between somatosensory, vision, vestibular and visual preference and therefore helps to objectify symptoms. Design consecutive case series. Setting rehabilitation centre. Participants 29 consecutive post injury symptomatic and asymptomatic athletes with a diagnosed concussion (n=24) or combined injury (concussion plus commotio/contusio labyrinthi (n=5)). Interventions All athletes performed a post injury SOT on the computerised dynamic posturograph (Smart Equitest, 6 conditions). The sensory scores (somatosensory, vestibular and vision) were compared to the normative data (n=112). Outcome measures The main aim was to determine the sensory source of post-concussive symptoms by application of the sensory analysis after performance of the SOT. Main results Half of the athletes (n=15) achieved a normal sensory score, the other half (n=14) were below average (−9.4%) in visual (n=2), vestibular system (n=5) or both (n=7). In these athletes an individual specific vestibulo-oculomotor therapy was recommended. Conclusions The computerised SOT is a useful tool to determine the specific sensory deficits in patients with or without symptoms after a head trauma. Competing interests None.