Section: 
Otiology
OtiologyNoisy galvanic vestibular stimulation in bilateral vestibulopathy: results of a comprehensive clinical study
N. L. Kunel’skaya (1), E. V. Baibakova (2), Z. O. Zaoeva (3), E. A. Manaenkova (4), M. A. Chugunova (5), Yu. A. Savchenko (6), M. V. Vinogradova (7), A. A. Lapchenko (8)
(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) Sverzhevsky Research Institute of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology, Moscow, 117152, Russian Federation, (1), (7) Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, 117997, Russian Federation, (8) Pirogov State Hospital N1, Moscow, 117513, Russian Federation
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.18692/1810-4800-2026-4-84-90
ABSTRACT
Abstract. Objective. To comprehensively evaluate the effect of a single application of noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) on the vestibular system in healthy individuals and patients with bilateral vestibulopathy (BV), and the effect of a course of nGVS on balance function in patients with ВP and poor effectiveness of previous vestibular rehabilitation. Patients and methods. 20 healthy volunteers (34.2±2.4 years) and 90 patients with BV (56.0±15.3 years) diagnosed according to the B?r?ny Society criteria (2017) were examined. To study the effectiveness of the method, a commercial electrostimulation device Neurostim, manufactured by Neursoft (Russia), was used. The stimulation session lasted 30 minutes at a frequency range of 0 to 30 Hz with an intensity of 0.1 to 1.3 mA. The effectiveness was assessed by the video head impulse test (gain was assessed) and evaluation of stabilometry (S — center of pressure (COP) deviation area (sq.mm)). In healthy patients, nGVS was performed at 0.3/0.5/1.0 mA during stabilometry on a hard and soft surface with eyes open/closed. In patients with BV, the optimal intensity (0.3–1.2 mA) was selected, followed by an assessment of the effect during and after the procedure. A course of treatment (7 daily 30-minute sessions of nGVS) was performed in 20 patients with residual vestibular function after ineffective 6-month physical rehabilitation. The effect of the course of treatment was assessed using stabilometry test (gain) and DHI questionnaire (Dizziness Handicap Inventory). Results. In healthy individuals, under conditions of visual and proprioceptive deprivation, an intensity of 0.3 mA improved balance parameters in 85% of cases, while 0.5–1.0 mA caused deterioration in 100% of cases (p < 0.01). In patients with BV, the effect of nGVS depended on the preservation of peripheral receptors: in the presence of residual function, a decrease in S and/or an increase gain was noted, while in complete areflexia, there were no significant changes. After a course of nGVS combined with vestibular rehabilitation exercises, improvement in static balance assessed by evaluation of stabilometry was observed in 86% of patients on day 7 and remained significantly better than baseline throughout the follow-up period of up to 1 month after discharge. Conclusions. nGVS is a promising additional method of rehabilitation for patients with BV in the presence of residual peripheral vestibular function, providing improvement in static balance and an aftereffect with course application.
Publication date:
08.08.2026
Keywords:
bilateral vestibulopathy, vestibular rehabilitation, noisy galvanic stimulation, static balance For citation:
Kunel’skaya N. L., Baibakova E. V., Zaoeva Z. O., Manaenkova E. A., Chugunova M. A., Savchenko Yu. A., Vinogradova M. V., Lapchenko A. A. Noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation in bilateral vestibulopathy: results of a comprehensive clinical study. Russian Otorhinolaryngology. 2026;25(4):84-90. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.18692/1810-4800-2026-4-84-90