Bárány chair

Bárány chair is a device used primarily in the field of neurology and otolaryngology for the diagnosis and treatment of certain types of vertigo, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). It was named after the Hungarian physician and Nobel laureate Robert Bárány, who made significant contributions to understanding the physiology of the vestibular system.

History

The Bárány chair was invented by Robert Bárány in the early 20th century. Bárány was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1914 for his work on the vestibular system, which included the development of this diagnostic tool.

Design and Function

The Bárány chair is a rotating chair that can be tilted in any direction. The patient is seated in the chair and then spun around or moved in different directions. This movement stimulates the semicircular canals in the inner ear, which are part of the body's balance system. By observing the patient's eye movements (a response known as nystagmus) and asking about symptoms such as dizziness or vertigo, doctors can determine whether a vestibular disorder is present.

Clinical Use

The Bárány chair is used in both diagnosis and treatment. In diagnosis, it can help identify the specific type of vertigo a patient is experiencing. In treatment, it can be used to perform maneuvers that help reposition misplaced otoliths in the inner ear, a common cause of BPPV.

See Also

• Dix-Hallpike test
• Epley maneuver
• Meniere's disease
• Vestibular rehabilitation