Developing a Computer Laboratory for Neurotologic Diagnosis

Abstract

The authors, with the help of a community hospital engineering staff, constructed a modern neurotological testing facility capable of performing on-line computer measurements of vestibulo-oculomotor, visual vestibulo-oculomotor, smooth pursuit, saccade, and optokinetic reflexes. The laboratory was built from component parts and uses a Digital Corporation laboratory computer. Programs from the UCLA Human Vestibular Laboratory were modified to work with the new laboratory. Construction and program modification cost $60,000 and was completed in seven months. The laboratory was working at full capacity six months after construction testing patients with suspected neurotologic and neurologic disorders. The procedures of construction as well as the financial and safety problems are discussed.