Dr. med. Dieter Leithauser

E.N.T. Specialist, Warburg, Germany

For more than 13 years I have been routinely using the Tetrax System with it’s attached documentation in my ENT clinic for the purpose of the differential diagnosis of vertigo.

To this day, we have gathered experience with the measurements of more than 4000 patients. We mainly apply the Tetrax System to define and evaluate mixed types of vertiginous pathology, to differentiate between peripheral and central sources of vertigo, as well as to follow up the patient’s status after episodes of vertiginous attacks.

Unlike other traditional posture graphic systems, the Tetrax System (need to change to new name here) is based on measurements of the interaction of vertical pressure fluctuations over four independent platforms. The evaluation includes a differential Fourier analysis of five important frequency bands of postural sway. The evaluated measurements, which reflect the typical pattern of the pathology, are repeatedly found in later follow up control assessments.

Of special value are the Tetrax assessments in the context of the longitudinal evaluation of the progress of vertiginous states. Here the scope of assessment extends from the diagnosis of vertigo after cranial and cerebral injuries and cervical Whiplash trauma to the exploration of Parkinson’s Disease.

The Tetrax System has a peculiar power in supplying evidence in the context of legal expertise. In such situations, powerful and reliable arguments are supplied to define the degree of reduction or complete loss of working capacity. The relevant courts of social justice have fully recognized the procedure. Recently an important aspect has been added from the point of view of the (German) labor legislation. According to new mandatory labor-medical check ups, jobs defined G – 41, which involve danger of falling, require an assessment of postural control. In such cases, the Tetrax System is able to yield reliable information regarding the ability to tolerate heights, and the level of falling risk.