What is barany chair?

A Barany chair, also known as the Barany rotational chair, is a medical device used to evaluate and diagnose vestibular disorders. It was developed by Hungarian otologist Robert Barany in the early 20th century.

The Barany chair consists of a large rotating platform with a chair attached to it. The chair is positioned at different angles, and the platform rotates in different directions at varying speeds, causing the inner ear to stimulate the vestibular system, which controls balance and eye movements.

During a Barany chair test, the patient is seated in the chair wearing eye goggles that record eye movements. The platform is then rotated in different directions and at varying speeds, while the patient keeps their eyes focused on a stationary target. The eye movements are recorded, and the results are used to diagnose various vestibular disorders, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere's disease, and vestibular migraines.

The Barany chair is considered a gold standard in vestibular testing, as it allows for precise and accurate assessment of the vestibular system. However, it requires specialized training and expertise to operate and interpret the results.