[Subjective visual vertical evaluation in normal Brazilian subjects].

Otolith function can be evaluated by subjective visual vertical (SVV) that determine the capacity of a subject to judge if the objects are on vertical position with absence of any visual reference. The aim of this study was to evaluate the SVV in a sample of normal Brazilian subjects using a portable device. Measurements of SVV were performed in 160 normal subjects (aged from 16 to 85). SVV mean value was obtained after ten adjustments. SVV mean values ranged from -2.0 degrees to +2.4 degrees (mean=0.18 degrees, and SD=0.77). Considering all age groups, there was no difference of SVV mean values (Kruskal-Wallis test; p=0.40), but older groups had a greater variance (Levene test; p=0.016). SVV values observed in this study are comparable to those described in previous studies. Although there was no difference in mean SVV-inclination according to age, there was a greater variance in older subjects.