[Bechterew phenomenon in the human].

BACKGROUND: Vestibuloocular and vestibulospinal reactions following the bilateral loss of vestibular function are designated as Bechterew's phenomenon. In vestibular physiology, under experimental conditions, this phenomenon has played an important role for understanding the mechanisms underlying vestibular compensation. However, clinical reports about this phenomenon in humans are extremely rare.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Bechterew's phenomen was observed throughout every stage of its development in a patient with consecutive bilateral loss of vestibular function. The disorder was documented by electronystagmography and posturography.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Bechterew's phenomenon depends on different states of vestibular function developing in a certain succession, whereby the varying relations between failure and compensation are decisive. The phenomen very impressively demonstrates the resilience of the central nervous system in adapting to varying peripheral functional states. From a clinical standpoint, knowledge of these relationships is important for understanding vestibular compensation.