The effects of Risperidone on the vestibular system of healthy volunteers as assessed by dynamic computed posturography

Abstract

The pharmacodynamic effects of Risperidone on the vestibular system were assessed via dynamic computed posturography in 12 healthy subjects (6 male). Subjects were administered 2 mg, orally, of Risperidone and assessed on the NeuroCom® Balance Master© system under varying conditions. The vestibular response was deductively quantified by first assessing balance with a static force plate and eyes closed (Condition 2), and then assessed on a dynamic force plate with eyes closed (Condition 5). On average, Condition 2 scores were 24.46 points higher than Condition 5 scores (95% CI [20.973, 27.957]). A Pearson correlation between scores in Condition 2 and 5 showed a significant, moderate positive correlation (r = .487, p <.001). A trend analysis showed the effect of time, post-dose, on equilibrium score to be linear in nature (p < .001). In conclusion, some, but not all, of the subjects involved in the study experienced diminished vestibular control after administration of Risperidone; this may be due to phenotypic differences or learning effects.