The Omniax is an automated, omni-axial, custom-built chair at the Portland Otologic Clinic capable of moving a patient through 360 degrees in any plane and assuming any position relative to gravity. Thus, it is able to invert the patient if necessary. The Omniax has become an international facility for evaluating and treating various forms of positional vertigo, receiving patients mainly from North America and Europe.

At the POC, we presently carry out all maneuvers for positional vertigo using the Omniax, with simultaneous observation of the nystagmus with miniature infrared cameras placed in a goggle-like headset worn by the patient. This allows unlimited maneuvering capability with continuous nystagmus monitoring for carrying out the Epley Maneuvers (canalith repositioning) for either classical BPPV, or variants such as heavy cupula, canalith jam, etc. It is also used for diagnostic studies in a technique that we have pioneered, called "Dynamic Omni-positional Videonystagmography".

In BPPV, movement of the particles in the semicircular canals is reflected by certain characteristic eye movements (induced nystagmus). This induced nystagmus is displayed on a screen and analyzed during evaluation or treatment of positional vertigo. This provides ongoing information of the particle location (which of the six semicircular canals, and location within a canal), direction of movement, amount, etc. The Omniax has proven to be very valuable in diagnosing and treating many patients for whom treatment elsewhere had failed.

The patient is strapped securely in the chair with a harness similar to that used in military aircraft. The Omniax has proven to be well tolerated, with some patients in their 90's. It is especially adapted for patients with neck, back and obesity problems (weight limit 350 pounds).

The Omniax was designed to Dr. Epley's specifications by engineer William Scott.

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