[Early saturated form of slow phase eye velocity in optokinetic nystagmus in dizzy patients]. 1998

J Yokota
Department of Neurology, Amakusa Hospital, Saitama, Japan.

The peculiar form of the optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) in the electro-oculogram (EOG) was studied in 26 dizzy patients. The slow phase velocity is saturated below 60 degrees (53.7 +/- 6.5) and keeps steady state level in response to higher stimulus velocities, while the peak velocity rises up to 94.6 +/- 16.5 degrees in healthy subjects. In contrast, the frequency of slow phase nystagmus (200.3 +/- 22.6) ranges within normal limits (218.0 +/- 23.4). These characteristics were significant in the student t-test. In Cohen and Raphan's model, slow phase of OKN is supposed to be composed of two components: one is the direct pathway which is responsible for a initial rapid rise. Another is the indirect pathway which contains the velocity storage integrator and is responsible for a slower rise to a steady state level. According to Waespe et al (1983), the initial rapid rise was severely attenuated and the peak velocity of OKN declined to the preoperated saturation level of OKAN after flocculectomy in monkeys. These findings were remarkably coincident with the present study. Additionally, in 5 cases, neuroradiological studies revealed small lesions in the cerebellum. Thus, it is concluded such form of OKN is suggested to be the small lesion in the cerebellum, especially flocculus.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D012027 Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular A reflex wherein impulses are conveyed from the cupulas of the SEMICIRCULAR CANALS and from the OTOLITHIC MEMBRANE of the SACCULE AND UTRICLE via the VESTIBULAR NUCLEI of the BRAIN STEM and the median longitudinal fasciculus to the OCULOMOTOR NERVE nuclei. It functions to maintain a stable retinal image during head rotation by generating appropriate compensatory EYE MOVEMENTS. Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex,Reflex, Vestibuloocular,Reflexes, Vestibo-Ocular,Reflexes, Vestibuloocular,Reflex, Vestibulo Ocular,Reflexes, Vestibo Ocular,Vestibo-Ocular Reflexes,Vestibulo Ocular Reflex,Vestibuloocular Reflex,Vestibuloocular Reflexes
D001933 Brain Stem The part of the brain that connects the CEREBRAL HEMISPHERES with the SPINAL CORD. It consists of the MESENCEPHALON; PONS; and MEDULLA OBLONGATA. Brainstem,Truncus Cerebri,Brain Stems,Brainstems,Cerebri, Truncus,Cerebrus, Truncus,Truncus Cerebrus
D002531 Cerebellum The part of brain that lies behind the BRAIN STEM in the posterior base of skull (CRANIAL FOSSA, POSTERIOR). It is also known as the "little brain" with convolutions similar to those of CEREBRAL CORTEX, inner white matter, and deep cerebellar nuclei. Its function is to coordinate voluntary movements, maintain balance, and learn motor skills. Cerebella,Corpus Cerebelli,Parencephalon,Cerebellums,Parencephalons
D004244 Dizziness An imprecise term which may refer to a sense of spatial disorientation, motion of the environment, or lightheadedness. Lightheadedness,Orthostasis,Dizzyness,Light-Headedness,Light Headedness
D004585 Electrooculography Recording of the average amplitude of the resting potential arising between the cornea and the retina in light and dark adaptation as the eyes turn a standard distance to the right and the left. The increase in potential with light adaptation is used to evaluate the condition of the retinal pigment epithelium. EOG,Electrooculograms,Electrooculogram
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000221 Adaptation, Ocular The adjustment of the eye to variations in the intensity of light. Light adaptation is the adjustment of the eye when the light threshold is increased; DARK ADAPTATION when the light is greatly reduced. (From Cline et al., Dictionary of Visual Science, 4th ed) Light Adaptation,Adaptation, Light,Adaptations, Light,Adaptations, Ocular,Light Adaptations,Ocular Adaptation,Ocular Adaptations
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