Eye Movements in Vestibular Function and Dysfunction: A Brief Review
Elaine Cornell, PhD 1
Ian Curthoys, PhD 2
1 Discipline of Orthoptics, Faculty of Health Science, University of Sydney
2 Vestibular Research Laboratory, School of Psychology, Faculty of Science; University of Sydney
It is well known that there is a very close relationship between the vestibular system of the inner ear and eye movements, however symptomatic outcomes of this relationship are not common in general eye clinics. Stimulation of the semicircular canals by rotation or caloric testing results in vestibular nystagmus and this can be used clinically to assist in the diagnosis of peripheral and organ vestibular disorders. Testing of otolith dysfunction, however, has been less straightforward. It has recently been shown that eye movements can be elicited by otolithic stimuli, delivered either as air or bone conducted sound. These eye movements are small, but reliable, and can assist in the diagnosis of vestibular disease or dysfunction.
