Visuoocular reflexes in presbyvertigo

Int Tinnitus J. 2001;7(2):112-4.

Abstract

Using electronystagmography, we tested 100 patients (ages 65-80 years) manifesting the clinical signs of presbyvertigo, for the purpose of demonstrating their visuoocular reflexes. We administered not only simple optokinetic and eye-tracking stimuli but caloric modification of each one as well (with contrary directed optokinetic trace movement). The results were compared with those obtained in a group of 40 healthy subjects between the ages of 20 and 25 years. In the older group, we observed a statistically significant increased frequency of asymmetry of optokinetic nystagmus and pathological patterns revealed by the eye-tracking test and caloric modification of both the optokinetic and eye-tracking tests. We discuss the hypothetical predominant localization of age-dependent changes, with emphasis on the disturbances of visual-vestibular integration, on the basis of data obtained from anamnesis and other electronystagmographic findings.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging*
  • Caloric Tests
  • Electronystagmography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nystagmus, Pathologic
  • Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular*
  • Vertigo / physiopathology*