Changing response to caloric stimulation with gestational age in infants

Neurology. 1980 Jul;30(7 Pt 1):776-8. doi: 10.1212/wnl.30.7.776.

Abstract

Internuclear ophthalmoplegia was found by caloric testing of the vestibuloocular reflex in normal, very premature infants, indicating that the medial longitudinal fasciculus is functionally immature. At this age, the medial longitudinal fasciculus is more responsive to stimulation by the oculocephalic (doll's-eye) reflex, which resulted in conjugate deviation of the eyes.

MeSH terms

  • Caloric Tests*
  • Female
  • Gestational Age*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Nystagmus, Pathologic / diagnosis
  • Ocular Physiological Phenomena
  • Ophthalmoplegia / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy
  • Reflex / physiology
  • Vestibular Function Tests*