The effect of galvanic stimulation on spontaneous nystagmus

• Published in: O.R.L. Journal for oto-rhino-laryngology and its related specialties Vol. 38; no. 3; p. 140
• Main Authors: Swaak, A J, Oosterveld, W J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland 01.01.1976
• Subjects: Animals; Ear, Inner - physiology; Electric Stimulation; Eye Movements; Rabbits; Rotation; Saccule and Utricle - innervation; Vestibular Function Tests
• DOI: 10.1159/000275269
• ISSN: 0301-1569

The question of the point of impact of the electric current in the galvanic vestibular test is not solved. An important feature is that, after destruction of both the vestibular end organs, a galvanic nystagmus can still be provoked. The effect of a direct current on the spontaneous nystagmus following partial or total destruction of the vestibular end organs was investigated. The frequency of the spontaneous nystagmus diminishes when the electric stimulus causes an eye movement in the same direction as the fast phase of the nystagmus, the frequency increases when the polarity of the electric stimulation is reversed. Simultaneous application of torsion-swing and electric stimulation causes a summation of the separate effects. Our findings confirm the conculsions drawn by Ledoux (4, 5) from his findings in frogs.