The major role of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) is to stabilize the eyes for clear vision during movement in daily life. Periodic head movements during normal life activities move the head at fundamental frequencies of 2–4 Hz, with harmonics extending above these frequencies. The other ocular control systems are relatively insensitive above 2 Hz and therefore the VOR functions as the primary control system for visual stabilization during locomotion. Traditional testing using caloric stimulation of the lateral semicircular canal is limited to a very low-frequency response and only one canal of the labyrinth is tested. Traditional rotational chair systems test only the lateral semicircular canal and at relatively low-frequency levels. At a constant rotational velocity, the semicircular canals are not stimulated, only with acceleration or deceleration. This chapter covers active and passive head movements to test the VOR from 2 to 6 Hz, using the autorotational test and the video head impulse test (vHIT) that simulates more authentic daily VOR challenges.

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The Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex and Head Impulse Testing

  • Erika McCarty Walsh,
  • Dennis I. Bojrab

摘要

The major role of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) is to stabilize the eyes for clear vision during movement in daily life. Periodic head movements during normal life activities move the head at fundamental frequencies of 2–4 Hz, with harmonics extending above these frequencies. The other ocular control systems are relatively insensitive above 2 Hz and therefore the VOR functions as the primary control system for visual stabilization during locomotion. Traditional testing using caloric stimulation of the lateral semicircular canal is limited to a very low-frequency response and only one canal of the labyrinth is tested. Traditional rotational chair systems test only the lateral semicircular canal and at relatively low-frequency levels. At a constant rotational velocity, the semicircular canals are not stimulated, only with acceleration or deceleration. This chapter covers active and passive head movements to test the VOR from 2 to 6 Hz, using the autorotational test and the video head impulse test (vHIT) that simulates more authentic daily VOR challenges.