Volume 13, Issue 2 pp. 204-207
Brief Communications and Case Reports
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Case of downbeat nystagmus influenced by otolith stimulation

B. R. Chambers FRACP

B. R. Chambers FRACP

Medical Research Council, Neuro-Otology Unit, Institute of Neurology, National Hospital, Queen Square, London, England

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J. J. Ell FRACP

J. J. Ell FRACP

Medical Research Council, Neuro-Otology Unit, Institute of Neurology, National Hospital, Queen Square, London, England

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Dr M. A. Gresty PhD

Corresponding Author

Dr M. A. Gresty PhD

Medical Research Council, Neuro-Otology Unit, Institute of Neurology, National Hospital, Queen Square, London, England

MRC Neuro-Otology Unit, National Hospital, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, EnglandSearch for more papers by this author
First published: February 1983
Citations: 31

Abstract

A patient with downbeat nystagmus and familial ataxia is described. The nystagmus was induced by static tilt away from normal upright posture, by linear acceleration of the head, and by convergence. It is inferred that the nystagmus was modulated by otolith-specific stimuli and not by stimulation of the canals. These findings demonstrate the role of otolith function in generation of eye movements in the vertical plane and support proposed interrelationships between otolith and vergence mechanisms. The nystagmus and associated oscillopsia were partially suppressed by treatment with clonazepam.

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