Neurophysiological correlates of nystagmus

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Abstract
The space program and medicine's need for additional information in order to better understand, prevent and treat disorders of the vestibular system have stimulated widespread renewed interest in the study of this complex system. Despite the significant contributions by a number of investigators, much has yet to be learned in order to understand clearly the interrelationships and complexities of the vestibulo‐ocular system and the associated peripheral and central subsystems. Because of the functional interdependence of each portion of the vestibulo‐ocular reflex complex, a thorough study of the various parts is essential.After review and utilization of a number of available approaches for studying this complex system and its subsystems, it is apparent that the development of some new testing techniques along with improved data storing, retrieval, and analysis methods are needed. The concept, implementation, and activation of new experimental techniques are difficult and laborious as will be seen in this thesis. Better data storage, retrieval and analysis, likewise, require the use of modern technology as well as the extended efforts, assistance and cooperation of experts from other disciplines. This has been accomplished with the use of newly developed computer programs which make possible quantitative measurements, graphical display and correlative studies of massive amounts of information which would otherwise be humanly impossible.The general organization of this thesis is oriented toward reviewing the previous work by other investigators upon which any such endeavor must build. Particular emphasis is then given to the methods which are explained in detail so that they can be utilized by others without retracing the many pitfalls experienced in their development. Quantitative analysis of recordings of the behavior of the VIth cranial nerve fibers of cats in response to optokinetic and rotatory stimulation is presented and discussed.Comments on interesting observations made during the conduct of these experiments are presented. The significance and future plans of application of these new approaches to the study of the vestibulo‐ocular systems are discussed.

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