Neuronal Response to Reward and Luminance in Macaque LIP During Saccadic Choice / 神经科学通报·英文版

Recent work in decision neuroscience suggests that visual saliency can interact with reward-based choice, and the lateral intraparietal cortex (LIP) is implicated in this process. In this study, we recorded from LIP neurons while monkeys performed a two alternative choice task in which the reward and luminance associated with each offer were varied independently. We discovered that the animal's choice was dictated by the reward amount while the luminance had a marginal effect. In the LIP, neuronal activity corresponded well with the animal's choice pattern, in that a majority of reward-modulated neurons encoded the reward amount in the neuron's preferred hemifield with a positive slope. In contrast, compared to their responses to low luminance, an approximately equal proportion of luminance-sensitive neurons responded to high luminance with increased or decreased activity, leading to a much weaker population-level response. Meanwhile, in the non-preferred hemifield, the strength of encoding for reward amount and luminance was positively correlated, suggesting the integration of these two factors in the LIP. Moreover, neurons encoding reward and luminance were homogeneously distributed along the anterior-posterior axis of the LIP. Overall, our study provides further evidence supporting the neural instantiation of a priority map in the LIP in reward-based decisions.

Profile and neuropsychological differences in adolescent students with and without dyslexia / Perfil y diferencias neuropsicológicas en alumnos adolescentes con y sin dislexia

Abstract Dyslexia is a problem of increasing prevalence in school-age students. The latest experiences in the application of neuropsychology to education are interesting because they allow for the evaluation of different neuropsychological variables to obtain a better understanding of the learning processes of students in this population for specific subsequent interventions. The purpose of this study was to explore the following neuropsychological variables related to reading in adolescent students with and without dyslexia. The sample consisted of 60 students between 13 and 15 years of age, 30 with dyslexia and 30 without. The King Devick test was used to assess the saccadic eye movements, specifically the fast and automated denomination of digits; the Harris laterality test was used to evaluate functional laterality, and the ENFEN test for executive functions. The results revealed significant differences between the two groups. Students with dyslexia scored lower on the three neuropsychological skills assessed. These findings suggest that students with dyslexia may manifest poorer performance in those neuropsychological skills that are key to reader development.

Resumen La dislexia es un problema que cada vez afecta más al alumnado en edad escolar. Las últimas experiencias de aplicación de la neuropsicología al ámbito educativo resultan interesantes porque van a permitir evaluar distintas variables neuropsicológicas con el objeto de comprender mejor los procesos de aprendizaje del alumnado para plantear posteriormente intervenciones específicas en esta población. El propósito de este estudio fue explorar variables neuropsicológicas relacionadas con la lectura y escritura en estudiantes con y sin dislexia. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 60 estudiantes de entre 13 y 15 años, 30 con dislexia y treinta sin dislexia. La prueba King Devick fue utilizada para valorar los movimientos oculares sacádicos, la prueba de la lateralidad de Harris para evaluar la lateralidad y la prueba ENFEN para las funciones ejecutivas. Los resultados revelaron diferencias significativas entre los dos grupos. Los estudiantes con dislexia obtuvieron puntuaciones más bajas en las tres habilidades neuropsicológicas evaluadas. Estos hallazgos sugieren que los niños con dislexia podrían manifestar un peor desempeño en habilidades neuropsicológicas que son clave para el desarrollo lector y escritor.

Determinación y cuantificación de subpoblaciones de linfocitos T y células natural killer en sangre periférica de individuos sanos por citometría de flujo / Detection and quantification of T-cell subpopulations and NK cells in peripheral blood from healthy individuals

Resumen Introducción: La determinación de las diferentes subpoblaciones de los linfocitos T en las diversas patologías y el monitoreo postratamiento ayuda a que el médico tome decisiones terapéuticas teniendo como referencia la cinética de los linfocitos T localizados en sangre periférica. Métodos: Se realizó la estandarización de un perfil de moléculas de superficie para la caracterización de subpoblaciones de linfocitos T: naïve, activados y de memoria, así como las células natural killer o asesinas naturales (CD3− CD56+) en sangre periférica de individuos clínicamente sanos. Resultados: Se identificaron las subpoblaciones de linfocitos: naïve (CD3+, CD4+ o CD8+, CD45RA+, CD62L+, CCR7+), activados (CD3+, CD4+ o CD8+, CD45RA+ o CD45RO+, CD69+ y/o CRTAM+), efectores (CD3+, CD4+ o CD8+, CD45RA+, CD62L−, CCR7−), de memoria central (CD3+, CD4+ o CD8+, CD45RO+, CD62L+, CCR7+) y de memoria efectora (CD3+, CD4+ o CD8+, CD45RO+, CD62L−, CCR7−) en las poblaciones de linfocitos T CD4+ y CD8+. Se integraron los datos obtenidos con estadística descriptiva (valores mínimos, valores máximos, media, mediana). Conclusiones: Este panel será de gran utilidad para monitorear pacientes en quienes se requiera valorar el estado inmunológico desde el punto de vista celular. Particularmente, puede apoyar en el seguimiento de los pacientes en los que se requiera evaluar la reconstitución inmunológica (componente celular de estirpe T).

Abstract Background: The knowledge of the participation of different subpopulations of T lymphocytes in various pathologies helps to make therapeutic decisions, having as reference the presence of the different subpopulations of the T lymphocytes associated with the disease. Methods: A profile standardization of surface molecules for the characterization of subpopulations of T cells was conducted: naïve, activated and memory, as well as natural killer (CD3− CD56+) cells in peripheral blood of clinically healthy individuals. Results: Naïve (CD3+, CD4+ or CD8+, CD45RA+, CD62L+, CCR7+), activated (CD3+, CD4+ or CD8+, CD45RA+ or CD45RO+, CD69+ and/or CRTAM+), effectors (CD3+, CD4+ o CD8+, CD45RA+, CD62L−, CCR7−), central memory (CD3+, CD4+ o CD8+, CD45RO+, CD62L+, CCR7+), memory effectors (CD3+, CD4+ or CD8+, CD62RO+, CD62L−, CCR7−) subpopulations were analyzed by flow cytometry. Descriptive statistics parameters were calculated (minimum values, maximum values, mean values, median). Conclusions: This panel can be very useful for monitoring patients in whom the immunological status from a cellular perspective is needed. Particularly, it can support the follow-up of patients who require an immunological reconstitution (T-cell component) evaluation.

No Evidence of a Contribution of the Vestibular System to Frequent Falls in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Conflicting results about vestibular function in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) prompted a systematic examination of the semicircular canal function, otolith function, and postural stability. METHODS: Sixteen patients with probable PSP [9 females, age=72±6 years (mean±SD), mean disease duration=3.6 years, and mean PSP Rating Scale score=31] and 17 age-matched controls were examined using the video head impulse test, caloric testing, ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (o- and cVEMPs), video-oculography, and posturography. RESULTS: There was no evidence of impaired function of the angular vestibulo-ocular reflex (gain=1.0±0.1), and caloric testing also produced normal findings. In terms of otolith function, there was no significant difference between PSP patients and controls in the absolute peakto-peak amplitude of the oVEMP (13.5±7.2 µV and 12.5±5.6 µV, respectively; p=0.8) or the corrected peak-to-peak amplitude of the cVEMP (0.6±0.3 µV and 0.5±0.2 µV, p=0.3). The total root-mean-square body sway was significantly increased in patients with PSP compared to controls (eyes open/head straight/hard platform: 9.3±3.7 m/min and 6.9±2.1 m/min, respectively; p=0.032). As expected, the saccade velocities were significantly lower in PSP patients than in controls: horizontal, 234±92°/sec and 442±66°/sec, respectively; downward, 109±105°/sec and 344±72°/sec; and upward, 121±110°/sec and 348±78°/sec (all p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We found no evidence of impairment of either high- or low-frequency semicircular function or otolith organ function in the examined PSP patients. It therefore appears that other causes such as degeneration of supratentorial pathways lead to postural imbalance and falls in patients with PSP.

Proposal on the Diagnostic Criteria of Definite Isolated Otolith Dysfunction

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dizzy patients with abnormal otolith function tests, despite a normal caloric response, are defined as having specific (isolated) otolith organ dysfunction. This study was performed to compare the differences in clinical presentation between isolated otolith dysfunction (iOD) patients with lab- and Sx-based iOD group and lab-based iOD symptoms. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The medical records of 23 iOD patients with normal caloric response but abnormal cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP), ocular VEMP, or subjective visual vertical were reviewed. Non-spinning vertigo was considered as otolith-related symptoms. The patients’ age, onset of dizziness, Numeric Rating Scale on the severity of dizziness, and concomitant vestibular disorders were analyzed. RESULTS: Patients in the lab-based iOD group were significantly older than those in the lab- and Sx-based iOD group. Known vestibular disorders were significantly more common in the lab-based iOD group (83.3%) compared to the lab- and Sx-based iOD group (18.2%). Despite the normal caloric response, catch-up saccade was found in the video head impulse test in more than half (54.5%) of the lab-based iOD group patients. There was no catch-up saccade in the lab- and Sx-based iOD group. There were no significant differences in gender ratio, frequency of dizziness attacks, and duration of illness. CONCLUSIONS: We propose new definitions of definite iOD (lab- and Sx-based iOD) and probable iOD (lab- or Sx-based iOD). These new definitions may help researchers to identify patients who are more likely to have true iOD, and facilitate comparisons of results between different studies.

Intratympanic Gentamicin Versus Labyrinthectomy: Inner Ear Sensitivity to Gentamicin and Impact on the Contralateral Labyrinth

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of labyrinthectomy and intratympanic (IT) gentamicin injections on the contralateral labyrinth, we also assessed the response of each individual semicircular canal to each IT gentamicin application. METHODS: We performed a pilot observational study on tertiary, referral, academic settings. Thirteen patients with unilateral vestibular pathology were organized into two groups, group I (seven patients) receiving IT gentamicin and group II undergoing labyrinthectomy (six patients). All patients underwent six-canal video-head-impulse test in predetermined time intervals. Patients receiving gentamicin were additionally tested 3 to 5 days after every sequential injection, until all ipsilateral canals were ablated, to determine the order of response to gentamicin. We recorded the vestibular-ocular reflex gains and the presence of covert/overt saccades for each canal. RESULTS: The posttreatment ipsilateral gains were abnormal. No patient from the gentamicin group developed abnormal contralateral responses, while patients undergoing labyrinthectomy had abnormal contralateral responses from at least one canal, even several months posttreatment. Finally, the lateral semicircular canal was the first one to be affected by IT gentamicin followed by the posterior canal: the superior canal was ablated last. CONCLUSION: In our study, labyrinthectomy had an impact on the responses recorded from the contralateral ear, while IT gentamicin ablated the ipsilateral labyrinthine function without affecting the contralateral responses, possibly because of a milder, more gradual impact. We also show for the first time the order that IT gentamicin application affects the semicircular canals, with the lateral being the first to be affected.

Two Cases of Myasthenia Gravis Showing Fatigibility Presenting with Decreased Gain of Smooth Pursuit / 대한평형의학회지

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease caused by autoantibodies to the acetylcholine receptors of the neuromuscular junction characterized by weakness and abnormal fatigability of the muscles. Therefore, the diagnosis of MG depends on the recognition of this distinctive pattern of fatigable weakness. Previous studies presented the diagnostic efficacy of saccadic eye movements in patients with ocular MG. We here in report 2 patients of ocular MG showing the fatigue effects during repetitive sustained smooth pursuit, and the effects of the administration of edrophonium on myasthenic smooth pursuit. Changes in smooth pursuits reflecting peripheral and secondary central mechanisms were demonstrated.

Analysis of Age-Dependent Normative Values of Suppression Video-Head-Impulse Test in Healthy Korean Subjects / 대한평형의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Suppression head impulse paradigm (SHIMP) in video head impulse test is now newly used to test vestibular function. The aim of this study was to analyze normative values of SHIMP for healthy Korean subjects in each decade of life. METHODS: SHIMP and HIMP responses were measured with the video head impulse test in 70 healthy subjects. Vestibulo-ocular reflex gain and anticompensatory saccade were analyzed and compared at each decade of life. RESULTS: All subjects produced anticompensatory saccades in SHIMP. Gain values did not vary significantly with age. Gain values in SHIMP were lower than gain values in HIMP. The gain values of rightward impulse were higher than the gain values of leftward impulse. CONCLUSIONS: Gain values and anticompensatory saccades in SHIMP were consistently equal in each decade of life. Normative values of SHIMP seems largely unaffected by aging.

Abnormal Eye Movements in Parkinsonism and Movement Disorders

Abnormal eye movements are commonly observed in movement disorders. Ocular motility examination should include bedside evaluation and laboratory recording of ocular misalignment, involuntary eye movements, including nystagmus and saccadic intrusions/oscillations, triggered nystagmus, saccades, smooth pursuit (SP), and the vestibulo-ocular reflex. Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) mostly show hypometric saccades, especially for the self-paced saccades, and impaired SP. Early vertical saccadic palsy is characteristic of progressive supranuclear palsy-Richardson's syndrome. Patients with cortico-basal syndrome typically show a delayed onset of saccades. Downbeat and gaze-evoked nystagmus and hypermetric saccades are characteristic ocular motor findings in ataxic disorders due to cerebellar dysfunction. In this review, we discuss various ocular motor findings in movement disorders, including PD and related disorders, ataxic syndromes, and hyperkinetic movement disorders. Systemic evaluation of the ocular motor functions may provide valuable information for early detection and monitoring of movement disorders, despite an overlap in the abnormal eye movements among different movement disorders.

Association of Abnormal Eye Gaze Pattern with Magical Ideation during Reality Evaluation in Patients with Schizophrenia / 대한정신분열병학회지

OBJECTIVES: Magical ideation refers to belief in forms of causation that by conventional standards are invalid, and is considered to be one of prodromal psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between magical ideation and eye gaze pattern in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: Eye gaze data were recorded in 23 patients with schizophrenia and 23 healthy controls while performing the reality evaluation task, in which participants should judge the realness of real or unreal pictures. RESULTS: Compared to healthy controls, patients with schizophrenia showed decreased fixation, saccade and area of interest (AOI) fixation counts, and reduced scanpath length. Magical Ideation Scale score in patients with schizophrenia showed negative correlation with the scanpath length in the real condition and the AOI fixation count in the unreal condition. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that patients with schizophrenia show restricted visual scanning during reality evaluation, and their restricted visual scanning may play an important role in the magical ideation.

Clinical Feasibility of Suppression Head Impulse Test in Vestibulopathy Patients / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The suppression head impulse (SHIMP) test has emerged as one of the new vestibular function tests. The SHIMP test is an analysis of anti-compensatory saccadic movements in gazing moving targets as the head moves. In this study, we investigated the accuracy and sensitivity of the test. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We analyzed the results of SHIMP test (gain, amplitude, and latency) in 24 cases, which included normal, vestibular neuritis, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere's disease, bilateral vestibular function loss, temporal bone fracture, tuberculosis meningitis and acoustic schwannoma patients. We also carried out a physical exam, audiologic study, video electronystagmography (vENG) and a conventional video head impulse test to evaluate the feasibility of SHIMP test in cases of vesitibulopathy. RESULTS: In patients with vestibulopathy, the analysis of SHIMP test indicated high sensitivity and accuracy, which were supported by accompanying audio-vestibular studies. Patients suspected with BPPV, vestibular neuronitis and Meniere's disease showed low vestibulo ocular reflex (VOR) gain and delayed anticompensatory saccade with smaller and more scattered amplitudes than the control. Patients with bilateral vestibular function loss, temporal bone fracture, tuberculosis meningitis, and acoustic schwannoma showed delayed latency, and small amplitude or few anticompensatory saccades. Finally, changes in the SHIMP test values might be a hint that patients had recovered from vestibular neuronitis and tuberculosis meningitis. CONCLUSION: We found the feasibility of SHIMP test in detecting the pathologic condition of VOR in vestibulopathy patients. We argue that the usefulness of SHIMP test might be extended to evaluating the effectiveness of rehabilitation.

Clinical Application and Update of Video Head Impulse Test / 대한평형의학회지

Recently with the introduction of video head impulse test (vHIT), it can be easily performed quantitative and objective measurement of vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). vHIT has been used as a clinical vestibular function test that can individually evaluate the function of each semicircular canal. Loss of VOR gain and corrective catch-up saccades that occur during the vHIT usually indicate peripheral vestibular hypofunction, whereas in acute vestibular syndrome, normal vHIT should prompt a search for a central lesion. In this study, we will examine the principle of vHIT and its interpretation, and explain its clinical application in peripheral and central vestibulopathy. In addition, we will compare the caloric test and the differences, and review the most recently introduced suppression head impulse paradigm test.

The Clinical Efficacy of Vestibular Function Tests in Patients with Acute Unilateral Vestibulopathy / 대한평형의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Aim of this study is to investigate the clinical efficacy of the vestibular function tests (VFTs) and the predictability of lesion side of vestibular asymmetry parameters in acute unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy. METHODS: Medical records and results of VFTs (caloric, rotatory chair, and head impulse tests) of 57 patients with acute unilateral vestibulopathy were reviewed retrospectively. The VFTs were examined within 7 days after the clinical onset. RESULTS: For the caloric test, 74% showed significant canal paresis and the predictability of lesion side was 88%. For the sinusoidal harmonic acceleration test, 91% had low gain in at least 1 Hz, phase lead showed 70%, 89% showed phase asymmetry and the predictability of lesion side was 90%. For velocity step test, 67% had abnormal Tc asymmetry and the predictability of lesion side was 95%. In bedside head impulse test (HIT), abnormal catch up saccades were observed in 89% and the predictability of lesion side was 100%. For the video HIT, cover or overt catch-up saccades were observed in 95% and the predictability of lesion side was 100%. One hundred percent (100%) had low gain on the video HIT, but the lesion sides were uncertain because of bilateral involvements or artifacts. CONCLUSIONS: The most important things in the diagnosis of acute unilateral vestibulopathy are typical clinical symptoms and spontaneous nystagmus. A combination of rotatory, caloric, and HITs will result in a more complete examination of the vestibular system. Among them, HIT is recommended as the best tool in acute unilateral vestibulopathy.

The Relationship between Saccades and Locomotion

Human locomotion involves a complex interplay among multiple brain regions and depends on constant feedback from the visual system. We summarize here the current understanding of the relationship among fixations, saccades, and gait as observed in studies sampling eye movements during locomotion, through a review of the literature and a synthesis of the relevant knowledge on the topic. A significant overlap in locomotor and saccadic neural circuitry exists that may support this relationship. Several animal studies have identified potential integration nodes between these overlapping circuitries. Behavioral studies that explored the relationship of saccadic and gait-related impairments in normal conditions and in various disease states are also discussed. Eye movements and locomotion share many underlying neural circuits, and further studies can leverage this interplay for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Eye Movement Characteristics of Cooperation Degree during Image Completion Test in Psychiatric Impairment Assessment / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To explore the difference of eye movement characteristics between uncooperative and cooperative subjects with mental disorder after cerebral trauma.@*METHODS@#Thirty-nine subjects which needed psychiatric impairment assessment were selected. According to the binomial forced-choice digit memory test （BFDMT）, all subjects were divided into cooperative and uncooperative groups. The subjects were asked to take the image completion test from Wechsler adult intelligence scale. Meanwhile, the data of eye movement track, fixation, saccade, pupil and blink were recorded by the track system of eye movement.@*RESULTS@#There were significantly differences （P<0.05） in the data of saccade between cooperative （10 cases） and uncooperative groups （29 cases）. The frequency, time, amplitude, acceleration of saccadic in uncooperative group were significantly higher than cooperation group. The saccade latencies of cooperation group increased more than uncooperative group. There was a significant difference （P<0.05） in total discrete distance, average distance and total time of fixation between two groups, while the average duration time, number and frequency of fixation had no significantly difference （P>0.05） between two groups. And the blink frequency of cooperation group was higher than uncooperative group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Eye movement can be an objective index for the primary judgment of cooperation level.

Clinical significance of saccade test, smooth pursuit test, and optokinetic nystagmus test in nystagmography / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: Saccade test, smooth pursuit test, and optokinetic nystagmus test are clinically useful tests to accurately diagnose vertigo. However, there have only been a few studies regarding a correlation between the anatomical site of the lesion and the abnormality of eyeball movement in patients with vertigo.METHODS: The medical records of 97 patients with vertigo between January 2006 and June 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. We classified many kinds of abnormalities regarding the saccade test, smooth pursuit test and optokinetic nystagmus test into several categories and analyzed the localizing lesion of vertigo.RESULTS: According to the saccade test, both total saccade abnormality (S-total) and slow velocity of saccade (S-type 3) were shown to be significantly higher in the central lesion of vertigo. According to the smooth pursuit test, symmetrical unidirectional smooth pursuit abnormality (SP-type 2) was observed to be significantly higher in the peripheral lesion over vertigo. Moreover, according to the optokinetic nystagmus test, total optokinetic nystagmus abnormalities (OKN-total) were shown to be significantly useful findings in the diagnosis of the central lesion of vertigo. The coexisting abnormalities of all three tests (S+SP+OKN abnormalities) were shown to be significantly higher in the central lesion of vertigo.CONCLUSION: These results suggest that all these tests, saccade test, smooth pursuit test, and optokinetic nystagmus test, are very useful to distinguish between the central lesion and the peripheral lesion of vertigo. However, these tests are not beneficial in localizing the central lesion of vertigo.

Causes of False Negative Bedside Head Impulse Test / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The bedside head impulse test (bHIT) in bare eyes often overlooks possible vestibular losses by missing the corrective saccade. This is why it is necessary to compare bHIT against video head impulse test (vHIT), which is more accurate in identifying vestibular losses than the bedside test. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A total of 51 vHIT positive ears underwent the study, and out of those, 47 were diagnosed with dizziness. bHIT and vHIT were performed for patients, and the occurrence rate of overt saccade (OS) was calculated. RESULTS: Among the 51 vHIT positive ears, 33 (64.7%) were bHIT positive ears and 18 ears (35.3%) were bHIT negative. Patterns of positive vHIT were classified as A: no corrective saccade, B: covert saccade (CS) only, C: OS only, and D: CS with OS (CS+OS), which were 45 out of 51 ears (88%). The occurrence rate of OS was higher in the bHIT positive group than in the bHIT negative group (p=0.05), and higher in the CS negative group (CS-) than in the CS positive group (CS+) (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Possible causes of false negative results of bHIT are seen as following: the absence of corrective (covert and overt) saccade, the occurrence of CS only, and missing the OS during the bHIT (probably due to low occurrence rate of OS). The occurrence of CS should be considered as an important factor in false negative bHIT when lowering the occurrence rate of OS.

Video head impulse test for evaluation of vestibular function in patients with vestibular neuritis and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo / 浙江大学学报·医学版

To assess the clinical application of video head impulse test (vHIT) for vestibular function in vestibular neuritis (VN) and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) patients.Thirty-three patients with VN and 43 patients with BPPV were enrolled from Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and Ningbo Second Hospital from March 15 to September 10, 2015; and 50 healthy controls were also enrolled in the study. vHIT was used to quantitatively test the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gains of a pair of horizontal semicircular canals. VOR gains two pairs of vertical semicircular canals, and the corresponding asymmetrical value of three VOR gains. The saccades information was also recorded.Compared with the healthy control group and BPPV patients, the affected horizontal and vertical VOR gains were declined and the corresponding asymmetries were increased in VN patients (all<0.01). BPPV group also showed higher vertical VOR gain asymmetries compared with the healthy control group (all<0.01), but no significant difference was observed in VOR gains and horizontal VOR gain asymmetry (all>0.05). The sensibility of vHIT in diagnosis of VN was 87.9%. Among 33 VN patients, 22 were diagnosed with superior vestibular nerve dysfunction, 7 were found with inferior vestibular nerve dysfunction and 3 were with both dysfunction; and 1 case was not distinguished.Video head impulse test can quantitatively evaluate the vestibular dysfunction of VN and can help early diagnosis of VN, which may be widely used in clinic.

Clinical significance of saccade test, smooth pursuit test, and optokinetic nystagmus test in nystagmography / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: Saccade test, smooth pursuit test, and optokinetic nystagmus test are clinically useful tests to accurately diagnose vertigo. However, there have only been a few studies regarding a correlation between the anatomical site of the lesion and the abnormality of eyeball movement in patients with vertigo. METHODS: The medical records of 97 patients with vertigo between January 2006 and June 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. We classified many kinds of abnormalities regarding the saccade test, smooth pursuit test and optokinetic nystagmus test into several categories and analyzed the localizing lesion of vertigo. RESULTS: According to the saccade test, both total saccade abnormality (S-total) and slow velocity of saccade (S-type 3) were shown to be significantly higher in the central lesion of vertigo. According to the smooth pursuit test, symmetrical unidirectional smooth pursuit abnormality (SP-type 2) was observed to be significantly higher in the peripheral lesion over vertigo. Moreover, according to the optokinetic nystagmus test, total optokinetic nystagmus abnormalities (OKN-total) were shown to be significantly useful findings in the diagnosis of the central lesion of vertigo. The coexisting abnormalities of all three tests (S+SP+OKN abnormalities) were shown to be significantly higher in the central lesion of vertigo. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that all these tests, saccade test, smooth pursuit test, and optokinetic nystagmus test, are very useful to distinguish between the central lesion and the peripheral lesion of vertigo. However, these tests are not beneficial in localizing the central lesion of vertigo.

Decoding Saccadic Directions Using Epidural ECoG in Non-Human Primates

A brain-computer interface (BCI) can be used to restore some communication as an alternative interface for patients suffering from locked-in syndrome. However, most BCI systems are based on SSVEP, P300, or motor imagery, and a diversity of BCI protocols would be needed for various types of patients. In this paper, we trained the choice saccade (CS) task in 2 non-human primate monkeys and recorded the brain signal using an epidural electrocorticogram (eECoG) to predict eye movement direction. We successfully predicted the direction of the upcoming eye movement using a support vector machine (SVM) with the brain signals after the directional cue onset and before the saccade execution. The mean accuracies were 80% for 2 directions and 43% for 4 directions. We also quantified the spatial-spectro-temporal contribution ratio using SVM recursive feature elimination (RFE). The channels over the frontal eye field (FEF), supplementary eye field (SEF), and superior parietal lobule (SPL) area were dominantly used for classification. The α-band in the spectral domain and the time bins just after the directional cue onset and just before the saccadic execution were mainly useful for prediction. A saccade based BCI paradigm can be projected in the 2D space, and will hopefully provide an intuitive and convenient communication platform for users.