Galvanic Nystagmus in Normal Person

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Vestibulo-ocular reflex and vestibulo-spinal reflex are induced by transmatoid galvanic stimulation of vestibular system. Nystagmus and body sway are result of each reflex. Recently, videooculograph possible to record a minute ocular movement was commonly used, vestibulo-ocular reflex induced by galvanic simualtion is easily documented. The purposes of this study are to evaluate the galvanic nystagmus in nomal persons in order to better understand the physiology of the vestibular system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eye movement of 20 neurootologic normal subjects by both side transmstoid galvanic stimulation (40cases) were analyzing by videonystagmography. RESULT: The direction of nystagmus in fast phase was to the negative electrode. Galvanic nystagmus was occured all normal subjects when stimulus intensity was more than 2mA. There was positive correlation between slow phase velocity(SPV) and electric current but negative correlation was noted between asymmery of SPV and electric current. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that the galvanic nystagmus test could be a new diagnostic tool for evaluation of vestibular status.