Nystagmography as a diagnostic tool in multiple sclerosis

摘要

Summarizing from this investigation we may conclude1.It appeared that slight abnormalities in the nystagmograms can occur, but only in persons above 44 years of age. Because multiple sclerosis patients are usually younger than 50 years, disturbances in the nystagmogram are fairly often evidence of a brain-stem lesion.2.In persons older than 44 years directional preponderance, spontaneous nystagmus with closed eyes and slight to moderate impairment of following movements alone cannot be taken as a diagnostic criterion for a brain-stem lesion.3.Horizontal and especially vertical gaze nystagmus, considerable impairment of following movements and symmetrical diminution of the passive optokinetic nystagmus when using stimuli of 30°/sec. or less can be used as a fairly reliable diagnostic criterion.4.It appeared that the decrease in peak velocity of the saccadic eye movements in our series of M.S. patients had pathological significance.5.Slowing of the peak velocity of adduction relative to abduction is a reliable diagnostic criterion, provided that only relatively small saccadic movements (e.g. of 20°) are use