Abstract
The role played by inputs from the dorsal neck muscles in maintaining eye and body equilibrium in human subjects discussed.
Cervico-ocular and cerbico-spinal responses were induced by dorsal neck vibratiion that mainly stimulated the muscle spindles of the dorsal neck muscles. Nystagmus was clearly demonstrated by this vibratory stimulation of the dorsal neck, not only in patients with peripheral vestibular lesions or neck muscle disorders, but also in normal subjects. Neck vibration also modulated caloric nystagmus. In addition, neck vibration induced clear anterior body sway, but only slight lateral body sway even in normal subjects. From these findings, it can be said that proprioceptive input from the dorsal neck muscles plays an important role in maintaining human equilibrium.
