Abstract
New parameters of nystagmus (smoothness and kurtosis) were adopted for detailed analysis of nystagmus. Smoothness is related to the degree of fluctuation of the fixation point, and kurtosis reflects the sharpness of the turning point in nystagmus. These parameters were used to study optokinetic nystagmus under vestibular stimulation.
The frequency and amplitude of nystagmus were increased from middle to high speed range, and a marked increase of the optokinetic adaptation limit was recorded. Increased smoothness in the slow phase and kurtosis at the terminal point of the quick phase were also observed. The labyrinth supports optokinetic nystagmus by making a subject catch optokinetic stimulise parately. This supporting effect is observed even at the low speed range of optokinetic nystagmus.
