Practica Oto-Rhino-Laryngologica

The Unidirectionality of the Labyrinthine Reflex in relation to the Unidirectionality of the Optokinetic Reflex

Tadashi Fukuda

1981 Volume 74 Issue 7special Pages 1642-1646
Published: August 15, 1981
Released on J-STAGE: November 04, 2011

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.5631/jibirin.74.7special_1642

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To inquire into the physiological relationship between the unidirectionality of the labyrinthine reflex to rotatory stimulation and the unidirectionality of the optokinetic reflex five leghorns, whose eyes were covered unilaterally, were rotated with an angular acceleration of 1°/sec² for a minute and the following facts were disclosed.
(1) During rotation the deficiency due to the unidirectionality of the optokinetic reflex is compensated for by unidirectional excitation of the labyrinth and perrotatory head nystagmus occurs. (2) The purpose of this compensation exists in inducing head nystagmus and thereby enabling the individual to perceive moving objects one by one and to keep the body in equilibrium during rotation. (3) In considering nystagmus from the point of view of evolution, it is inferred that the unidirectionality of the optokinetic reflex existed at first and, for the purpose of compensating for this unidirectionality, semicircular canals with their unidirectional nature evolved.

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Ataxia and Disequilibrium

Kiichiro Taguchi

1981 Volume 74 Issue 7special Pages 1647-1672
Published: August 15, 1981
Released on J-STAGE: November 04, 2011

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.5631/jibirin.74.7special_1647

JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

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Ataxia and disequilibrium are clinical symptoms expressing basic conditions of body balance. The author proposed to give them clear definitions concerning the human posture. Ataxia would mean the failure in maintaining the posture during more complicated movement, while disequilibrium implys the disturbed body balance in static posture while standing or sitting. Fukuda referred the difference between disequilibrium and ataxia to the postural change, static to active, during vestibular stimulation.
There are many complaints and symptoms relating to ataxia and disequilibrium. Several points in this field were raised and discussed for the future clinical purpose.
1. An abnormal sensation called “Memai” in Japanese arises with ataxia or disequilibrium. It may be classified into three categories. The first category “vertigo” is a moving sensation, which is typically accompanied with vestibular dysfunction. The second, dizziness or giddiness, is a kind of unsteadiness such as staggering, blurred vision or weakness at the knees. The third contains inconstant symptoms, for example diplopia, malaise, feebleness, nausea and fainting. Those symptoms belong to a new concept of “Memai” and seem to be directly related to ataxia.
2. The characteristics of labyrinthine disequilibrium were 1) laterality or past pointing, 2) easy to be compensated after onset of lesion, 3) accompanying a rotatory horizontal nystagmus, 4) no sensory disorder and 5) measurable by neurootological tests.
3. Causes of ataxia were enumerated and several new diagnostic techniques were mentioned. The measurements of optokinetic nystagmus potential and correlation between head movement and movement of the center of gravity seem to be useful diagnostic tools for vertiginous and ataxic patients.

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Vertiginous Patients in Otolaryngological Practitioner

Akio Ohshima

1981 Volume 74 Issue 7special Pages 1673-1677
Published: August 15, 1981
Released on J-STAGE: November 04, 2011

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.5631/jibirin.74.7special_1673

JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

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A otolaryngological practitioner, examined about 100-150 vertiginous patients a year for 15 years, reported as follows:
1. How to examine the vertiginous patients in the clinic.
2. Practitioner is able to see the fresh vertigo attack and fresh nystagmus.
3. The type of positional or positioning nystagmus is changing from hour to hour, day by day, not fixed.
4. It is need to contact closely with other part of medicine, especially neurologist, ophthalmologist and internal medicine.

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