Rotatory test in otoneurology.

A series of rotatory tests are described, by which it is possible to activate the ocolomotor system by visual as well as by vestibular stimuli, either separately or in combination. The visual-oculomotor system was studied by means of rotation with 10 degrees constant speed for 10 s in either direction. Pursuit movements and saccades were also studied. The vestibulooculomotor system was studied by acceleration behind closed eyes with 10 degrees/s2 up to 100 degrees, immediately followed by a similar deceleration. Normal and pathological cases are presented. A combined visual-vestibular stimulation was performed with the same kind of acceleration-deceleration but with eyes open. Acceleration demonstrated the summation effect of visual and vestibular input to the vestibular nuclei. The deceleration revealed the cerebellar ability to suppress the vestibular output. Normal and pathological cases are demonstrated. Finally, a combined rotation was introduced, informing us about the vestibular reaction, the visual-vestibular summation, the optokinetic reactions, and the cerebello-vestibular suppression. Normal and pathological cases are described.