Diagnostic precision in a new rotatory vestibular test.

Quantification of the vestibulo-ocular reflex for the purpose of clinical diagnostics is dependent upon measurements within that portion of the dynamic range which has a constant gain, independent of visual contamination. Head oscillation at about 3 Hz is characterized by unity gain irrespective of visual influence. At lower frequencies visual tracking dominates compensatory eye movements and fixation suppression of the VOR can be quantified precisely. The new test is based upon power spectral analysis of compensatory eye movements during rotatory stimulation on a powerful hydraulic rotation chair. There is evidence suggesting that this test can precisely quantify vestibular lesions and provide side detection of peripheral damage.