Experiments on the Tullio Vestibular Fistula Reaction

Abstract

Using clicks, the response to positive and to negative pressure waves were studied. The myogram of the neck-muscles was used as indicator (v. Eyck). The results showed that mechanic impulses producing an increase in action-potential frequency in the nerve (ampullo-petal in can. horis.) was recorded but not the decrease (ampullo-fugal). This is interpreted as giving a summation of the short depolarizing impulses resulting in an increase in action potential frequency. This is regarded as the reason for the production of nystagmus in the Tullio phenomenon.