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Abstract
The influence of both the activating and the inhibitory power of voluntary fixation upon caloric nystagmus has been studied. Eight normal test subjects were given bithermal caloric irrigations to evaluate the influence of fixation and no fixation under various test conditions. The following effects were observed:
(1) Eye closure (i.e. with no fixation) has a facilitating power on the nystagmus in normal persons but inhibits or abolishes the induced nystagmus under the influence of reticular formation-blocking drugs.
(2) Eye opening (with fixation) diminishes or abolishes the nystagmus induced in normal perSocs, and increases or revives the nystagmus in persons given the reticular formation blocking drugs.
(3) It is concluded that, when the caloric test is performed, the resultant nystagmus should be examined under each of the two conditions of eye closure (no fixation) and eyes open (fixation). This may add useful diagnostic information to the otoneurological evaluation of patients. Electronystagmographic examination conducted only with the eyes closed may provide misleading information concerning vestibulo-oculomotor function.