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The head stabilization reflex by stimulation of accessory nerve
1Ege University Medical School Hospital, Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey. burhanu@med.ege.edu.tr
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|September 29, 1999
Summary
A new technique for the head stabilization reflex (HSR) shows it is controlled by the cerebellum. This reflex was absent in most patients with cerebellar syndrome, indicating its importance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Physiology
Background:
- The head stabilization reflex (HSR) is crucial for maintaining visual stability during movement.
- Understanding the neural pathways controlling HSR is essential for diagnosing neurological disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a new technique for assessing the head stabilization reflex (HSR).
- To investigate the role of the cerebellum in controlling the HSR.
- To evaluate HSR in patients with neurological disorders, particularly cerebellar syndrome.
Main Methods:
- A novel method involving accessory nerve stimulation and electromyographic recording from the contralateral sternocleidomastoid muscle was employed.
- The study included 32 healthy subjects and 22 patients with various neurological conditions.
- Supramaximal stimulation of the ipsilateral accessory nerve was used to elicit the reflex.
Main Results:
- The HSR was consistently recorded in normal subjects with a mean latency of approximately 45 ms.
- The HSR was absent in 9 out of 11 patients diagnosed with cerebellar syndrome.
- The reflex demonstrated high stability in healthy individuals.
Conclusions:
- The head stabilization reflex (HSR) is an oligo-polysynaptic/plurosegmental reflex.
- The cerebellum exerts strong control over the HSR.
- Impaired HSR may serve as an indicator of cerebellar dysfunction.