Vertical optokinetic nystagmus and optokinetic afternystagmus in humans

Vertical optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) and optokinetic afternystagmus (OKAN) were recorded in 6 normal subjects using the magnetic scleral search coil technique in order to reevaluate the up-down symmetry of these responses. The effects of body position relative to gravity were investigated by comparing OKN and OKAN elicited with the subjects in an erect and in a lateral side position. No consistent up-down asymmetry in vertical OKN was found but OKAN was asymmetric (up slow phase velocity > down slow phase velocity). Most subjects had an immediate reversal in OKAN slow phase velocity after downward stimuli. No significant effects of static head position (upright versus lateral position) on vertical OKN and OKAN were found. These features of human OKAN can be explained by the summation of two oppositely directed velocity storage mechanisms.