Optokinetic nystagmus as related to neonatal position

The objective of this study was to assess the role of the newborn vestibular system on the infant's preferred position. Neonatal electronystagmography was recorded from 80 full-term healthy neonates in the prone and supine positions. Records were analyzed by the clinical ranking of dysmetria and dysrhythmia and computerized fractal analysis. A significantly (P < .002) decreased organization of the electronystagmography signal was observed in the prone compared with the supine position. These results concur with the previously documented, more optimal physiologic functioning in the supine compared with prone position in infancy. It is possible that the vestibular system, among other factors, plays a role in the more protective supine position in infancy.