Vibration-Induced Nystagmus: A Biomarker for Vestibular Deficits - A Synopsis

A review of more than 20 years of experience with vibratory stimulation in vestibular diseases is given. Vibrations in a frequency frame of 30-60 Hz are applied on the mastoid during 20 s. Eye movements are recorded by video-oculography to detect a vibration-induced nystagmus (VIN). A VIN occurs in cases of a side difference between the peripheral vestibular receptors beating to the side of better excitability. In patients with central lesions, a VIN does not appear generally, only exceptionally if the lesion is located laterally in the brain stem. In healthy subjects, a VIN does not occur. The VIN can be considered as an additional tool to detect a peripheral side difference and can reduce the need for caloric stimulation.