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Glycerol-induced positional nystagmus in human beings
R Rietz1, B W Troia, A J Yonkers
1Brookings Hospital, SD.
Summary
Positional nystagmus, a type of vertigo, was observed in humans after ingesting glycerol. This supports the buoyancy hypothesis for positional alcohol nystagmus (PAN) and similar molecular effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Physiology
Background:
- Direction-changing nystagmus is a known effect of ethanol ingestion.
- This nystagmus, termed Positional Alcohol Nystagmus (PAN), is head-position dependent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate positionally dependent, direction-changing nystagmus in humans after glycerol ingestion.
- To compare glycerol-induced nystagmus with previously observed ethanol effects.
Main Methods:
- Human subjects ingested glycerol (1.5 g/kg).
- Electronystagmography was used to record eye movements.
- Serum glycerol levels were monitored for 7 hours.
Main Results:
- Positionally dependent, direction-changing nystagmus was observed after glycerol ingestion.
- Serum glycerol levels correlated with nystagmus occurrence and intensity.
- Data complement findings from ethanol studies.
Conclusions:
- Glycerol ingestion induces positional nystagmus in humans.
- These findings support the buoyancy hypothesis for positional nystagmus caused by water-soluble molecules.
- The specific gravity of ingested substances influences positional nystagmus.