[Optokinetic nystagmus and stimulated visual field. Neuro-otological significance]

In order to study the optokinetic nystagmus of a patient with a possible neurological lesion, it is important to use a stimulating source capable of activating the fovea pursuit system and the peripheral retina system simultaneously. The best stimulating source is that which results in maximum gain and minimum variability of the response, especially if high apparent velocity is used, since in this condition, neither of the two systems is capable of ensuring maximal gain. A comparative study of three modes of stimulation shows that these objectives are attained by the panoramic projection of a familiar painting on which black vertical bands are drawn.