[Mechanisms of interactions between different types of nystagmus]

Basing on the original and literature data it is suggested that all types of nystagmus are formed by the same complex system. Under combined stimulation, impulses from the sensory systems are integrated not only in the vestibular nuclei, but also in a series of structures at cortical-subcortical level. The integration proceeds with its own polarity (activating or inhibiting) when a signal alters the ability of a structure to respond to another inputting signal. In this way the thresholds are permanently modified in the integrating structures of the system. It results in increasing or decreasing effect of the outputting reaction of the system. Final response of integrating process reaches the effector level of the nystagmus generation, namely paramedial or mesencephalic regions of pontine reticular formation and spreads further to oculomotor nuclei.