Vestibulookular

Vestibulookular refers to a reflex that stabilizes gaze during head movements. This reflex is crucial for maintaining clear vision when the head is in motion. The vestibulookular reflex, or VOR, involves the vestibular system in the inner ear and the oculomotor system that controls eye movements. Sensory information about head position and movement is detected by the vestibular organs, specifically the semicircular canals and otoliths. This information is then transmitted to the brainstem. In response, neural pathways activate specific eye muscles to generate compensatory eye movements. These eye movements are typically in the opposite direction of the head movement and at a similar velocity. For example, if the head turns to the left, the eyes will move to the right to keep the visual target fixed on the retina. Dysfunction of the vestibulookular reflex can lead to symptoms such as vertigo, oscillopsia (a sensation of visual shaking), and difficulties with balance and coordination. Testing the VOR is a common diagnostic tool for evaluating neurological and vestibular disorders.