Vestibulookulären

Vestibulookulären refers to the vestibulookulären reflex, often abbreviated as VOR. This is an involuntary reflex that stabilizes vision during head movements. It achieves this by causing the eyes to move in the opposite direction of the head's movement. This coordinated action ensures that the image viewed by the eyes remains relatively stationary on the retina, allowing for clear vision even while the head is in motion.

The VOR involves a complex interplay between the vestibular system in the inner ear and the oculomotor system that controls eye movements. The vestibular system, specifically the semicircular canals, detects rotational movements of the head. This sensory information is then transmitted to the brainstem, which processes it and sends signals to the eye muscles. These signals trigger compensatory eye movements that precisely match the speed and direction of the head's rotation.

For example, if you turn your head to the right, the VOR will cause your eyes to move to the left. This maintains your gaze on the object you were looking at. The VOR is crucial for maintaining stable vision during everyday activities like walking, running, or even reading while on a moving vehicle. Deficits in the VOR can lead to symptoms such as blurred vision, oscillopsia (a sensation of objects moving or bouncing), dizziness, and balance problems. These issues can arise from conditions affecting the inner ear, vestibular nerve, or brainstem.