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Semin Hear 2018; 39(03): 275-287
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1666818
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Oculomotor Assessment in Children

Steven M. Doettl
1   Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Health Professions, Knoxville, Tennessee
,
Devin L. McCaslin
2   Division of Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
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Publication History

Publication Date:
20 July 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Oculomotor evaluation as part of videonystagmography is an integral tool in the assessment of vestibular function providing a global assessment of the neurological pathways associated with oculomotor function. The value of an oculomotor evaluation for pediatric evaluation is well established; however, many questions can also arise with the application to the pediatric population. Oculomotor function is age dependent which can have a significant effect on the test results obtain in children. The underlying neural substrates and age effects are discussed across the literature with specific results from recent research using clinical oculomotor equipment and protocols. The evidence suggests there are several key differences in the pediatric population compared with adults. These include longer saccade latencies, reduced smooth pursuit gain, increased optokinetic asymmetry, increased variability in all responses, and increased artifact in saccade and smooth pursuit testing.

Keywords

Children - dizziness - videonystagmography - oculomotor