Optokinetic nystagmus as related to neonatal position.
The objective of this study was to assess the role of the newborn vestibular system on the infant's preferred position. Neonatal electronystagmography was recorded from 80 full-term healthy neonates in the prone and supine positions. Records were analyzed by the clinical ranking of dysmetria and dysrhythmia and computerized fractal analysis. A significantly (P < .002) decreased organization of the electronystagmography signal was observed in the prone compared with the supine position. These results concur with the previously documented, more optimal physiologic functioning in the supine compared with prone position in infancy. It is possible that the vestibular system, among other factors, plays a role in the more protective supine position in infancy.
Marmur
Rachel
R
Hannah Khoushy Child Development Center, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.
Sabo
Edmond
E
Carmeli
Eli
E
Tirosh
Emanuel
E
Ben David
Jacob
J
D001933:Brain Stem / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004584:Electronystagmography; D019416:Head Movements / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000254:growth & development*; D017120:Nystagmus, Optokinetic / Q000502:physiology*; D009801:Oculomotor Muscles / Q000502:physiology; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D014726:Vestibular Nuclei / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000254:growth & development*