Analysis of visually guided eye movements in subjects after whiplash injury.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of present research were to analyze the visually guided eye movements of subjects suffering from the consequences of whiplash injury and the possibility to differentiate patients from feigning subject. We analyzed the role of video-nystagmography for clinical and forensic aspects.


METHODS
It was a prospective case-control study. Detailed history was taken and patients were thoroughly investigated. Smooth pursuit and saccadic eye movements were assessed in 33 patients affected by imbalance following a whiplash injury. A control group of 20 subjects was also evaluated. All tests were executed in neutral neck position and after left and right trunk rotation.


RESULTS
The t-test, applied to all parameters showed that difference of the parameter between the groups was not statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
The visually guided eye movement evaluation does not seem to offer a clinically relevant method to differentiate patients suffering from the effects of whiplash injury from normal subjects.
Dipartimento Discipline Chirurgiche e Oncologiche - U.O. Otorinolaringoiatria, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Italy. francesco.dispenza@gmail.com
Francesco
F
Dispenza
Rosalia
R
Gargano
Navneet
N
Mathur
Carmelo
C
Saraniti
Salvatore
S
Gallina
D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004584:Electronystagmography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008306:Malingering / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009039:Motion Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011698:Pursuit, Smooth / Q000502:physiology*; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D012438:Saccades / Q000502:physiology*; D014741:Video Recording; D014911:Whiplash Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D055815:Young Adult