Gaze Stabilization & Oculomotor Assessment Flashcards
7 cards from real CVT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Gaze Stabilization & Oculomotor Assessment flashcards as text
For a patient with acute unilateral vestibular hypofunction, in which position should gaze stabilization exercises be initiated?
Answer: Sitting, progressing to standing as tolerated
GSE should begin in sitting to minimize fall risk in the acute stage, with progressive advancement to standing and then dynamic activities as balance improves.
The primary mechanism by which gaze stabilization exercises improve VOR function is:
Answer: Neuroplasticity-driven VOR gain adaptation
GSE promote neuroplasticity-driven VOR adaptation where repeated mismatch between head movement and retinal slip drives the brain to recalibrate VOR gain.
Which statement best describes the 'x1 viewing' gaze stabilization exercise?
Answer: Holding a stationary visual target in focus while actively moving the head
In x1 viewing, the patient holds a stationary target and moves their head while maintaining focus, creating a retinal slip signal that drives VOR adaptation.
Which parameter is typically progressed FIRST when advancing gaze stabilization exercises?
Answer: Speed of head movement
Speed of head movement is typically the first parameter progressed in GSE because faster movements create greater VOR challenge and drive more effective VOR adaptation.
For patients with bilateral vestibular hypofunction, which gaze stabilization strategy is most appropriate?
Answer: Emphasis on cervico-ocular reflex augmentation and maximizing visual reliance
Patients with bilateral vestibular hypofunction cannot rely on VOR recovery, so therapy emphasizes alternative strategies such as cervico-ocular reflex augmentation, preprogrammed eye movements, and maximizing visual reliance.
The 'x2 viewing' gaze stabilization exercise differs from x1 viewing in that:
Answer: The target moves opposite to the head at the same speed as the head
In x2 viewing, the target moves in the opposite direction of head movement at the same speed, creating twice the retinal velocity and a more challenging VOR stimulus than x1.
Which outcome measure most directly quantifies the functional impact of gaze instability in vestibular patients?
Answer: Dynamic Visual Acuity test
The Dynamic Visual Acuity test directly quantifies the functional impact of gaze instability by measuring the change in visual acuity during head movement, reflecting real-world visual function during daily activities.