The cerebellum in eye movement control: nystagmus, coordinate frames and disconjugacy

Abstract

In this review we discuss several aspects of eye movement control in which the cerebellum is thought to have a key role, but have been relatively ignored. We will focus on the mechanisms underlying certain forms of cerebellar nystagmus, as well as the contributions of the cerebellum to binocular alignment in healthy and diseased states. A contemporary review of our understanding provides a basis for directions of further inquiry to address some of the uncertainties regarding the contributions of the cerebellum to ocular motor control.

Magnetic Vestibular Stimulation (MVS) As a Technique for Understanding the Normal and Diseased Labyrinth

“…Whether the cerebellum is involved in this process is uncertain (27), but there is evidence from other learning paradigms that the cerebellum participates in set-point adaptation. Examples included control of posture, pointing, and alignment of the eyes (28–30). Furthermore, it is unknown how the brain implements set-point adaptation with multiple time constants, but as in vestibular compensation, this is likely to occur at multiple biological levels—changes in gene expression, neurotransmitter levels, inflammatory responses, synaptic activity, neurogenesis, and other unidentified changes at cellular, network, and cognitive levels (31).…”

Strabismus and the Oculomotor System: Insights from Macaque Models

“…The cerebellum is involved in almost all aspects of oculomotor control, both for online control and also as the substrate for adaptation and plasticity (Kheradmand & Zee 2011, Patel & Zee 2015). This section focuses on the cerebellar role in binocular aspects of eye movements, as they are most likely to be related to strabismus.…”

Role of neural integrators in oculomotor systems: a systematic narrative literature review

“…; Glasauer et al. ; Patel & Zee ). Connections are made to the midbrain, pons and medulla of the brainstem via the superior, inferior and middle cerebellar peduncles, respectively, allowing communication of cerebellar nuclei to areas within the brainstem.…”

“…Although there is great knowledge and understanding of NI, there is still a rise in case reports and studies that provide more supporting evidence and insight into other areas involved in neural integration (Rowe et al 2013;Kim et al 2014a;Patel & Zee 2014;. The structures involved in neural integration of conjugate horizontal, vertical and torsional eye movements while the head is stationary, will be discussed.…”

“…; Kim et al. ; Patel & Zee ; Shaikh & Ghasia ). The structures involved in neural integration of conjugate horizontal, vertical and torsional eye movements while the head is stationary, will be discussed.…”