Download Disorders of the ocular motor, vestibular, and cerebellar systems

October 24 - 28, 2005
Disorders of the ocular motor, vestibular, and cerebellar systems
The ocular motor, vestibular, and cerebellar systems are closely related both anatomically and
physiologically. A dysfunction of one of these systems is often characterized by a combination of
phenomena involving perceptual, ocular motor, postural, and autonomic manifestations:
(1) vertigo/dizziness, (2) nystagmus or double vision, (3) ataxia and imbalance, and (4) nausea.
These four manifestations correlate with various aspects of function and emanate from different sites
within the brain. Therefore, the diagnosis of vestibular and ocular motor syndromes always requires
interdisciplinary thinking of neurologists, neuro-otologists, ENT specialists, and ophthalmologists.
In this seminar of the clinical research group on the vestibular and ocular motor systems at the
Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich we will examine different approaches to disorders of the
ocular motor, vestibular, and cerebellar systems. First, specialists in these fields will lecture on the
basic anatomical and physiological aspects of the three systems. Second, laboratory techniques used
in scientific and clinical studies to examine the three systems will be demonstrated, e.g., the magnetic
coil technique, video-oculography, and functional imaging of the brain, among others. Third, the
basics of computer modeling and its clinical application for understanding different vestibular and
ocular motor disorders will be discussed. Fourth, experienced clinicians will demonstrate in interactive
courses how to examine patients with these disorders and how to take their history. Finally, the
etiology, patient history, clinical course, typical findings, and recent aspects of treatment of relevant
ocular motor, vestibular, and cerebellar disorders will be presented, in particular vestibular neuritis,
perilymph fistula, benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo, phobic postural vertigo, central vestibular
disorders such as vestibular migraine, and ion channel disorders like episodic ataxias.
The major aim of these courses is to combine specialized knowledge of different basic and clinical
disciplines in order to increase our understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of
the ocular motor, vestibular, and cerebellar systems, as well as the etiology and treatment of related
disorders. This seminar should also stimulate a lively interaction between the participants –
neuroanatomists, neurophysiologists, neurologists, biologists, engineers, and students of different
faculties – which will lead to collaboration on developing new ideas for future scientific and clinical
research projects.
Prof. Michael Strupp, Department of Neurology, LMU
Prof. Thomas Brandt, Department of Neurology, LMU
VIU Campus – Isola di San Servolo
Contact:
tel. 041.2719511
email: [email protected]