On videonystagmography, the ocular motor testing battery includes assessment of saccades, smooth pursuit, and optokinetic nystagmus. Hypermetric saccades and impaired smooth pursuit are most characteristic of pathology in which location?
- A Cerebellum ✓
- B Semicircular canals
- C Vestibular nuclei
- D Medial longitudinal fasciculus
Correct answer: A. Cerebellum
Explanation
The cerebellum calibrates saccadic accuracy and maintains smooth pursuit. Hypermetric saccades (overshooting the target) and saccadic pursuit are classic cerebellar signs. Semicircular canal disease does not affect voluntary eye movements on VNG. Vestibular nuclei and MLF lesions produce different patterns such as gaze palsy or internuclear ophthalmoplegia.
Reference: Baloh and Honrubia's Clinical Neurophysiology of the Vestibular System, 4th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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