CVT Gaze Stabilization & Oculomotor Assessment

Question 1

Which reflex is primarily responsible for maintaining stable gaze during head movement?

Accepted Answer

Vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR)

Answer

The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) generates compensatory eye movements in the opposite direction of head movement to maintain stable gaze on a target.

Question 2

VOR gain is defined as:

Accepted Answer

The ratio of eye velocity to head velocity

Answer

VOR gain is calculated as eye velocity divided by head velocity; a normal gain is approximately 1.0, meaning eye velocity closely matches head velocity.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the function of gaze stabilization exercises (GSE)?

Accepted Answer

To enhance VOR adaptation through repeated head movements with visual targets

Answer

Gaze stabilization exercises promote VOR adaptation by repeatedly exposing the patient to head movements while maintaining focus on a visual target, creating a retinal slip signal that drives recalibration.

Question 4

During the head impulse test (HIT), a corrective saccade following the head thrust indicates:

Accepted Answer

Impaired semicircular canal function on the tested side

Answer

A corrective saccade (catch-up saccade) after a head thrust indicates the VOR failed to maintain gaze, suggesting hypofunction of the semicircular canal on the tested side.

Question 5

The horizontal VOR arc is mediated primarily through which cranial nerve pathway?

Accepted Answer

CN VIII connecting to CN VI and CN III via the MLF

Answer

The horizontal VOR is mediated via CN VIII (vestibulocochlear), which projects to the abducens nucleus (CN VI) and oculomotor nucleus (CN III) through the medial longitudinal fasciculus.

(CVT) Certified Vestibular Therapist Practice Test

(CVT) Certified Vestibular Therapist Practice Test

CVT Gaze Stabilization & Oculomotor Assessment