The normal nystagmic response of infants to caloric and perrotatory stimulation.

Infants (276) were tested with perrotatory and caloric vestibular stimulation at 3-month intervals, from birth till 12 months of age and at 6-month intervals from 12 to 24 months. They were grouped by gestational age and weight at birth. Statistical analyses of the various features of the nystagmus obtained at different ages were performed. Premature and low weight infants were found to have the longest latency and smallest frequency, amplitude and speed of slow component during the first 6 months. As they matured, the latency of response became shorter while the other parameters increased. Complete maturation of responses was attained in all infants within 6 to 12 months of age. Standards for normal vestibular responses in infants up to 24 months of age are set in this study.