EXPERIMENTAL VESTIBULAR TREMORS, WITH ANALOGOUS CLINICAL CASES

Abstract

Since the memorable work of Flourens in 1824, experiments on pigeons have contributed greatly to our knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the static labyrinth. During the epidemic of 1918 and 1919, I treated a number of cases of epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis, in some of which postmeningitic symptoms were noted. Since my observations did not seem to be explained by the generally accepted views concerning the physiology of the membranous labyrinth, I have approached the problem experimentally during the past year and a half. In this work I have noted, not only the coarse head and eye nystagmus found by so many investigators, but also a fine tremor which I have designated vestibular tremor. It will suffice for the scope of this paper if I call attention to the anatomic landmarks of the apparatus, the saccule, the utricle, and the three semicircular canals, the tubulated enlargements