Motion sickness occurrence does not correlate with nystagmus characteristics

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis whereby eye movements as such may be an important factor in the development of motion sickness (M S). The horizontal eye movements of 27 subjects were measured during earth vertical axis rotation (EVAR) and during off vertical axis rotation (OVAR). Two groups were set up, one including subjects who suffered severe MS duri ng the test, and the other including subjects with no MS symptoms. We found no differences in nystagmus parameters (EVAR: gain and time constant; OVAR : eye velocity modulation and eye position modulation) between the MS and t he non-MS groups. We can conclude that eye movements are not involved in th e development of MS. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights rese rved.