MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

What is rotational nystagmus?

1. Jerking of the eyes in response to a bright light

2. Involuntary jerking caused by spinning motion

3. Jerking of the eyes when watching television

4. Eyes that dart when tired

The correct answer is: Involuntary jerking caused by spinning motion

Rotational nystagmus refers specifically to the involuntary jerking of the eyes that occurs as a response to spinning or rotational motion. It is a type of nystagmus that is associated with the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation. When an individual is spun around, the fluid in the inner ear canals moves, stimulating the sensory cells and leading to a reflex that results in the characteristic eye movements. This type of nystagmus can be observed in situations such as during a ride on a merry-go-round or while performing specific tests in a clinical setting to assess vestibular function. The other options describe different types of eye movement or conditions that are unrelated to the specific response caused by rotational motion. For example, jerking of the eyes in response to bright light is not related to rotational stimuli, and simply watching television would not typically induce nystagmus. Similarly, eye darting when tired does not imply the involuntary, oscillatory eye movement associated with nystagmus. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing the significance of rotational nystagmus in both clinical assessments and its physiological basis.