Checking eye movements
Another test, or investigative technique, is electronystagmography or videooculography. This is a form of electrical or video monitoring of rhythmic eye movements.
In people with MS, normal eye movement may be disturbed or impaired as a result of demyelination in the brain-stem and cerebellum. Therefore, an abnormal optic response to the stimuli (usually patterns), enables the specialist to detect a problem with vision.
Examining the ‘blink’ reflex
Examining the ‘blink’ reflex enables the function of the brain-stem nerve cells, responsible for this reflex, to be monitored. In people with MS, these nerve cells are often affected. The reflex is evoked by means of an electrical impulse above the eyebrow and measured with electrodes on the skin of the eyelids. A lack of response, or a delayed response, is a typical reaction for people with MS.
