Stimulation and Destruction of the Region of the Interstitial Nucleus in Cases of Torticollis and See-Saw Nystagmus

Abstract

The interstitial nucleus of Cajal or the adjacent areas including the upper part of the medial longitudinal fasciculus was stimulated and finally destroyed in 12 cases of torticollis (mostly retrocollis) and one case of see-saw nystagmus. Stimulation of the above-mentioned area caused EMG discharges and contraction mostly of the posterior neck muscles in torticollis cases. It reproduced the see-saw nystagmus in one case of posttraumatic see-saw nystagmus. It may be stated that the interstital nucleus and the medial longitudinal fasciculus may play an important regulatory role in neck and eye movements.