Oculomotor abnormalities in multiple sclerosis. With special regard to its course.

Neuro-otological studies were performed on 17 patients who fulfilled the criteria of possible multiple sclerosis (MS). The eye movements of all the patients were examined by neuro-otologists. The routine examination was gaze, positional, and positioning nystagmus tests and ENG test. The ENG test consisted of recordings of smooth pursuit, saccadic eye movements, optokinetic nystagmus, caloric reactions and visual suppression. Abnormal smooth pursuit was noted in 10 of 16 patients (62 5%), examined abnormal saccadic eye movements in 11 of 17 (64.7%), the optokinetic nystagmus in 13 of 17 (76.5%). Only five patients showed CP in the caloric test. We classified the 17 patients into two groups according to the duration of MS: less than 7 years since the onset and 7 years or more since the onset. The eye movements abnormalities were more advanced the long term group on the whole. We describe a few patients observed for a long time. Their ENG findings corresponded with changes in general condition. We conclude that ENG examinations are indispensable in following MS patients.