Computer Simulution Of Oculomotor Control In extrapyranidal Disorders

Abstract

Computer simulation with a model of the saccadic burst generator, proposed by C. A. Scudder (1988), demonstrated that metrics of saccades as well as their velocity characteristics can be altered without changing the characteristics of the burst generator itself. The model could be used to explain impairment of saccadic eye movements in, for instance, Parkinson's disease (PD), since in this disorder at brainstem level pontine structures, where the burst generator is located, are unaffected. Comparison of saccades in PD patients with computer simulations showed that the model provided reasonable explanation for the observed reduction in maximum saccade velocity, but is not appropriate to explain hypometria of saccades.