The Torsion Swing

Author’s address: Dr. W. J. Oosterveld, E.N.T. Department, Wilhelminagasthuis, Amsterdam (Netherlands) An introduction to the torsion swing test is given. This test is a rapid and simple method to investigate the labyrinth and to get information: whether there is an irritable labyrinth; whether there is a directional preponderance of the vesti-bular nystagmus. In the recording of the nystagmus provoked by the torsion swing we find three remarkable points: the speed of the nystagmus, the frequency of the nystagmus, the duration of the nystagmus. In 153 normal human beings the torsion swing test was performed every half-hour during å1⁄8 h. There was only a slight change of the nystagmic pattern. Many times there was directional preponderance (20%). The duration of the nystagmus was very constant more so than its frequency and its speed. This duration was measured every half-hour. nystagmus duration