Learn about the latency of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and its crucial role in compensating for head movements. Stay informed about the standards and implications of abnormal latency!
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The latency of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) is the delay between the detection of head movement and the onset of compensatory eye rotation.
| Component | Latency | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| Angular VOR (horizontal canals) | ≈ 7–10 ms | Purves 2019 |
| Vertical/oblique VOR | 8–12 ms | Schubert & Minor 2014 |
| Linear VOR (otoliths) | 25–35 ms | Schubert & Minor 2014 |
The angular VOR is one of the fastest reflexes in the human body (< 10 ms). Visual loops take ≈ 120 ms. A latency > 15 ms or a gain < 0.7 suggests vestibular hypofunction.
Under normal conditions, the eyes compensate even before awareness, keeping a clear image during rapid rotations (> 200 °/s).
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