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!
Published on October 30, 2025
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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