Using Eye Movements as an Experimental Probe of Brain Function

Introduction

This volume of Progress in Brain Research is based on the proceedings of a conference, "Using Eye Movements as an Experimental Probe of Brain Function," held at the Charing Cross Hospital Campus of Imperial College London, UK on 5th -6th December, 2007 to honor Professor Jean Büttner-Ennever. With 87 contributions from international experts – both basic scientists and clinicians – the volume provides many examples of how eye movements can be used to address a broad range of research questions.

Section 1: Extraocular Muscle

Highlights new concepts of proprioceptive control that involve even the cerebral cortex.

Section 2: Brainstem Mechanisms

Comprises structural, physiological, pharmacological, and computational aspects, illustrating implications for disorders such as opsoclonus and congenital scoliosis with gaze palsy.

Section 3: Cerebellum and Motor Commands

Addresses how the cerebellum transforms neural signals into motor commands and how disease may lead to ataxia and disorders like oculopalatal tremor.

Section 4: Sensory-Motor Processing

Deals with visual, vestibular, somatosensory, and auditory inputs required for navigation and gait.

Section 5: Cognitive Processes

Illustrates how eye movements, combined with electrophysiology, imaging, stimulation, and lesion studies, have illuminated memory, prediction, and free will.

Section 6: Disorders and Treatments

Includes 18 papers on nystagmus, neurological disorders, and treatments, with important information on spinocerebellar ataxia, late-onset Tay-Sachs disease, Huntington disease, and pulvinar lesions.

Additional Topics

Organizes articles on proprioception, memory, hereditary cerebellar ataxias, anatomic tracers, functional imaging, and computational neuroscience, often illustrated in color.