Prolonged Latency Saccades in Alcohol-dependent Patients

Abstract

AimsThe aim of this study was to assess the differences in saccadic latency (a measure of time delay experienced in eye movements) between alcohol-dependent and healthy controls.Materials and methodsParticipantsNinety-nine alcohol dependent patients were examined. Thirty-eight healthy controls were matched to the affected cohort according to demographic characteristics.AssessmentIn this study we used the Saccadometer Advanced System (Advanced Clinical Instrumentation, Cambridge, UK). The Saccadometer System allows quick and easy collection of saccadic responses within the shortest physiologically possible time (100 saccades in 5 min). The brevity of the testing routine minimizes any potential influence on the results due to fatigue in the test subjects. The eye movement measurements are automated and synchronised with stimuli presentation. This study analyzed saccadic latency and standard deviation of mean latency.ResultsThere was higher saccadic latency and standard deviation of mean latency in alcohol-dependent individuals (224.43±56.24 msec) when compared to healthy controls (187.84±25.65 msec). A marked asymmetry of standard deviation of mean latency between right-sided and left-sided saccades was observed in the affected cohort. There was an increased standard deviation of right-sided saccades mean latency (69.96 msec) in alcohol-dependent individuals when compared to healthy controls (30.93 msec) and also an increased standard deviation of left-sided saccades mean latency (59.33 msec) when compared to healthy controls (33.09 msec).ConclusionIt was found that alcohol dependence is associated with impaired (longer time delay) saccadic reaction.

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“…Release of inhibition in SC is necessary to activate a saccade (Mosimann et al, ). Prolonged latency is also related to reduced verbal fluency, the presence of neurological diseases/impairment and to alcohol dependence, even if saccadic velocity may be normal (Fahey, Cremer, Aw et al ., ; Holmqvist et al ., ; Kunc, Gorzelanczyk, Feit et al ., ; Perneczky et al ., ). The prolongation of latency in the present study concerns the average time between saccades and not the delay in start of the event (first saccadic onset).…”