Mechanical Model Showing the Possible Pathophysiological Mechanism Underlying Head-Jolting Nystagmus

The particle is freely mobile within the canal on low-frequency movements. A rapid jolting stimulus (similar to that produced by patients with head-jolting nystagmus) causes the particle to lodge within the tapered end of the canal, which would induce unidirectional nystagmus. The kinetic energy accumulated as a result of the cupular deflection and endolymphatic pressure (represented by the puff of air) dislodges the particle.