ABSTRACT
Sense organs or receptors function to integrate the body with the outside world, as well as to detect changes within the body. Hair cells, arranged in clusters called hair bundles, are specialized receptor cells of the vestibular sense organs. These hair cells convert a mechanical force into an electrical signal that is sent into the brain via the vestibular nerve. Tandem walking (heel to toe) intensifies ataxia and simulates the sensation of disequilibrium. Other tests to simulate symptoms of vestibular vertigo include the Barany rotation maneuver, caloric tests, and positional tests. The general term for any disease of the ear is otopathy, which contains the combining form oto- that is used in many terms referring to ear disease. Initial diagnostic evaluation of vision would include history, general observation, and external ocular and adnexal examination. High intraocular pressure is associated with ring or annular scotomas or dark areas in the visual field and a deeply cupped optic disc.
