Oculomotor Disorders In Neck Pain Patients

The aim of the research described in this thesis was to gain knowledge about oculomotor disorders in (traumatic and non-traumatic) neck pain patients. This knowledge is certainly needed to improve the understanding of the complex entity of disorders in neck pain patients and to integrate oculomotor complaints in diagnostics and therapy of these patients.

In a systematic review and various cohort studies and cross-sectional trials, it was determined which neck pain patients suffer from oculomotor disorders and whether these disorders are related to other symptoms, psychosocial factors or the functioning of the neck.
Many more patients than expected appear to have oculomotor disorders: both patients with Whiplash Associated Disorders and non-traumatic patients. An important finding from the research is that the origin, severity or duration of the complaints do not determine the presence of oculomotor disorders. However, it turned out that the cervical movement behavior is important. The assumption is that patients who move their neck less in daily life develop oculomotor disorders.
This would mean that treatments aimed at improving sensorimotor function, mobility and reduction of neck pain could influence oculomotor disorders.