What are smooth pursuits and saccades tests used to evaluate?

Smooth pursuits and saccades tests are specifically designed to evaluate the function and integrity of the central nervous system, particularly regarding eye movement control and coordination. Smooth pursuits assess the ability to track moving objects smoothly, while saccades evaluate the ability to rapidly shift gaze between stationary targets. These tests can reveal how well the brain and its connections, particularly those involved in visual processing and coordination, are functioning.

The choice that identifies central vestibular dysfunction accurately reflects the role these tests play in assessing how the central nervous system processes vestibular information and coordinates eye movements. Central vestibular dysfunction may result from issues within pathways or structures in the brain that integrate vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive inputs, impacting gaze stability and eye movement control.

Other options, such as peripheral vestibular dysfunction, primarily focus on the vestibular system's outer components. Balance issues are broader and can arise from various systems working together, not just from central vestibular problems. Lastly, cardiac function is unrelated to eye movement and is evaluated through different assessments. Thus, the focus on central vestibular dysfunction is what makes this choice the most relevant in the context of the tests for smooth pursuits and saccades.