• Occasional Nystagmus
• Occasional Exaggerated Nystagmus
• Occasional Nystagmus

Nystagmus is an involuntary rhythmic side-to-side, up and down or circular motion of the eyes that occurs with a variety of conditions.

Occasional Nystagmus

• Nystagmus most commonly affects both of the eyes. It may only last seconds, or may be permanent.
• There are two types of nystagmus. In pendular nystagmus, the eye motion is like a pendulum swinging back and forth. Jerk nystagmus, the more common type, is characterized by eyes that drift slowly in one direction and then jerk back the other way.
• Doctors may notice nystagmus in a person being evaluated for dizziness, vertigo and other balance problems affecting the inner ear.

Nystagmus Symptoms

Oscillopsia, or the illusory sensation that the stationary visual world is moving, is the major symptom experienced by patients with nystagmus.

My 9 year old devon rex had occasional nystagmus when he was younger, especially when he was stressed. (He is of a nervous disposition). I have now suddenly noticed ongoing nystagmus which is making it difficult for him to hold his head still. AIM To indicate that congenital idiopathic nystagmus (CIN) and sensory defect nystagmus (SDN) can be vertical or asymmetric in some children. METHODS Of 276 children presenting with nystagmus for electrophysiological testing, 14 were identified as having CIN or SDN, yet had a nystagmus which was either vertical (n=11) or horizontal asymmetric (n=3). Flash electroretinograms and flash. Nystagmus (whereby the eyes move uncontrollably, usually from side to side). Occasional dizziness: 10%; Here is a video explaining how VA math works to combine. 16.2.1 Convergence–Retraction Nystagmus. Convergence–retraction nystagmus ( Fig. 16.16a) is not truly nystagmus, but rather bilateral adducting saccades causing convergence of both eyes, without any slow phase. It is most often elicited by having the patient attempt to look up, at which time the eyes converge and retract in the orbit.

Nystagmus is an eye condition characterized by rapid, jerking eye movements. It does not always cause any noticeable symptoms, but it can be associated with issues such as dizziness and vision problems. A number of different neurological illnesses can cause nystagmus.

When nystagmus is related to a problem involving the vestibular system in the inner ear or the brain, vertigo, dizziness or loss of balance are almost always present. Nystagmus usually causes blurry vision in addition to jumping vision.

Occasional Exaggerated Nystagmus

What causes nystagmus?

Jerk nystagmus usually results from diseases affecting the inner ear balance mechanisms or the back part of the brain (brainstem or cerebellum).

Pendular nystagmus can result from brain diseases such as multiple sclerosis, but can be a congenital problem as well.

Nystagmus Diagnosis

When nystagmus is a new symptom and occurs with new dizziness or vertigo, the patient should get prompt medical attention.

People experiencing pendular nystagmus for the first time should see a neurologist or neuro-ophthalmologist. Although it is not typically an emergency, pendular nystagmus should be assessed promptly.

Depending on associated symptoms, the doctor may order tests such as a brain MRI or blood work to rule out a potentially dangerous cause such as stroke.

Treatment for Nystagmus

Occasional Nystagmus

Nystagmus is usually temporary and resolves on its own or improves with time. Certain medications may be recommended to treat persistent nystagmus, but not all practitioners agree that these medications are effective or that their side effects outweigh their benefits.