Pronounced: ni-STAG-mus
En Espaol (Spanish Version)Definition
Nystagmus is a type of involuntary movement of the eyes. It is usually side-to-side, but sometimes is up and down or in a circular fashion (rotatory nystagmus). The movement varies between slow and fast and usually involves both eyes. Nystagmus most often occurs in infancy, but it can also be acquired later in life. In infancy, it tends to develop between six weeks and three months of age.
Nystagmus can reduce vision and can also be associated with other conditions that limit vision, such as strabismus (an eye turned in, out, up, or down). Nystagmus affects people in many different ways. It is important to see a doctor so that treatment for the condition and any associated disorders can be obtained to improve vision.Sometimes it is accompanied by dizziness, which indicates an inner ear or a central nervous system problem.
More importantly, nystagmus maybe a sign of a more serious underlying problem.
Causes
The direct cause of nystagmus is instability in the motor system that controls the eyes. There are a number of different causes of this instability, including:
- Heredity
- Poor development of eye control that may be caused by an eye disease or visual problem during infancy
- Albinism (lack of skin pigmentation)
- Eye disorders, such as optic nerve degeneration or severe astigmatism or nearsightedness
- Diseases of the body, such as Menieres disease (which involves balance problems), multiple sclerosis , or stroke
- Injury to the head or involving the bodys motor system
- Use of certain medications, such as lithium or antiseizure medications
- Alcohol or drug use
- Inner ear problems, such as infections or irritation
However, in some cases, the cause of nystagmus is unknown.
Risk FactorsA risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The following factors increase your chance of developing nystagmus: A family member with nystagmusAlbinismEye disorders such as optic nerve degeneration, severe astigmatism, or nearsightednessDiseases of the body such as Menieres disease, multiple sclerosis, or strokeInjury to the head or involving the bodys motor systemUse of certain medications, such as lithium or antiseizure medicationsAlcohol or drug useInfection of the inner ear Symptoms Other symptoms besides the eye movements may include: Sensitivity to lightDifficulty seeing in darknessVision problemsHead held in a turned positionOscillopsia (feeling that the world is shaking or moving)Dizziness, which can affect balance Diagnosis Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. If nystagmus seems to be present, you may need: Full exam with an ophthalmologist (eye doctor)Ear exam, including a hearing test or a dizziness testExam with a neurologist or other medical specialist Tests may include the following: Visual examination of the inside of the eye with an ophthalmoscopeVision testingEye movement recordingsto verify the type of nystagmus and determine the details of the movementsEar examNeurologic examComputerized tomography (CT) x-rays of the brain Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnetic and radio waves used to make images of the brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
The ophthalmologist will also look for other eye problems that may be related to the nystagmus, such as strabismus, cataracts , or abnormality of the optic nerves or retina. The ear specialist will look for signs of ear infection, and for worsening of the nystagmus with head positions. Treatment Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Removal of the cause of nystagmus can sometimes eliminate the problem, for example discontinuing a medication or stopping alcohol or drug use. However, nystagmus often is a permanent condition that can only be reduced and not eliminated. Treatment options to reduce nystagmus and improve vision as a result include the following: Prisms, tints, eyeglasses, or contact lensesAdopting a particular angle of vision where the nystagmus is reduced (eg, holding the head in a certain position)Vibratory stimulation of the face and neck Certain medications for certain types of nystagmus, including botox (botulinum toxin) injections to relax the eye muscles Surgery on the eye musclesLow-vision aids can often help improve vision. They may include large print or high contrast materials, good lighting, and magnifying devices.
PreventionThere is no known way to prevent nystagmus. RESOURCES: American Academy of Ophthalmologyhttp://www.aao.org American Nystagmus Networkhttp://www.nystagmus.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: The Canadian Association of Optometristshttp://www.opto.ca/en/public Canadian Ophthalmological Societyhttp://www.eyesite.ca References: Eye facts about nystagmus. American Nystagmus Network website. Available at: http://www.nystagmus.org/aao.html . Accessed September 22, 2005. General information about nystagmus. American Nystagmus Network website. Available at: http://www.nystagmus.org/aboutn.html . Accessed September 22, 2005. Hertle RW. Understanding and treatment of infantile nystagmus syndrome. Presentation at the 4th Biennial Conference of the American Nystagmus Network, Los Angeles, CA. July 8-10, 2005. Available at: http://www.nystagmus.org/doc/conf2005/hertle_ANN.pdf . Accessed September 24, 2005. Maybodi M. Understanding nystagmus: diagnosis, related disorders, treatment, and research. Presentation at the 3rd Biennial Conference of the American Nystagmus Network, Baltimore, MD. July 11-13, 2003. Available at: http://www.nystagmus.org/doc/conf2003/KEYNOTE.pdf . Accessed September 24, 2005.
Nystagmus. American Academy of Ophthalmology website. Available at: https://secure3.aao.org/pdf/057115.pdf . Accessed September 22, 2005. Nystagmus, acquired. Bardorf CM. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/oph/topic339.htm . Last reviewed January 2008 by Elie Edmond Rebeiz, MD, FACSPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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