Nystagmus, (Rapid Eye Movements) A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

Nystagmus is a symptom seen as a repetitive, involuntary, to and fro oscillation of the eyes. It may be congenital or acquired. It is a symptom, not a diagnosis. It is normally involuntary. It may be physiological or pathological: Physiological nystagmus happens: During rotation of the body in space (vestibular nystagmus) or During ocular following of moving scenes and acts to preserve clear vision (optokinetic nystagmus). Pathological nystagmus induces the eyes to drift away from the visual target, hence degrading the vision Nystagmus is a form of fast, uncontrollable movements of the eyes that may be: Side to side (horizontal nystagmus) Up and down (vertical nystagmus) Rotary (rotary or torsional nystagmus) Dependent on the cause, these movements may be in both eyes or in just one eye. The involuntary eye movements of nystagmus are produced by abnormal function in the areas of the brain that control eye movements. The part of the inner ear that senses movement and position (the labyrinth) helps regulate eye movements. Causes of Nystagmus Nystagmus may occur from lesions or malfunctions in many parts of the optic (optokinetic nystagmus) and vestibular (vestibular nystagmus) systems. Most congenital nystagmus is neurological in origin, even though other important causes are: Albinism, Congenital cataracts, Eye movement disorders and Very high myopia or astigmatism. Acquired nystagmus The most frequent cause of acquired nystagmus is certain drugs or medicines. Phenytoin (Dilantin) - an antiseizure medicine, Excessive alcohol, or Sedating medicine All these medicines can impair the labyrinth's function. Other causes are: Head injury from motor vehicle accidents Inner ear disorders such as labyrinthitis or Meniere disease Stroke Thiamine or vitamin B12 deficiency Any brain…