What causes nystagmus?
Nystagmus may be hereditary or caused by developmental problems in the part of the brain that controls eye motion. These types of nystagmus are called congenital nystagmus or spasmus nutans. Acquired nystagmus, which can occur at any age, may be caused by trauma, underlying medical conditions or diseases, or drugs. These underlying conditions or diseases may be serious.
Common causes of acquired nystagmus
Acquired nystagmus may be caused by relatively common underlying medical conditions or certain lifestyle factors including:
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Alcohol intoxication
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Medical disorders involving the inner ear such as labyrinthitis (Meniere’s disease)
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Multiple sclerosis (disease that affects the brain and spinal cord causing weakness, coordination and balance difficulties, and other problems)
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Parkinson’s disease (brain disorder that impairs movement and coordination)
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Sedative medications
Serious or life-threatening causes of nystagmus
In some cases, acquired nystagmus may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:
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Brain tumor
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Drug overdose or toxicity
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Head trauma
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Stroke
Questions for diagnosing the cause of nystagmus
To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your nystagmus including:
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When did you, or someone else, first notice your nystagmus?
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How much alcohol do you drink?
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Are you experiencing changes in your vision? If so, what changes?
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Do you have a family history of nystagmus?
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Do you have any other medical conditions?
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Have you had a head injury?
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Have you recently had any cognitive dysfunction?
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What medications are you taking?
What are the potential complications of nystagmus?
The complications of nystagmus itself include reduced visual acuity and impaired coordination. However, acquired nystagmus may be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition or disease, such as head trauma, stroke, or drug toxicity, and failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
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Brain damage
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Disability
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Loss of cognitive abilities
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Paralysis
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Unconsciousness and coma
References:
Nystagmus. Medline Plus, a service of the National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003037.htm. Accessed May 2, 2011.
Nystagmus. American Optometric Association. http://www.aoa.org/x9763.xml. Accessed May 2, 2011.
INTRODUCTION
What is nystagmus?
Nystagmus is a condition in which the eyes make rapid, repeated, uncontrolled movements. These eye movements may be in any direction including horizontally, vertically, or rotationally (in a circle). Nystagmus sometimes leads to visual problems because the eye cannot maintain steady focus on an object. In other cases, children with extremely poor vision may develop nystagmus....
Read more about nystagmus introduction
SYMPTOMS
What other symptoms might occur with nystagmus?
Nystagmus may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition that causes the nystagmus....
Read more about nystagmus symptoms
