Definition:
Nystagmus is involuntary eye movement that can be part of either the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) or a
pathological process. It is characterized by alternating smooth pursuit in one direction and saccadic movement in
other direction.
Diagnosis:
Nystagmus is more noticeable, but little recognized. Nystagmus could be clinically investigated by using a number
of non-invasive standard tests. One of the simplest is Caloric reflex test. In a caloric reflex test, only
external auditory meatus is irrigated with warm or cold water. The temperature gradient arise the stimulation of
the vestibulocochlear nerve and the consequent nystagmus.
Treatment:
Clinical trials of a surgery to treat nystagmus (known as tenotomy) concluded in 2001. Tenotomy is being processed
regularly at the University of Pittsburgh Children's Hospital and by a handful of surgeons around the world. The
surgery developed by Louis F.Dell'Osso Ph.D aims to reduce the eye shaking (oscillations) that in turn tends to
improve visual acuity.
Symptoms and Signs:
Subsequently, gabapentin, an anticonvulsant, was found to cause improvement in about half the patients who
received it to relieve symptoms of nystagmus.
Causes:
The cause for pathological nystagmus may be congenital, idiopathic, secondary to a pre-existing neurological
disorder or may be induced temporarily by disorientation (such as on roller coaster rides) or certain drugs
(alcohol and other central nervous system depressants and stimulants, such as lithium salts, phenytoin and
ecstasy).
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