Alternative names
rapid eye movements from side to side; vertical nystagmus; nystagmus; involuntary oscillation of the eye(s); side to side movements of the eyes; uncontrolled eye movements; rotary nystagmus; horizontal nystagmus; back and forth eye movements

Definition
Involuntary rapid and repetitive movement of the eyes.

Considerations
While nystagmus may be easy to detect, the affected person may be unaware of it unless it affects vision.

Once in a while, nystagmus is completely normal, but more often it is due to an underlying disease.

Nystagmus is a symptom which may result from a congenital condition, cerebellar lesions, lesions of the labyrinth, hereditary diseases and toxic manifestations.

Horizontal nystagmus (side to side movements) may be demonstrated by spinning a person around for 30 or more seconds, having them stop and then try to fixate (stare) at a point. The eyes will jerk rapidly from side to side.

Vertical nystagmus is the same type movement but in an up and down direction and rotary nystagmus is in a circular pattern.

• congenital nystagmus
• overdosage of Dilantin (Dilantin toxicity)
• brain tumor (posterior fossa)
• Marfan's syndrome
• Friedreich's ataxia
• Chediak-Higashi syndrome
• ataxia - telangiectasia
• acute cerebellar ataxia
• albinism
• colorblindness (total)
• aniridia (associated with Wilms' tumor)
• alcohol intoxication
• metachromatic leukodystrophy
• multiple sclerosis
• retinopathy
• spasmus nutans

There are other causes of uncontrollable eye movements. The list of all possible causes can be extensive and include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the list will vary based on age and gender of the individual as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for this symptom occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home care
Follow prescribed therapy which will center around treating (when possible) the underlying cause.

Call your health care provider if

• nystagmus is detected or suspected.
  

What to expect at your health care provider's office
Nystagmus is a symptom of many different disorders. Your health care provider will take a careful history and perform a thorough physical examination.

Medical history questions documenting nystagmus in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • When was it first noticed?
  • How often does it occur?
  • Has it ever happened before?
  • Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same?

• quality
  • Are there side-to-side eye movements?
  • Are there up-and-down eye movements?

• What medications are being taken?
• What other symptoms are also present?

Physical examination will include emphasis on the nervous system and on the inner ear.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• CT scan of the head
• electronystagmography

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider as the cause of nystagmus, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.

[Definition] [Alternative names] [Considerations] [Common causes] [Home care] [Call your health care provider if] [What to expect at your health care provider's office]

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