Nystagmus causes,symptoms,diagnosis

Nystagmus can have a number of causes. In some cases, no cause can be identified. In other cases, nystagmus may be associated with other eye disorders or, more often in the case of acquired nystagmus, with serious medical conditions or substance use.  

Strabismus or misaligned eyes

Among the known causes of nystagmus are:

• Heredity. Nystagmus can be inherited, with a strong family historyof the disease increasing the risk for developing it;
• Albinism (lack of skin pigmentation);
• A wide range of eye disorders, including cataracts, strabismus and severe refractive errors;
• Diseases such as Meniere's disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke. Stroke is a common cause of acquired nystagmus in older people;
• Injury to the head. This is a common cause of acquired nystagmus in younger people;
• Use of certain medications, such as lithium or antiseizure medications;
• Alcohol or drug use;
• Inner ear problems.

The movement of your eyes is controlled by your brain. Your eyes move reflexively to adjust for slight movement of your head. This stabilizes the image that you are looking at and allows you to see a sharper image. In people withnystagmus, the areas of the brain that control eye movements do not function normally.

The movement of your eyes is controlled by your brain. Your eyes move reflexively to adjust for slight movement of your head. This stabilizes the image that you are looking at and allows you to see a sharper image. In people withnystagmus, the areas of the brain that control eye movements do not function normally.

The primary symptom of nystagmus is involuntary eye movement. Usually the movement is side-to-side (horizontal nystagmus), but it can also be up and down (vertical nystagmus) or circular (rotary nystagmus). The movement can vary between slow and fast, and it usually involves both eyes.

Nystagmus Symptoms

In addition to eye movement, nystagmus symptoms include sensitivity to light, dizziness, difficulty seeing in darkness, vision problems, holding the head in a turned or tilted position or feeling that the world is shaking.

Nystagmus Diagnosis

Nystagmus is diagnosed by an ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) who will examine the inside of the eyes and 

test

 vision. Your Eye M.D. 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.

One way to observe nystagmus is by spinning an individual around for about 30 seconds, stopping, and then having them try to stare at an object. If nystagmus is present, the eyes will first move slowly in one direction, then move rapidly in the opposite direction.

Among the other tests that may be used to diagnose nystagmus are:

• Eye-movement recordings — to verify the type of nystagmus and determine the details of the movements;
• Ear exam;
• Neurologic exam;
• Computerized tomography (CT) — X-rays of the brain;
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — magnetic and radio waves used to make images of the brain.