Nystagmus
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).
Nystagmus 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.
Nystagmus 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.
Nystagmus 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.
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.