Nystagmus

- Kudret Eye Istanbul
- Last updated:
- 3 min read
- Medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil
What is Nystagmus?
Eye tremor or nystagmus is the involuntary movement of the eye. It can occur congenitally and can also be seen during and after infancy. Nystagmus is not a condition that occurs due to a single cause and may have different causes.
This condition can also occur without affecting vision. It can be observed with head shaking in infancy. In this group, which does not affect vision, eye tremor usually decreases towards primary school age and sometimes disappears completely. Eye tremor causes low vision and may also occur due to neurological causes.
Nystagmus Symptoms
Symptoms of nystagmus vary with the underlying cause. Alongside the involuntary, rhythmic movement of the eyes, the most common symptoms include the following.
- Vertigo with a feeling of dizziness
- Loss of balance
- Gait disturbance
- Weakness and fatigue
- Headache
It is important to seek help from a physician when such symptoms of nystagmus occur. Because these can be important signs that you have a nystagmus problem.
Causes of Nystagmus
The causes of nystagmus are generally stated as disruption of the balance mechanisms of the inner ear or diseases affecting the back of the brain. Nystagmus can occur congenitally or due to impaired balance in the central nervous system.
In addition, genetic factors may also be among the causes of eye tremor. Conditions that may cause eye tremor may be as follows.
- Problems occurring in the inner ear
- Genetic factors
- Inflammatory diseases
- Alcohol and drug use
- Albinism
- Eye diseases such as cataract or strabismus
- Paralysis
- Eye or head trauma
- Diseases of brain origin
- Nervous system disorders
Nystagmus should not be confused with eyelid twitching (myokymia), the brief, harmless flickering of the eyelid that is usually linked to eye strain, stress and lack of sleep and settles with rest. Nystagmus is a movement of the eyes themselves and needs to be examined.
Types of Nystagmus
The maintenance of body balance by healthy individuals is ensured by the proper functioning of certain mechanisms. These mechanisms ensure that the organs of different systems work together harmoniously. Among the organs that maintain balance,
- Cerebellum
- Brain stem
- Brain nuclei
- Semicircular canals in the inner ear
- Utriculus and sacculus bodies
- Receptors in joints and tendons are involved.
Proprioceptive sensation transmitted to the brain through these organs and the eyes play an important role. A disorder in the central nervous system can cause loss of balance in the eyes. With the loss of balance, the eyes are exposed to rapid jumps between the former position of the body and the direction of movement. These jumps are called nystagmus.
Vertical Nystagmus
It is a type in which the eyes move involuntarily and rhythmically up and down. It may occur due to various causes such as central nervous system disorders or paralysis of the nerves that control eye movement.
Neurological Nystagmus
It is a type of eye tremor associated with neurological disorders associated with the brain and spinal cord. Conditions such as brain tumours, multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke and congenital neurological disorders can trigger nystagmus. The appropriate treatment plan should be formulated by an ophthalmologist and a neurologist.
Horizontal Nystagmus
It is a type of nystagmus in which the eyes move rhythmically from side to side. Horizontal nystagmus may occur due to various reasons. Drugs used, inner ear disorders, central nervous system disorders may cause this type of nystagmus.
Rotational Nystagmus
It is a type of nystagmus in which the eyes move involuntarily and rhythmically. Unlike other types, it occurs as a rotational movement of the eyes. The underlying causes should be examined in detail and evaluated by an ophthalmologist and neurologist for treatment.
In general, these are the types of eye tremor and each of them is treated specifically according to the patient.
How Much Is Nystagmus Treatment Price?
The price of nystagmus treatment varies depending on the underlying cause and the operation to be performed. The treatment plan to be created by our specialist ophthalmologist depending on the detailed examination results may vary from person to person.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is nystagmus temporary or permanent?
Is eye tremor a disease or a symptom?
Does eye tremor affect vision?
Can eye tremor be treated?
Can nystagmus be caused by stress?
Patient Reviews
References
- 1.What Is Nystagmus? · AAO
- 2.Nystagmus · MedlinePlus
- 3.Nystagmus · EyeWiki (AAO)