# Nystagmus

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/treatments/nystagmus

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-04

> **Summary:** Nystagmus (eye tremor) is the involuntary, rhythmic movement of the eyes. It can be present from birth or develop later because of neurological or inner ear problems, and treatment depends on the underlying cause.

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## What Is Nystagmus?
Nystagmus is involuntary eye movement that can be congenital or appear during and after infancy, and it has many possible causes. Some forms do not affect vision: seen with head shaking in infancy, they usually decrease towards primary school age and sometimes disappear completely. Other forms cause low vision or arise from neurological causes.

It should not be confused with eyelid twitching (myokymia), a brief, harmless flicker of the eyelid linked to eye strain, stress and lack of sleep that settles with rest. Nystagmus is a movement of the eyes themselves and needs examination.

## Symptoms
Symptoms vary with the cause. Besides the involuntary, rhythmic eye movement, common symptoms include:
- Vertigo with dizziness
- Loss of balance
- Gait disturbance
- Weakness and fatigue
- Headache

## Causes
Generally a disruption of the inner ear balance mechanisms or diseases affecting the back of the brain. Possible causes:
- Inner ear problems
- 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 and nervous system disorders

Balance is maintained by the cerebellum, brain stem, brain nuclei, the semicircular canals, utriculus and sacculus of the inner ear, and receptors in joints and tendons, together with the eyes. A central nervous system disorder can disturb this balance, causing rapid jumps of the eyes: nystagmus.

## Types of Nystagmus
- **Vertical:** Up and down movement; may result from central nervous system disorders or paralysis of the nerves that control eye movement.
- **Horizontal:** Rhythmic side-to-side movement; may result from medication, inner ear disorders or central nervous system disorders.
- **Rotational:** Rotational movement of the eyes; needs evaluation by an ophthalmologist and neurologist.
- **Neurological:** Linked to brain and spinal cord disorders such as brain tumours, multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke and congenital neurological disorders; treatment is planned by an ophthalmologist and a neurologist.

## Price
The price varies depending on the underlying cause and the operation to be performed, and is set individually after a detailed examination.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Is nystagmus temporary or permanent?**
A: It may be temporary in some cases, such as after alcohol or certain medicines. Nystagmus from congenital or neurological disorders is usually permanent.

**Q: Is eye tremor a disease or a symptom?**
A: Usually a symptom of a disease; detailed examination and tests are needed to find the cause.

**Q: Does eye tremor affect vision?**
A: Yes, it often causes blurred or unclear perception of images.

**Q: Can eye tremor be treated?**
A: Treatment depends on the cause. Symptoms can be eased with glasses, contact lenses, prismatic lenses, medication or surgery; neurological causes get an appropriate treatment plan.

**Q: Can nystagmus be caused by stress?**
A: Stress does not usually cause nystagmus on its own, though it can make existing nystagmus more noticeable. Stress-related eyelid twitching is a different, harmless condition (myokymia). Permanent nystagmus is usually the result of a more serious underlying cause.