Nystagmus - causes and signs of nystagmus

By the side of the eyeball movement:

• horizontal;
• vertical;
• diagonal;
• rotational (rotatory).

By the nature of the movements:

• pendulum-like;
• jerky;
• mixed.

By the amplitude of the movement:

• large-swinging;
• medium-swinging;
• low-swinging.

By the reason for the occurrence nystagmus:

• congenital;
• acquired:

Causes

The main reason for this condition is the unstable functioning of the oculomotor system, since it is responsible for controlling the eyeballs. Experts note many reasons for such instability:

• Hereditary factors.
• Albinism is a special condition when the skin lacks the necessary pigment.
• Astigmatism.
• Myopia.
• Significant head injuries.
• Dizziness due to damage to the vestibular apparatus.
• Taking medications can lead to the development of nystagmus.
• Diseases of the inner and middle ear due to infectious pathology.
• Regular consumption of alcoholic beverages and drugs.

An important reason is damage to the vestibular apparatus and cerebellum. As practice shows, nystagmus can develop as a result of severe overstrain of the central nervous system, as well as due to temporary disorientation. For example, this can happen when riding on rides or swings. However, when orientation is fully restored, the signs of nystagmus immediately disappear. If nystagmus is observed during a calm state, this indicates that the central nervous system is in a state of stress.

Symptoms

Usually, the impaired function of the entire ocular motor apparatus manifests itself in the incorrect position of the eye itself - there is a lack or some limitation of movement, strabismus may even develop.

Manifestations of nystagmus are characterized by rhythmic twitching of the eyeballs in different directions. Additional symptoms accompanying nystagmus:

• Photosensitivity appears.
• Vision problems are felt.
• There is a feeling that everything seen is somehow shifting, somewhat blurry, twitching.
• A feeling of dizziness develops.
• Visual twitching of the eyes.

Since nystagmus most often develops against the background of an existing disease of the vestibular apparatus, cerebellum or medial longitudinal fasciculus, the symptoms are superimposed on the signs of the original disease.

Nystagmus can be accompanied by a disorder of the general visual function, which significantly limits and, of course, complicates the patient's visual capabilities.

Often, with nystagmus, visual acuity decreases and, as shown practice, does not exceed 0.3 diopters in the patient. If treatment is not started in time, strabismus may develop.

Diagnostics

Diagnostics consists of interpreting complaints, questioning and examining the patient by a neurologist. During the examination, the doctor conducts many tests to identify the underlying cause of the disease. To clarify the diagnosis and differentiate it, the doctor prescribes additional research methods: CT (computer tomography) of the brain, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the brain. To undergo additional research methods, you must make an appointment with a functional diagnostics doctor.

For more detailed information on the diagnosis and treatment of nystagmus of unknown etiology, you must make an appointment with a neurologist. If there is a suspicion of damage to the vestibular apparatus or the presence of a tumor process in the internal auditory canal of a tumor process, the neurologist will refer you to an otoneurologist. A consultation with a neurologist and an otoneurologist will allow you to correctly establish a diagnosis, prescribe treatment, restore lost function and eliminate unpleasant sensations associated with trembling of the eyeballs.

Treatment

Treatment of nystagmus is carried out only after a thorough and complete examination. The appropriate treatment is prescribed by a neurologist.

Nystagmus therapy, unfortunately, takes a long time and is sometimes very difficult. Usually, specialists begin with treating the underlying disease due to which nystagmus developed. Treatment can be conservative, which consists of taking drugs that reduce dizziness and nervous excitability. If the cause of nystagmus is a tumor, then surgical interventions are necessary. If vision is impaired, it is corrected with special lenses and optical glasses.

Prevention

• timely detection of nystagmus;
• training the body to change body position in space from birth (regular swinging);
• healthy and sound sleep;
• do not abuse alcohol and drugs;
• do not take unknown medications and do not change the dose prescribed by the doctor;
• work and rest schedule;
• regular physical activity;
• occupational hygiene;
• rational nutrition;
• timely treatment of diseases causing nystagmus.