Gourt > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Eye Disorders > Nystagmus
Nystagmus is rapid involuntary rhythmic eye movement, with the eyes moving quickly in one direction (quick phase), and then slowly in the other (slow phase). The direction of nystagmus is defined by the direction of its quick phase (e.g. right nystagmus is due to a right moving quick phase). Nystagmus may occur in the vertical or horizontal directions, and also in a semicircular movement, and thus are called downbeat nystagmus, upbeat nystagmus, seesaw nystagmus, periodic alternating nystagmus, and pendular nystagmus. There are other similar alterations in periodic eye movements (saccadic oscillations) such as opsoclonus or ocular flutter. One can accurately think of nystagmus as the combination of a slow adjusting eye movement (slow phase) like would be seen with the vestibulo-ocular reflex, followed by a quick saccade (quick phase) when the eye has reached the limit of its rotation.
In medicine, the clinical importance of nystagmus is that it indicates that the patient's spatial sensory system perceives rotation and is rotating the eyes to adjust. Thus it depends on the coordination of activities between two major physiological systems: the vision and the vestibular apparatus (which controls posture and balance). This may be physiological (or normal) or pathological.
Physiological nystagmus
An easy way of inducing physiological nystagmus is by having the person close her or his eyes and spin around. After a few spins, there is a distinct jerking of the eyes from side to side when they are reopened: this is rotatory-induced nystagmus. The degree of physiological nystagmus varies greatly between people and even in the same person at different times. More on [ Nystagmus ]
Cranial Nerve Diseases :: Neurological Disorders
Ocular Motility Disorders :: Neurological Disorders
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American Nystagmus Network - A nonprofit organization to serve the needs and interests of those affected by nystagmus.
Nystagmus - Personal page, reviewing nystagmus as a symptom of deficiencies of magnesium and thiamin.
Meta Description: [ Explores the evidence linking nystagmus to magnesium and/or thiamin deficiencies. ]
Nystagmus Network - Provides support for those with nystagmus and their parents and teachers.
Meta Description: [ Nystagmus Network is a UK charity that provides support, information and fosters research for those with nystagmus, parents and teachers. ]
nystagmus.co.uk - Includes personal experiences, facts and the scientific details of the condition.
Meta Description: [ nystagmus.co.uk - a website packed with information about nystagmus; including personal experiences of a teenager/child suffering from nystagmus, facts and the scientific information about the condition. The website is designed for parents, friends, family and teachers who are interested in findi... ]
VhiHealth-e - Offers a definition, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and suggestions for further reading.
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