User:Mr. Ibrahem/Nystagmus

Nystagmus
Other names	Dancing eyes
Horizontal optokinetic nystagmus, a normal (physiological) form of nystagmus
Specialty	Neurology, ophthalmology
Symptoms	Involuntary, rapid, rhythmic eye movements
Complications	Reduced vision, poor depth perception, poor coordination
Types	Acquired, congenital
Causes	BPPV, multiple sclerosis, head injury, brain tumors, metabolic disorder, medication side effects, hyperventilation, alcohol or other drugs, infantile nystagmus, normal response to certain events
Differential diagnosis	Saccades, oscillations, oculogyric crises, ocular bobbing
Treatment	Based on underlying cause
Medication	Memantine, gabapentin, clonazepam
Frequency	24 per 10,000

Nystagmus is generally an involuntary, rapid, and rhythmic eye movement. Movements may be side to side, up and down, or rotational. It may be present continuously or occur with looking in certain directions or following certain movements. Often it is associated with a feeling of the world spinning. Complications may include reduced vision, poor depth perception, or poor coordination.

Nystagmus may occur as a result of conditions affecting the cortex, anterior visual tracts, brainstem, cerebellum, or peripheral vestibular apparatus. Specific causes include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, multiple sclerosis, head injury, brain tumors, metabolic disorder, medication side effects, hyperventilation, infantile nystagmus, and alcohol or other drugs. It may also occur as a normal response to certain stimulations. Diagnosis is by examination.

Treatment may be directed at the underlying cause or attempt to slow down the speed of nystagmus or decrease vision problems. This may include the use of medication, glasses, or surgery. Medications used may include memantine, gabapentin, or clonazepam. Nystagmus due to an underlying disease is present in about 24 per 10,000 adults while infantile nystagmus occurs in about 17 per 10,000.