Celebrity Prestige Journal

What are the different types of nystagmus?

Author

Matthew Wilson

Updated on September 02, 2026

There are two basic types of nystagmus including optokinetic (also known as pendular nystagmus) and vestibular (also known as jerk nystagmus). Pendular nystagmus can occur in any direction – torsional, horizontal, vertical, or a combination of these.

Herein, how many different types of nystagmus are there?

47 different types

Beside above, what is nystagmus a sign of? Nystagmus is a vision condition in which the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements. These movements often result in reduced vision and depth perception and can affect balance and coordination. Generally, nystagmus is a symptom of another eye or medical problem. Fatigue and stress can make nystagmus worse.

Also asked, what can cause nystagmus?

Being passed down from your parents.
Other eye issues, like cataracts or strabismus.
Diseases like stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Meniere's disease.
Head injuries.
Albinism (lack of skin pigment)
Inner ear problems.
Certain medications, like lithium or drugs for seizures.
Alcohol or drug use.

How do you classify nystagmus?

Classification of nystagmus may be organized by physiologic or pathologic nystagmus versus other nystagmus-like movements. Pathologic nystagmus may be spontaneous, gaze-evoked, or triggered by provocative maneuvers. The combination of attributes allows differentiation between the many peripheral and central forms.

What part of the brain causes nystagmus?

Nystagmus occurs when the part of the brain or inner ear that regulates eye movement and positioning doesn't function correctly. The labyrinth is the outer wall of the inner ear that helps you sense movement and position. It also helps control eye movements.

When should I worry about nystagmus?

When nystagmus is a new symptom and occurs with new dizziness or vertigo, the patient should get prompt medical attention. People experiencing pendular nystagmus for the first time should see a neurologist or neuro-ophthalmologist.

Can you drive if you have nystagmus?

Many individuals with this condition are visually impaired, some are registered blind, and very few can drive vehicles. The impact of nystagmus on driving performance can be severe and can disrupt visual sampling of the driving environment, interfere with driving behavior, and affect traffic safety.

What is normal nystagmus?

Nystagmus. Horizontal optokinetic nystagmus, a normal (physiological) form of nystagmus. Specialty. Neurology, otorhinolaryngology. Nystagmus is a condition of involuntary (or voluntary, in some cases) eye movement, acquired in infancy or later in life, that may result in reduced or limited vision.

How long does nystagmus last?

Attacks typically last 2 hours only, but usually the next day or two there will be some nystagmus also. In about 85% of the cases, the nystagmus is horizontal with the fast component directed towards the healthy hearing ear, suggesting a vestibular paresis on the side to which the slow phases are directed.

What drugs cause nystagmus?

The most common cause of acquired nystagmus is certain drugs or medicines. Phenytoin (Dilantin) - an antiseizure medicine, excessive alcohol, or any sedating medicine can impair the labyrinth's function.

What drugs cause horizontal nystagmus?

The presence of this type of nystagmus is associated with a high dose of a CNS Depressant (including alcohol), an Inhalant, or a Dissociative Anesthetic in a particular individual. The drugs which cause VGN also cause HGN. VGN will not be present without HGN.

What is the treatment for nystagmus?

Several medical and surgical treatments that sometimes help people with nystagmus are available. Surgery usually reduces the null positions, lessening head tilt and improving cosmetic appearance. Drugs such as Botox or Baclofen can reduce some nystagmic movements, although results are usually temporary.

Is nystagmus a disability?

Acquired nystagmusThis is very disabling and can make things very difficult to see, as well as sometimes making you feel sick and dizzy. Depending on what has caused your acquired nystagmus, it may be a short term condition that might get better.

Is nystagmus a birth defect?

Few patients are noted to have nystagmus onset at birth. It is believed that the nystagmus may reflect a failure of early sensorimotor integration. Although visual sensory defects are common in individuals with infantile nystagmus, a sensory defect is not a prerequisite for the development of nystagmus.

Does nystagmus go away?

Sometimes, acquired nystagmus can go away. This happens if the condition that causes the nystagmus is treated. That can include treating a medical problem or stopping drug or alcohol use. Nystagmus is when the eyes move rapidly and it cannot be controlled.

Is nystagmus a sign of seizure?

Nystagmus is an involuntary, to-and-fro movement of the eyes that may reduce visual acuity and cause oscillopsia [1]. Moreover, nystagmus can be caused by seizure activity, that is, a type of epilepsy. Epileptic nystagmus (EN) is a quick, repetitive jerky movement of the eyeball caused by seizure activity [3].

What is dancing eye syndrome?

Dancing eye syndrome (DES) or Opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (OMS) is a very rare neurological condition which usually develops in the second or third year of life. The syndrome gets its name from the very unusual and characteristic eye movements, which are almost always present.

How do you induce nystagmus?

A vestibular nystagmus can also be induced by irrigating the ears with warm or cold water. With unilateral irrigation the conjugate nystagmus is horizontal, torsional or oblique, depending on the position of the head.

How do you treat nystagmus naturally?

Drugs such as Botox or Baclofen can sometimes reduce the involuntary eye movements of nystagmus, although results are usually temporary. Some people with nystagmus benefit from biofeedback training. If you have nystagmus, make sure you undergo regular eye exams you can be monitored for both health and vision issues.

What is downbeat nystagmus?

Downbeat nystagmus (DBN) is characterized by a pathologic upward drift of gaze followed by a corrective downward saccade. DBN is most apparent when the patient is instructed to look down or to either side. It is typically accompanied by oscillopsia, which may be severe.

Is nystagmus a symptom of vertigo?

Vertigo or dizziness is primarily caused by peripheral vestibular disorders, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and vestibular neuritis. In contrast, vestibular neuritis and other acute peripheral vestibulopathies can be diagnosed from associated unidirectional horizontal nystagmus.

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