What is nystagmus indicative of?

What causes nystagmus? Jerk nystagmus usually results from diseases affecting the inner ear balance mechanisms or the back part of the brain (brainstem or cerebellum). Pendular nystagmus can result from brain diseases such as multiple sclerosis, but can be a congenital problem as well.

Why are my eyes moving side to side?

Nystagmus is a condition whereby a person suffers with involuntary, uncontrollable eye movements. The condition can often make someone’s eyes look like they are shaking, moving quickly either from side to side, up and down, or in a circular motion.

How to treat nystagmus and other eye movement disorders?

Nystagmus – fast, uncontrollable movements of the eyes, sometimes called “dancing eyes” Some eye movement disorders are present at birth. Others develop over time and may be associated with other problems, such as injuries. Treatments include glasses, patches, eye muscle exercises, and surgery.

Is the nystagmus part of the ocular reflex?

Physiological nystagmus is a form of involuntary eye movement that is part of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), characterized by alternating smooth pursuit in one direction and saccadic movement in the other direction.

When does nystagmus occur when the head is not in motion?

Nystagmus occurs when the semicircular canals are being stimulated (e.g. by means of the caloric test, or by disease) while the head is not in motion. The direction of ocular movement is related to the semicircular canal that is being stimulated.

How are extraocular movements and cranial nerves work?

Extraocular movements and cranial nerves: Normally, the eyes move in concert (e.g. when the left eye moves left, the right eye moves left to a similar degree). The brain takes the input from each eye and puts it together to form a single image.