What is Nystagmus?
Nystagmus is an involuntary movement of the eyes which
is usually from side to side, however sometimes the eyes move up and
down and in some cases the eyes may move in a circular motion. The majority
of those with Nystagmus have vision which is significantly worse than
average and well below what is considered to be short sighted. Many
people can register as partially sighted and a minute number can be
registered as blind. Nystagmus is not contagious or infectious. Nystagmus
is not painful and it does not lead to total blindness. Vision seems
to improve until it stabilises around the age of five or six.
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How Common is the Condition?
I understand
that nystagmus roughly affects 1 in every 1,000 people.
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What Types of Nystagmus are there?
Nystagmus in early childhood may possibly be caused by
a defect in the eye or visual pathway from the eye to the brain (the
optic nerve). It occurs in a great range of eye disorders during childhood
such as cataract, glaucoma, some disorders of the retina and albinism.
Nystagmus may also occur in children who have multiple disabilities
such as Down’s Syndrome.
Several types of nystagmus can be inherited. To discover
the chances of someone passing on nystagmus to the next generation a
specialist must first make an accurate diagnosis of the underlying condition.
It may then become necessary to consult a geneticist for detailed information
and counselling.
Acquired nystagmus which occurs later on in life may
be a symptom of another condition such as a stroke, multiple sclerosis
or even a blow on the head. There are many other causes of nystagmus.
Nystagmus could be a sign of a more serious disorder
of the eye or brain. Due to this fact it is vital that when nystagmus
first develops in a child or adult they should be referred to an ophthalmologist
(eye specialist) or a neurologist.
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What can Cause Nystagmus?
There are
many possible underlying conditions of nystagmus, some may cause
permanent nystagmus, whilst others may cause nystagmus as a symptom
(a shorter term problem).
Some of
the many underlying conditions include:
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Drug Abuse
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Brain Tumour
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Stroke
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Multiple Sclerosis
-
Meniere's Disease
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Labyrinthitis
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Inner Ear Disturbances
-
Alcoholism
Some of
the causes where nystagmus is simply a symptom, include:
Information obtained from
Wrong Diagnosis
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