Nystagmus in Multiple Sclerosis
Involuntary Eye Movement
Nystagmus
Apparently Involuntary Eye Movement or Nystagmus is quite common in MS, although I have not, personally, experienced it. It is also fairly common in the general population with as many as 1 in 5,000 experiencing the condition at some time or another.
Like other symptoms, Nystagmus, in itself, is not indicative of multiple sclerosis. If you present with this condition, you should consult with an ophthalmologist or a neurologist.
With Nystagmus the eyes exhibit rapid rhythmic movement usually in the horizontal plane, which may slow to a steady rotation from side-to-side just as if you were admiring a view from a car window.
Acquired Pendular Nystagmus is the form most commonly presented in MS and is due to a loss of coordination between the eyes. This may be caused by a lesion affecting the Cranial Nerve III (Oculomotor Nerve) or IV (Abducens Nerve).
Other visual problems encountered in MS include Optic Neuritis, Diplopia and Light Phosphenes all of which may be exacerbated by heat (Uhthoff's phenomenon) or fatigue.
Multiple Sclerosis is not the only condition that can present nystagmus:
Conditions
- Head Trauma
- Stroke
- Ménière's Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Encephalopathy
- Lateral medullary syndrome
- Optic nerve hypoplasia
- Albinism
- Noonan syndrome
Treatments
- Baclofen
- Gabapentin
- Memantine
- Levetiracetam
References:
Multiple Sclerosis Encyclopaedia
DISCLAIMER: The content of this site does not represent a qualified medical opinion. It is simply the information amassed by an MS patient while trying to understand this condition. You should seek the advice of your medical practitioner or neurologist before trying any treatment you may read about on this site. I am not a doctor, I am a patient.
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