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Congenital nystagmus is a clinical sign that may take many different forms. Involuntary, rhythmic eye movements are characteristic, as they are in acquired nystagmus. Waveform, amplitude, and frequency can vary with changes in focal distance, direction of gaze, and under monocular or binocular viewing conditions.
Manifest nystagmus occurs equally commonly with congenital esotropia syndrome as latent and manifest-latent nystagmus, as detemined with eye movement recordings. Based on clinical examination alone, CN with a latent shift is likely to be classified as manifest-latent nystagmus (which may be the reason some sources report that latent-manifest nystagmus is more commonly found with congenital esotropia syndrome, than is congenital nystagmus).
Acquired nystagmus, which develops later in life, may be a symptom of another condition such as stroke, multiple sclerosis or even a blow to the head. There are many causes. Nystagmus is not infectious or contagious.
Nystagmus Causes, Symptoms and Challenges
Nystagmus is a symptom of many different disorders. Your health care provider will take a careful history and perform a thorough physical examination, which will emphasize the nervous system and inner ear.Two types of nystagmus are:
- Optokinetic (eye related)
- Vestibular (inner ear related)
Some forms of nystagmus are associated with reduced vision, such as occurs in extreme near or farsighted people or in those with scars in the retina or optic nerve. Rarely, nystagmus can occur as a result of brain tumors or in serious neurologic disorders.
Nystagmus can be found in some families as an isolated problem, not associated with other conditions.