A rhythmic repetitive involuntary jerking or oscillating movement of the eyes. Occasionally normal as in viewing a sequence of objects moving across the visual field. Generally indicates problems within the brain especially the cerebellum or vestibular balance mechanism. In children occasionally congenital or in response to defective vision.
Clinical Features
Pendular nystagmus has oscillations of equal speed in each direction.
Jerk nystagmus has a slow drift in one direction followed by a fast correction in the opposite direction.
Management
See ophthalmologist if suggestion of impaired vision in children. Refer to ENT if hearing impaired. Otherwise refer to neurologist. Urgent referral if on sudden onset.
