What are symptoms of nystagmus?

Nystagmus Symptoms

  • sensitivity to light.
  • dizziness.
  • difficulty seeing in the dark.
  • vision problems.
  • holding the head in a turned or tilted position.
  • the feeling that the world is shaking.

What is congenital motor nystagmus?

Congenital motor nystagmus (CMN) is a hereditary disorder characterized by bilateral ocular oscillations that begin in the first 6 mo of life.

What causes congenital nystagmus?

Nystagmus is most commonly caused by a neurological problem that is present at birth or develops in early childhood. Acquired nystagmus, which occurs later in life, can be the symptom of another condition or disease, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis or trauma.

How is congenital nystagmus treated?

Pharmacologic treatment has been used in acquired nystagmus with mixed success. Treatments have included baclofen, sodium valproate, gabapentin, and memantine.

How is congenital nystagmus diagnosed?

The most efficient way to determine the underlying cause of acquired infantile nystagmus is through medical testing, including bloodwork and/or an MRI scan.

Is congenital nystagmus serious?

Infantile nystagmus often is associated with other ocular conditions (eg, bilateral congenital cataracts) that impair visual acuity and occasionally can herald life-threatening conditions.

What does nystagmus look like in infants?

What does nystagmus look like in babies? The primary symptom that could indicate nystagmus in an infant is jerky or random eye movement. It’s important to note that the frequency and intensity of these movements can vary in each individual infant, and movements are typically absent when the infant is asleep.

Is congenital nystagmus curable?

Acquired nystagmus can sometimes be corrected once the underlying condition is addressed. For example, if nystagmus is caused by an inner ear condition, symptoms may go away once it’s treated. People with congenital nystagmus cannot be cured completely, but symptoms can be managed with proper treatment.

Can babies with nystagmus see?

In a child with congenital motor nystagmus, where they eyes are healthy and normal, the vision can be quite good, typically 20/50 or better. It is difficult to predict early on what the eventual visual acuity will be for the child with nystagmus.