Causes and Treatment of Involuntary Eye Movement
Nystagmus is an eye condition characterized by rapid, jerking eye movements.
It does not always cause noticeable symptoms, but it can be associated with dizziness and vision problems.
Several different neurological illnesses can cause nystagmus.
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Typically, nystagmus is detected during a physical examination that involves an eye evaluation.
You may need treatment to help reduce your nystagmus and/or the accompanying effects.
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What Is Nystagmus?
Nystagmus is a condition where the eyes move on their own, typically in quick, jerky movements.
Nystagmus looks like a rapid, rhythmic, horizontal (side to side) motion in the eyes.
Nystagmus typically affects both eyes, but it can rarely affect just one eye.
However, when nystagmus is present for a long time, the symptoms are not evident.
Sometimes, nystagmus can be so severe that it affects your balance.
If you have any signs of nystagmus, you gotta get medical attention.
The neurological issues that are commonly associated with eye jerking can progressively worsen if they are not treated.
Many neurological diseases can be associated with eye jerking.
Some of the conditions that cause nystagmus are serious and life-threatening, such as a brain tumor.
Others are not associated with serious health risks, such aslazy eye.
Common Risk Factors
The conditions that increase your risk of nystagmus do not always produce it.
Nystagmus is a relatively uncommon sign of neurological or inner ear disease.
This is generally harmless, but you may feel dizzy for minutes or even the day afterward.
MS may cause permanent or intermittent episodes of nystagmus in one or both eyes.
Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear is described as labyrinthitis.
This condition can cause dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, and your eye examination may show nystagmus.
Stroke: An interruption in blood flow in the brain can cause brain damage.
In rare instances, a stroke can result in nystagmus.
Nystagmus is one of the common symptoms of paraneoplastic syndromes.
Ovarian cancers and adrenal cancers are examples of cancers that may have this effect.
Congenital difference: Some children are born with nystagmus, and it may begin during infancy.
Symptoms can also occur during later childhood due to a hereditary condition.
Medications: Some medications can cause nystagmus as a side effect.
Examples include Dilantin (phenytoin), Tegretol (carbamazepine), and barbiturates.
Alcohol: Alcohol intoxication can temporarily affect the nerves that control balance, resulting in coordination problems and nystagmus.
Damage to the cerebellum, such as from a tumor or stroke, may cause nystagmus.
Additionally, the antibodies in paraneoplastic syndromes cause nystagmus by targeting the cerebellum.
Damage to these nerves can interfere with eye muscles, causing nystagmus.
Inner ear: The inner ear contains many tiny structures that control hearing and help mediate balance.
Inflammation, infections, and tumors involving the inner ear can cause nystagmus.
Diagnosing Nystagmus
Even if you have many associated symptoms, nystagmus is typically unnoticeable in day-to-day life.
You are unlikely to notice your jerky eye movements.
Sometimes, family or friends may notice your eyes jerking when they look at you.
During a medical examination, nystagmus is typically identified in a healthcare providers office.
Your practitioner may check for nystagmus when doing a neurological examination during your yearly physical.
Medications may be prescribed to decrease the eye-jerking movements.
Sometimes, treatment is also needed to lessen the associated nausea and dizziness.
In some situations, surgical vision correction is considered the best option.
Botox
Botox (botulinum toxin) injections can weaken and relax eye muscles.
Surgery
In some situations, eye surgery can repair muscle defects causing nystagmus.
You may need treatment for a brain tumor or an inner ear tumor.
Treatment approaches for a tumor include surgical removal, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.
Rehabilitation
Sometimes, therapy using rehabilitation techniques may be effective in strengthening eye muscles.
If mild eye muscle weakness is the cause of your nystagmus, this can alleviate the problem.
Summary
Nystagmus is often a symptom of neurological disease.
If your eye jerking is causing discomfort, you may need to have it treated.
Sometimes, nystagmus is the first clue that you have a neurological disorder.
In these instances, you may need a thorough medical evaluation to identify the cause of your eye jerking.
Treatment for the neurological conditions that cause nystagmus is usually necessary.
2024;16(3):e56884.
