10 Nystagmus Symptoms

By lynda

Reviewed: dr. stavarache

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Shedding Light on Photophobia.' PubMed Central (PMC), www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3485070/
• 2. 'Nystagmus.' Johns Hopkins Medicine, Based in Baltimore, Maryland, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/nystagmus
• 3. 'Nystagmus.' RNIB - See Differently, 24 Mar. 2021, www.rnib.org.uk/eye-health/eye-conditions/nystagmus
• 4. 'Nystagmus.' www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/nystagmus?sso=y
• 5. Huizen, Jennifer. 'Oscillopsia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.' Medical and Health Information, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327484
• 6. Young Woman Presents with Intermittent Diplopia and Nausea. Healio: Medical News, Journals, and Free CME, www.healio.com/news/ophthalmology/20190822/young-woman-presents-with-intermittent-diplopia-and-nausea
• 7. McNamara, Lindsay. 'Nystagmus | Johns Hopkins Vestibular Disorders Center.' Johns Hopkins Medicine, Based in Baltimore, Maryland, 9 Oct. 2019, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology/neurosurgery/centers/clinics/vestibular/conditions/nystagmus.html

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Nystagmus is a condition in which the eyes move involuntarily. They move up and down, side to side or in a circle. Issues that may result in nystagmus include stroke, multiple sclerosis, a brain tumor, inner ear problems, cataracts, head injury or the effects of a drug.³‘Nystagmus.’ RNIB - See Differently, 24 Mar. 2021, www.rnib.org.uk/eye-health/eye-conditions/nystagmus

When a person experiences nystagmus for the first time, it's important for them to see a medical professional to determine the cause. Nystagmus can be a symptom of some serious underlying conditions. A medical professional commonly obtains a person's medical history and performs an examination before completing brain imaging and blood work to determine the cause.¹‘Shedding Light on Photophobia.’ PubMed Central (PMC), www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3485070/

Rapid Eye Movement

Nystagmus commonly involves an involuntary, rapid movement of the eyes in either an up and down, side to side or circular motion. It can last for a few seconds or minutes or become a permanent condition. The movement may occur in one or both eyes.

The person may feel as if their surroundings are jumping.²‘Nystagmus.’ Johns Hopkins Medicine, Based in Baltimore, Maryland, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/nystagmus However, the movement of their eyes may not be visible to someone who's looking at the person. This and other symptoms commonly associated with nystagmus can result from the inability to process what's being seen due to this eye movement.