10 Causes of Nystagmus
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Cause #1: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV is a condition where the main issue arises from the inner ear. It results in symptoms such as vertigo, nausea, nystagmus, vomiting, and more. It can be a debilitating issue which greatly affects daily activities of patients.
BPPV can be due to a head injury or simply occur among older patients. It is thought to be due to a small calcified otolith that moves around in the inner ear. The diagnosis is achieved when the Dix-Hallpike test leads to a nystagmus. While it is not a serious condition and resolves in a week or two, it can be recurring.
