What Is Vestibular Nystagmus?

Vestibular nystagmus is involuntary movement of the eye resulting from abnormal stimuli to the inner ear. The condition requires a neuro-ophthalmic examination and evaluation by a neuroradiologist, according to Emedicine.

Types

• The two types of vestibular nystagmus are central and peripheral. Central vestibular nystagmus can produce one-way or two-way eye movement. Peripheral vestibular nystagmus exhibits only one-way eye movement.

Causes

• Vestibular nystagmus's potential causes include Meniere's disease, which is an inner-ear disorder, and acute drug toxicity. Lesions of the brain also cause vestibular nystagmus.

Evaluation

• Patients who develop vestibular nystagmus without a known cause may undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test. Another type of test, electronystagmography, can evaluate the muscles of the eyes to determine the direction and speed of eye movement.

Treatment

• Botulinum toxin, the substance that causes botulism, is sometimes injected to reduce eye movement. Surgery is also necessary in some cases, depending on the cause of the condition, according to Emedicine.

Considerations

• Peripheral vestibular nystagmus may appear along with other auditory conditions such as tinnitus or deafness, according to Emedicine.