Eye movements, uncontrollable
Alternative names:
back and forth eye movements; horizontal nystagmus; involuntary oscillation of the eye(s); nystagmus; rapid eye movements from side to side; rotary nystagmus; side to side movements of the eyes; uncontrolled eye movements; vertical nystagmus
Definition:
Involuntary rapid and repetitive movement of the eyes.
Considerations:
While nystagmus may be easy to detect, the affected person may be unaware of it unless it affects vision.
Once in a while, nystagmus is completely normal, but more often it is due to an underlying disease.
Nystagmus is a symptom which may result from a congenital condition, cerebellar lesions, lesions of the labyrinth, hereditary diseases and toxic manifestations.
Horizontal nystagmus (side to side movements) may be demonstrated by spinning a person around for 30 or more seconds, having them stop and then try to fixate (stare) at a point. The eyes will jerk rapidly from side to side.
Vertical nystagmus is the same type movement but in an up and down direction and rotary nystagmus is in a circular pattern.
Common causes:
There are other causes of uncontrollable eye movements. The list of all possible causes can be extensive and include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the list will vary based on age and gender of the individual as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for this symptom occurring alone or in combination with other problems.
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