Block 12 Flashcards
(118 cards)
What is nystagmus
Involuntary rhythmic oscillation of one or both eyes
What can nystagmus be a sign of
Visual pathway lesion
Ocular control abnormality
What are the characteristics of nystagmus
Movement in all gazes Convergence Unilateral/bilateral Conjugate of disconjugate Congenital or acquired
Shakingm dancing, jerking, wobbling eyes
What is jerk
Both quick and slow components.
There is a fast corrective sacade to bring the eye back to the target
Characterized by the direction of the fast component
What is pendular
To and fro movement of equal velocity in each direction
A sinusoidal movement without a fast phase
T/F jerk nystagmus is characterized by the fast phase, but the slow phase of the nystagmus reflects the abnormality
True
What are the directions/movements of nystagmus
Horizontal
Vertical
Torsional
Combination
What is the amplitude of nystagmus
the size/extent of movement between the start and drift away from fixation to start of the corrective movement
Distance travelled during the movement
What is the frequency of nystagmus
Number of oscillations per unit of time
1 Hz
The greater the number of beats the higher the frequency
Frequency > 2Hz
Fast nystagmus
Frequency <2 Hz
Slow nystagmus
Need slit lamp to see
What is the null point
Where the intensity of the nystagmus diminishes and VA improves. This may be associated with an anomalous head movement
What does occlusion do to nystagmus
The fast phase is towards the uncovered eye
Amplitude and frequency increase
Latent component usually indicates a congenital condition
What are some causes of nystagmus
Genetics
Developmental abnormalities
Ocular pathology/conditions
What are some anterior segment conditions associated with nystagmus
Congenital cataract
Congenital glaucoma
Iridocorneal dysgenesis
What foveal disease can nystagmus be associated with
Foveal hypoplasia
What optic nerve disorders are associated with nystagmus
Coloboma
Optic nerve hypoplasia
Toxoplasmosis
What are physiological nystagmus
Endpoint EOM
Rotational
Caloric
OKN
What are pathological nystagmus
Congenital Latent/manifest Acquired Spasmus nutans Vestibular Gaze paretic See-saw Convergence-retraction Downbeat
What do you want to know on case history
Onset?
Any associated condtions
Variable frequency/amplitude/head position/ null point, head nodding
Any symptoms?
What are some symptoms of nystagmus
VA Asthenopia Blurred vision Diplopia HA Vertigo Oscillopsia
What can perinatal history tell you
Is there was a developmental issue that caused it
If there was labor and delivery issues, maternal infections, prematurity, was mom on any medications
T/F children with congenital nystagmus always complain of problems?
False, they rarely do
How is VA affected in nystagmus
It varies from normal to severely impaired depending on the cause
20/30-20/400