Nystagmus is a type of uncontrolled eye movements, at about one in 2,000 people, is by the change in smooth eye movement in one direction and saccadic (abrupt, short-term) movement in the opposite direction. Movement is usually from side to side, but sometimes can move up and down or even be circular. Nystagmus is not painful and does not lead to a progressive loss of vision
Types of nystagmus
There are more than 40 different types of nystagmusbut they are usually divided into two basic categories:
1st Nystagmus present from early in life, such as early onset or congenital nystagmus nystagmus is known, it is often accompanied by vision loss acquired at birth or shortly thereafter and be one of the first signs can show that a child has a vision loss.
2nd Nystagmus, which develops later in life means Acquired nystagmus.
Causes of Nystagmus
1st Early onset nystagmus: Pediatric Nystagmus can be caused by a problem with the eyes or causethe visual pathway leading from the brain to the eyes. This type of nystagmus is usually first observed between 6 and 8 weeks old and may be associated with albinism, optic nerve or retina problems problems. There is probably a genetic factor and, in fact, doctors recently a breakthrough in the discovery of a gene with nystagmus, the great promise for the future is related treatments announced.
Many patients have no eyes, brain or other health problemsand in these cases, the condition of idiopathic congenital nystagmus (which means that the nystagmus begins early known and the cause is unknown). Nystagmus associated with albinism has characteristics similar to idiopathic nystagmus is usually absent but after months until age 2 years. Nystagmus can also be found in children with Down syndrome.
2nd Acquired Nystagmus: Nystagmus can be acquired later in life due to neurological disorders, including a head injury, multiple sclerosis orBrain tumors. Nystagmus can be caused by lesions in the cerebellum, in the area of the brainstem where the vestibular cranial nerve arises or further along the vestibular pathways.
Signs and symptoms of nystagmus
Nystagmus is reduced visibility, constant movement of the eyes, which is worse nod of fatigue or stress, fluctuations in visual acuity, sometimes with head and often the head is connected, place in a corner and all eyes are on one side (this will slow down are keptMovement, a zero-point and allows a better view). Patients with nystagmus frequently have other vision problems like astigmatism require that prescription glasses and strabismus. Binocular vision impairment is early-onset nystagmus and indirectly affect depth perception common in many patients.
The presence of a pale optic disc, or a history of progressive vision loss, should show that the nystagmus is acquired, and possibly by a new formation withthe visual system.
Risk Factors
The following factors increase your chance of developing nystagmus: a family member with nystagmus, albinism, eye diseases such as optic nerve degeneration, severe astigmatism, or nearsightedness, diseases of the body such as Ménière's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, head injury, use of drugs such as lithium or anti- seizure medication, alcohol or drug use and infection of the inner ear.
The treatment of nystagmus
AtThere is currently no cure for nystagmus, however, for the first time there is an increasing number of researchers, the state and the genetic research, particularly a new hope.
Contact lenses have shown that some patients nystagmus probably results because the actual contact with the eyes to a better control of the horizontal nystagmus movement aid.
Prisms can be used to converge around the eyes which are the nystagmus.
Simple tests like visualVisual acuity may decrease according to the vision can be misleading if the patient is under stress or latent nystagmus, which causes an increase in nystagmus in both eyes, when one eye is covered.
Biofeedback to the patient to eye movements to a certain extent control the use of visual and acoustic effects were mediated reported that some people benefit from.
Surgery has, in particular tetonomy (cutting the eye muscles and reattaching them) was very successful in the United States used.Botox, baclofen and gabapentin and recently Mamentine are drugs that are tested. There have been reports of good results with ear acupuncture was.
Living with Nystagmus
Nystagmus may be concerns on almost every aspect of life, including a patient to the other people, education and work opportunities and self-image.
Most people do not, nystagmus her whole life by constantly moving image as their brain has to the movement of the adapted are effectedEyes, but those with acquired nystagmus can not adapt so well and can suffer from dizziness and vertigo.
Depth perception usually significantly reduced, this can cause problems with balance and a perceived clumsiness.
Apart from certain parts of the United States, where optical devices are accepted, people with nystagmus can not have a driving license, so they have to rely on public transport, a problem may be in unusual places for themselves.
Socially, because it is difficult tofor someone with nystagmus, keep eye contact, it might be a problem maintaining self-confidence. However, there are many men with the condition live a very successful and fruitful existence, easily adapt to their condition and building, completely normal life.
For children with nystagmus, it is important to get their teachers and classmates, as it relates to the condition, so that any problems by avoiding misunderstandings. For example, children withNystagmus can read slowly because of the additional time needed to scan printed material. This should not be taken as a sign of poor reading skills. Students or students with nystagmus need additional time to study and when sitting exams. Many students use computers with nystagmus, as they can position screens to adjust their own needs and the brightness, size, and so on.
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