Vertical nystagmus is an involuntary eye movement that can cause impaired vision and dizziness. It can be congenital or acquired, with the latter being more severe and caused by diseases, nervous system disorders, or exposure to toxins. Some treatments, such as drugs and surgery, show promise in managing the condition.
Vertical nystagmus is a type of involuntary eye movement in which the eye moves rapidly and slowly on a vertical axis. The eye can move rapidly up, then slowly down, or vice versa. Depending on the severity of the condition, it can lead to impaired vision and dizziness. Nystagmus can be congenital or acquired.
The most common causes of this condition are congenital. The condition is also evident in childhood and usually lasts the individual’s life. Fortunately, congenital nystagmus is often milder than acquired nystagmus and is more manageable. Congenital nystagmus is also usually non-progressive, so the severity of the condition is static.
Acquired nystagmus, on the other hand, is often more severe. While some individuals with acquired nystagmus might report feelings of dizziness due to involuntary eye movement, others might find the condition debilitating enough to have extremely impaired vision. In addition to physiological distress, the condition can also lead to emotional distress for people concerned about their appearance. Vertical nystagmus can be acquired through a variety of means, including disease, nervous system disorders, and exposure to toxins.
The condition can be a symptom of some serious diseases. It can be a sign of brain tumors, Whipple’s disease or multiple sclerosis. Less serious conditions that lead to vertical nystagmus include albinism and Ménière’s disease. Nystagmus could also be a symptom of thiamine deficiency.
It is also possible that vertical nystagmus is the result of various nervous system disorders. A common cause of acquired nystagmus, for example, is nerve damage sustained during a stroke. A severe head injury can also lead to the development of nystagmus. The condition can also be a symptom of antidepressant withdrawal.
Exposure to certain toxins can also cause vertical nystagmus. Common toxic causes of nystagmus include lithium and salicylic acids. The use of illegal drugs such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and ketamine can cause damage to the nervous system such as to cause nystagmus. In rare cases, alcohol intoxication could also be a cause of nystagmus.
Although vertical nystagmus has traditionally been considered untreatable, several developments have shown promise for treating the condition. The drugs baclofen and gabapentin have been found to show significant improvement in patients with nystagmus. Other notable treatments include acetazolamide, levetiracetam and memantine. Several practitioners are also attempting to develop surgical treatment for nystagmus, although the favorable results are too few to be considered significant.
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