Approach to the Examination and Classification of Nystagmus.

Approach to the Examination and Classification of Nystagmus.
J Neurol Phys Ther. 2019 Apr;43 Suppl 2 Supplement, Special Supplement: International Conference on Vestibular Rehabilitation:S20-S26
Authors: Eggers SDZ
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Physical therapists caring for patients with neurologic or vestibular disorders must routinely examine and characterize nystagmus and other oscillatory eye movements. Often, the diagnosis hinges on proper interpretation of the nystagmus pattern. This requires understanding the terminology surrounding the numerous attributes and influencing factors of nystagmus, a systematic approach to the examination, and a classification structure that guides practitioners to the specific nystagmus type and subsequent evaluation and management.
SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS: Nystagmus is an involuntary, rapid, rhythmic, oscillatory eye movement with at least 1 slow phase. Jerk nystagmus has a slow phase and a fast phase. Pendular nystagmus has only slow phases. Nystagmus is distinguished from other types of oscillatory eye movements, such as saccadic intrusions or oscillations. Characterizing nystagmus requires clearly describing its trajectory. This includes choosing a reference frame to describe the axes or planes and direction of eye movements. Several attributes are used to describe nystagmus: binocularity, conjugacy, velocity, waveform, frequency, amplitude, intensity, temporal profile, and age at fi...

Source: Physical Therapy - March 20, 2019 Category: Physiotherapy Authors: Eggers SDZ Tags: J Neurol Phys Ther Source Type: research