MS Symptom Thesaurus: Nystagmus

We began the MS Symptom Thesaurus back in May of this year with a post about the very common symptom of Fatigue.  We’ve covered many of the more familiar symptoms in the months since.  Today we begin to move into more specific and unusual symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Today we offer the topic of Nystagmus, which the National MS Society defines for people with MS as, “…uncontrolled horizontal or vertical eye movements.”  They go on to say that, “Nystagmus may be mild, only occurring when the person looks to the side, or it may be severe enough to impair vision.” While there are some treatments that help the results of the “jumping vision” caused by Nystagmus, it seems that this symptom is fairly difficult to treat in and of itself. I have been told by my neurologist that I have had bouts of this symptom in the past.  When I did the old ‘follow my finger’ tests – for about 3 years – my eyes would jump around when I looked hard to the left.  I don’t usually do that so I don’t think I ever noticed it on my own.  In fact, I just tried it and my vision did seem to quake a bit (I’ll have to have Caryn check that when she gets home this evening…). I have been with people who have developed pretty serious nystagmus.  It can be difficult to converse with them as the ocular dance can be distracting.  I can only imagine what that’s like from the other side… and that is EXACTLY why we have this MS Symptom Thesaurus; to help others understand. ...
Source: Life with MS - Category: Other Conditions Authors: Tags: MS multiple sclerosis MS symptoms Multiple Sclerosis Thesaurus Source Type: blogs