The pharmacological treatment of nystagmus: a review

Abstract

Nystagmus is an involuntary, to-and-fro movement of the eyes that can result in a reduction in visual acuity and oscillopsia. Mechanisms that cause nystagmus are better understood in some forms, such as acquired periodic alternating nystagmus, than in others, for example acquired pendular nystagmus, for which there is limited knowledge. Effective pharmacological treatment exists to reduce nystagmus, particularly in acquired nystagmus and, more recently, infantile nystagmus. However, as there are very few randomized controlled trials in the area, most pharmacological treatment options in nystagmus remain empirical.

Keywords::

• 3,4-diaminopyridine
• acquired nystagmus
• acquired pendular nystagmus
• baclofen
• downbeat nystagmus
• gabapentin
• infantile nystagmus
• memantine
• multiple sclerosis
• periodic alternating nystagmus
• upbeat nystagmus

Notes