Medically Treatable Forms of Nystagmus

Abstract

Several forms of nystagmus and nystagmoid disorders may be successfully treated by neurotropic agents which augment or depress the action of specific neurotransmitter substances. These disorders include periodic alternating nystagmus and downbeat nystagmus. Other disorders in which variable success with neurotransmitter analogs has been reported include congenital nystagmus and seesaw nystagmus. In addition to these disorders, superior oblique myokymia is often successfully controlled by carbamazepine and opsoclonus often responds to corticosteroids. As our knowledge of neurochemistry increases, the list of treatable forms of nystagmus can be expected to expand.