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Aetiology of jerk nystagmus

Authoring team

Jerk nystagmus is physiological in the following situations:

  • when following a moving object, for example looking out of a train window - this phenomenon is termed optokinetic nystagmus
  • during caloric stimulation of the ear

Certain patterns of jerk nystagmus have a limited differential diagnosis:

  • vertical nystagmus:
    • upbeat vertical nystagmus
    • downbeat vertical nystamus
  • convergence nystagmus

The causes of other pattern of nystagmus are discussed.

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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