Question 1

should i notice vision problems on my own, given a diagnosis of vertical nystagmus?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: Depending upon the intensity of the nystagmus as well as exactly how it gets activated a person may actually not notice too much going on in the peripheral or central visual fields. For instance if eyes are straight ahead and it's bearly perceptible you may not notice anything....However, at the moment your eyes look to one side, you may notice the fields of vision "jumping."  why do you have it?

Question 2

what are the effects of vertical nystagmus in a child?

Accepted Answer

Rotatory or vertical: Nystagmus is atypical; horizontal nystagmus, not always. A pediatric ophthalmologist looks for a small optic nerve/ small fovea, rod & cone abnormalities or visual impairment. If the retina looks normal, an electroretinogram is used to test rod & cone function. If there is even a tiny concern, neurological eval & neuroimaging are done. Fyi, by 3-4 mos. A neurotypical infant can fixate on objects.

Question 3

do i understand correctly that vertical nystagmus is a symptom or condition that could be the result of numerous maladies?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Vertical nystagmus can be due to visual loss, toxic or metabolic problems, or central nervous system problems.

Question 4

could a vertical nystagmus, that happens sometimes early in the morning, indicate something about the symptoms/conditions listed on my profile?

Accepted Answer

Nystagmus not alone: Vertical nystagmus is a rare neurology sign to begin with but would be extremely rare not associated with dizziness.  Nystagmus is what your eyes and brain do to try to catch up to the sense of movement.  Congenital nystagmus is the only way i can think of that someone cannot have dizziness/vertigo with nystagmus, but this is usually horizontal.

Question 5

my infant is 6 months old and has vertical nystagmus when a light source is flashed on her eyes. no other problems. is it normal or pathological?

Accepted Answer

Normal: Probably normal especially if you are flashing lights in her eyes.

Question 6

would you agree that vertical nystagmus would be obvious to an optometrist during a routine eye exam?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It should be obvious to someone trained in eye disease.  Optometrists have limited training in eye disease.

Question 7

had first neuro exam in 3yrs for migraines suddenly getting alot worse (3-5 times a week), but the doc was concerned with my exam stated i had vertical and horizontal nystagmus, and my left slide was slower. ordered mri. what are they looking for?

Accepted Answer

: Your neurologist is looking for a possible brain abnormality that is causing the physical exam findings you describe. These findings would not be typical for a migraine headache so it is important to be sure there is no other brain abnormality that would cause these findings. So, the MRI to visualize the brain would be important. Be sure to follow up with the neurologist once the MRI is done.

Question 8

does nystagmus get worse with age?

Accepted Answer

Nystagmus and age: Nystagmus is usually a result of some other condition. If heat condition gets worse and cannot be treated, it will get worse.

Question 9

can you have perfect vision with nystagmus? or is there always a deficit?

Accepted Answer

: Normal refractive visual findings can coexist with nystagmus, as the latter involves extra ocular eye muscle function, and the former, cornea, lens, retina, etc.  The presence of nystagmus causes difficulty with consistent focusing upon a target, and especial difficulty with following a moving object.

Question 10

is there anything that isn't dreadfully serious that can cause nystagmus in a baby?

Accepted Answer

NYSTAGMUS: It is associated with esotropia or strabismus or visual pathway problem.Treatment can be done, so not serious.

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Doctor answers about:

Vertical nystagmus differential diagnosis

A member asked:

Should i notice vision problems on my own, given a diagnosis of vertical nystagmus?

A member asked:

What are the effects of vertical nystagmus in a child?

A member asked:

Do i understand correctly that vertical nystagmus is a symptom or condition that could be the result of numerous maladies?

A member asked:

Could a vertical nystagmus, that happens sometimes early in the morning, indicate something about the symptoms/conditions listed on my profile?

A member asked:

My infant is 6 months old and has vertical nystagmus when a light source is flashed on her eyes. no other problems. is it normal or pathological?

A member asked:

Would you agree that vertical nystagmus would be obvious to an optometrist during a routine eye exam?

A member asked:

Had first neuro exam in 3yrs for migraines suddenly getting alot worse (3-5 times a week), but the doc was concerned with my exam stated i had vertical and horizontal nystagmus, and my left slide was slower. ordered mri. what are they looking for?

A member asked:

Does nystagmus get worse with age?

A member asked:

Can you have perfect vision with nystagmus? or is there always a deficit?

A member asked:

Is there anything that isn't dreadfully serious that can cause nystagmus in a baby?

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