👁️ What is Nystagmus?
Nystagmus is an involuntary, rhythmic movement of the eyes. It may appear as repetitive side-to-side, up-and-down, or circular eye motions, and it can affect one or both eyes. These movements can be subtle or more pronounced, and are often linked to balance disorders or neurological issues.

🔍 What Causes Nystagmus?
Nystagmus typically results from problems within the inner ear (vestibular system), brainstem, or cerebellum — all areas involved in balance and spatial orientation. It can be:
Peripheral (vestibular) – related to inner ear issues like BPPV, Ménière’s disease, or labyrinthitis.
Central – linked to conditions in the brain, such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, or migraine.

🧠 Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR) Link
Nystagmus often occurs when the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) malfunctions. The VOR helps your eyes stay fixed on a target when your head moves. When there’s a disturbance in the inner ear or its connections to the eye muscles, the brain gets conflicting signals — leading to abnormal eye movement.

👶 Is Nystagmus Always a Sign of Disease?
Not always. Some people are born with congenital nystagmus, which may not cause major symptoms. Others develop it later (acquired nystagmus), which usually signals an underlying issue that should be evaluated — especially if it’s sudden or associated with other symptoms like dizziness, vision problems, or imbalance.

🩺 How is Nystagmus Diagnosed?
We use advanced vestibular tests (like video nystagmography) to measure eye movements and determine whether the source is peripheral or central. Observing the pattern and triggers of nystagmus helps guide accurate diagnosis and treatment.

🧭 Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause:
Vestibular rehabilitation exercises for balance and coordination.
Treating the underlying ear condition (e.g., BPPV maneuvers).
Neurological management if related to brain issues.
In rare cases, medications or botulinum toxin injections may be used to reduce the eye movements.

👨‍⚕️ When to Seek Help
If you or your child experience unusual eye movements — especially when accompanied by dizziness, blurred vision, or imbalance — it’s important to consult an ENT specialist.