Review
The spectrum of nystagmus following cerebro-vascular accident
Authors:
Fiona J. Rowe ,
Division of Orthoptics, Thompson Yates Building, University of Liverpool, Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L69 3GB, GB
About Fiona J.
Dr, PhD DBO
The Vision in Stroke Group
About The Vision in
Vision In Stroke (VIS) group: Darren Brand (Ayr), NHS Ayrshire and Arran; Carole Jackson (Bath), Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Trust; Alison Price (Birmingham), Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust; Linda Walker (Burnley), East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust; Shirley Harrison (Bury), Bury Primary Care Trust; Carla Eccleston (Derby), Derby Hospitals NHS Trust; Claire Scott (Ipswich), Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust; Nicola Akerman (Nottingham), University Hospital NHS Trust; Caroline Dodridge (Oxford), Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust; Claire Howard (Salford), Salford Primary Care trust; Tracey Shipman (Sheffield), Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust; Una Speering (Swindon), Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust; Sonia MacDiarmid (Wigan), Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust; Cicely Freeman (Worcester) Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.
Abstract
Aim: To report the features of nystagmus documented following a confirmed diagnosis or cerebrovascular accident (stroke).
Methods: A multi-centre prospective observational study was undertaken in 14 acute Trust hospitals. Stroke survivors with suspected visual difficulty were recruited. Standardised screening/referral forms and investigation forms were employed to document data on visual impairment, specifically assessment of visual acuity, ocular pathology, eye alignment and movement, visual perception (including Inattention) and visual field defects.
Results: Of 323 patients, 38 were found to have nystagmus following cortical, brain stem or cerebellar stroke. Twenty were male and 18 female, with a mean age of 65 years. Acquired nystagmus accounted for 84% of the types documented. Four patients had oscillopsia and 3 had vertigo. Associated ocular motility deficits were found in 84% of patients and treatment was largely aimed at alleviating diplopia but also reading difficulties or blurred vision. Improvement was noted in 42%.
Conclusion: Twelve per cent of stroke survivors with suspected visual difficulties had nystagmus documented. Most had associated ocular motility defects. Symptoms relating to the nystagmus of oscillopsia and vertigo were reported in 18%. Improvement of ocular motility was recorded in 42%.
How to Cite:
Rowe, F.J. and Stroke Group, T.V. in ., 2008. The spectrum of nystagmus following cerebro-vascular accident. British and Irish Orthoptic Journal, 5, pp.22–25. DOI: http://doi.org/10.22599/bioj.224
Published on
01 Jan 2008.
Peer Reviewed
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