Nystagmus refers to a condition in which the eyes shift back and forth rapidly. MedlinePlus says that the eyes can shift up and down (vertical nystagmus), side to side (horizontal nystagmus) or in circles (rotary nystagmus). Sometimes, this condition can be due to an inner ear problem or a serious brain problem. Fortunately, the causes of nystagmus are treatable.
Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis refers to a condition in which the inner ear becomes swollen and irritated. Specific symptoms of labyrinthitis include involuntary eye movements (nystagmus), dizziness, hearing loss especially in one ear, vomiting and nausea. This condition also causes vertigo (a sensation that you are moving), a loss of balance and ringing in the ears.
A wide variety of causes exist for labyrinthitis. An ear infection, an upper respiratory infection such as a cold, an allergy or fatigue can lead to labyrhinthitis. Other causes include stress, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, allergies and medications such as aspirin.
Treatment for labyrinthitis involves taking such medications as antihistamines and corticosteroids to help relieve the symptoms. Medications such as compazine can help manage nausea and vomiting, meclizine can relieve dizziness and valium can be used for sedation.
Meniere's Disease
Like labyrinthitis, Meniere's disease is also a condition affecting the inner ear. Symptoms of this disease include nystagmus, fluctuating hearing loss, a loss of balance and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Meniere's disease can also lead to tinnitis, a condition in which people hear a ringing, roaring, buzzing or hissing sound in their ears.
The cause of Meniere's disease is still unclear but changes in the inner ear fluid may lead to it.
Medications such as meclizine, diazepam and prochlorperazine can be used to control nausea, dizziness and vomiting. Sometimes, medications such as triamterene or hydrochlorothiazide can be used to reduce any fluid in the body. Simply limiting salt and monosodium glutamate can help reduce episodes of Meniere's disease, says the Mayo Clinic. Also, avoiding caffeine, stress and smoking can help manage this condition.
In some cases, medications such as gentamicin and steroids can be injected into the inner ear. Sometimes, surgery may be necessary to regulate the fluid in the inner ears.
Stroke
A stroke, also known as a brain attack, is a condition in which the flow of blood in the brain becomes interrupted. A stroke can also lead to nystagmus, a headache, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling, trouble swallowing, trouble walking and clumsiness. Other symptoms of a stroke include trouble speaking, trouble writing or reading, a lack of coordination and dizziness.
A blood clot in the brain's blood vessels or bleeding in the brain can lead to a stroke.
Stroke treatment involves receiving clot-busting drugs or blood thinners such as warfarin. Sometimes, surgery may be necessary to remove any blood in the brain. Physical, speech and occupational therapy are necessary to get the stroke sufferer back to normal functioning.
