What it means
The eyes jerk or drift and snap back without the person meaning them to. Some people are born with it. New nystagmus can come from inner ear problems (with dizziness), stroke, multiple sclerosisMUL-tih-pul skluh-ROH-sisA long-term disease in which the immune system damages the protective covering of nerves in the brain and spinal cord.scler/o hard-osis conditionFull entry , head injury, alcohol, and toxic levels of some drugs such as phenytoin. A few beats when looking far to the side can be normal.
For the nurse
Check for it during the eye exam by having the client follow your finger to each side. New nystagmus with dizziness, unsteady walking or trouble speaking is reported. In a client taking phenytoin, it can be a sign of a high drug level.
At a glance
| Spanish | nistagmo |
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Related terms
dizziness
A feeling of being lightheaded, unsteady or off balance, or that the room is spinning.
diplopia
Seeing two images of a single object; double vision.
anticonvulsant
A drug used to prevent or stop seizures; also called an antiseizure or antiepileptic drug.