[Nystagmus and torticollis in albinism (author's transl)].

Two pairs of albinotic brothers, a severely myopic albino and an aged albinotic woman patient were examined; visual acuity was 0.2. In the nystagmogram there were varied rhythmic wave-forms with 1) oscillations of high frequency; 2) slow arrhythmic movements; 3) deviation tendencies with a fast nystagmus component. In three cases the better eye was used in adduction (latent nystagmus), in another in abduction (alternating nystagmus), and in two cases the direction of the jerks changed in accordance with the intended range of vision. The head was turned to the side of the fast component by motoric control or moved quickly, synchronized with the nystagmus. Another two patients presented with an atypical form of head-tilting, looking upward at an extreme angle or closing the weaker eye. Lowering of the eyelids and compensatory movements of the head were caused by photophobia or myopia, i.e., by sensory control.