Clinical significance of spontaneous nystagmus in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze spontaneous nystagmus recorded in pediatric patients and determine its diagnostic value.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Retrospective review of 86 patients (mean age = 13.9 ± 4.7 years) with definitive spontaneous nystagmus recorded by videonystagmography (VNG). Spontaneous nystagmus was categorized and analyzed based on its characteristics. Correlations between spontaneous nystagmus and established clinical diagnoses were explored.

RESULTS

Among the patients seen in a period of three years at our pediatric vestibular clinic, 15.4% (86 out of 560) were found to have spontaneous nystagmus and half of them had horizontal nystagmus with a fixed-direction. The majority of cases with spontaneous nystagmus (77%, 66/86) were present without fixation only, while the presence of spontaneous nystagmus with and without fixation was found in 16 patients (19%). Most patients with spontaneous nystagmus without fixation only (68%) were diagnosed with a peripheral vestibular disorder (e.g., vestibular neuritis) or vestibular migraine. In contrast, vertical nystagmus was found in 15 patients, most of whom had central vestibular disorders. Other rare forms of nystagmus or abnormal eye movements, such as pendular nystagmus, ocular oscillation or flutter were recorded in only four patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Spontaneous nystagmus in children and young adults with possible vestibular impairments may vary in clinical presentation. Identification of its characteristics may help to make an accurate clinical diagnosis. While spontaneous nystagmus associated with peripheral vestibular disorders can be readily recognized, spontaneous nystagmus in pediatric patients with vestibular migraine appears to be more complex and variable in form.