Periodic alternating nystagmus associated with albinism.

We examined a 73-year-old woman with the rare association of albinism and (presumably) congenital periodic alternating nystagmus. The mechanism of the nystagmus in this case is uncertain. Anomalous retinogeniculate pathways have been documented in albino animals. Periodic alternating nystagmus might occur in some patients with albinism if there are also anomalies in the pathways conveying visual information to the cerebellum and brainstem.