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[Spasmus nutans: apropos of 16 cases].
D Doummar1, B Roussat, P Beauvais
1Service de neuropédiatrie, hôpital Armand-Trousseau, Paris, France.
Summary
Spasmus nutans is a benign childhood syndrome characterized by head nodding, nystagmus, and abnormal head position. This condition typically resolves on its own within a few years.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Spasmus nutans is a rare, self-limiting neurological disorder presenting in early childhood.
- It is defined by a triad of symptoms: head nodding, ocular oscillations (nystagmus), and anomalous head position.
- Ophthalmologic and neurological examinations are typically normal, distinguishing it from other conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze the clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and long-term outcomes of spasmus nutans.
- To emphasize the importance of excluding other causes of nystagmus in infants.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 16 patients diagnosed with spasmus nutans between 1980 and 1995.
- Evaluation of current status through clinical examination or questionnaires.
- Neuroimaging (MRI) was performed in 13 cases.
Main Results:
- The average age of onset was 7 months, with symptoms including constant head nodding (horizontal, vertical, or rotatory) and intermittent nystagmus.
- Anomalous head positions were observed in seven patients.
- Neuroimaging studies were consistently normal, and follow-up in 12 children indicated complete resolution within an average of 2.5 years.
Conclusions:
- Spasmus nutans is a benign, self-limiting clinical entity diagnosed by its characteristic triad and the exclusion of other causes of nystagmus.
- Normal ophthalmologic, neurological examinations, and MRI are crucial for diagnosis.
- Head nodding may be a compensatory mechanism for nystagmus.