A neurobiological approach to acquired nystagmus

The development of animal and mathematical models for several forms of acquired nystagmus has led to more comprehensive knowledge of these disorders. In the best understood forms, such as periodic alternating nystagmus, our range of knowledge includes an animal model, the neurotransmitters involved, and effective treatment. For some other forms, such as downbeat nystagmus, we have an animal model, but reliable treatment is lacking. In other cases, exemplified by acquired pendular nystagmus, we have only a provisional hypothesis for pathogenesis to account for the oscillations, without an animal model, but effective treatment is possible in some patients. The present trend of studying all aspects of the neurobiology of nystagmus, from molecules to behavior, seems to be the best approach to extend our knowledge and to identify new treatments, but much remains to be done.