Oscillopsia and primary cerebellar ectopia: case report and review of the literature

Oscillopsia, the visual sensation of stationary objects swaying back and forth or vibrating, has been described in association with downbeat nystagmus in patients with primary cerebellar ectopia (Chiari I malformation). A patient with symptomatic oscillopsia without downbeat nystagmus, who was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging to have displaced cerebellar tonsils below the foramen magnum, is presented here. Suboccipital craniectomy and upper cervical laminectomy completely relieved the visual disturbance of the patient. The pathogenesis and surgical management of oscillopsia are discussed with respect to the current literature. Early recognition and surgical management of oscillopsia are lead to complete recovery in patients with minimal symptomatology.