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Paroxysmal ocular downward deviation in neurologically impaired infants
1Department of Pediatric Neurology; Seirei-Mikatabara General Hospital; Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan.
Pediatric Neurology
|November 1, 1991
Summary
This study identifies a new eye movement abnormality in neurologically impaired infants, characterized by paroxysmal ocular downward deviation. This sign is associated with brain damage and cortical visual impairment in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Developmental Neuroscience
Background:
- Neurologically impaired children can exhibit various ocular motor abnormalities.
- Paroxysmal ocular downward deviation is a previously unreported eye movement disorder.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel paroxysmal ocular downward deviation in neurologically impaired children.
- To investigate the clinical characteristics and associations of this eye movement abnormality.
Main Methods:
- Observational study of thirteen neurologically impaired children.
- Clinical assessment of eye movements and eyelid position.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) to rule out epileptic activity.
Main Results:
- Thirteen children presented with paroxysmal ocular downward deviation and associated upper eyelid ptosis.
- No concurrent electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities were detected.
- The condition was observed in infancy, particularly in preterm infants, and often resolved spontaneously.
- All patients had spastic quadriplegia or diplegia and intellectual disability.
- Cortical visual impairment was a common comorbidity.
Conclusions:
- Paroxysmal ocular downward deviation is a distinct neurological sign in infants with brain damage.
- This sign is frequently associated with cortical visual impairment and other neurological deficits.
- Recognition of this abnormality aids in the diagnosis of neurological conditions in infants.
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