Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Recording Horizontal Saccade Performances Accurately in Neurological Patients Using Electro-oculogram
Published on: March 13, 2018
[Paroxysmal upgaze deviation syndrome]
Leandro Sousa1, Sergio Gonorazky
1Hospital Privado de Comunidad de Mar del Plata, Argentina. leandro-d-sousa@hotmail.com
Insights
Benign paroxysmal tonic upgaze syndrome involves episodes of upward eye deviation in infants. This condition typically resolves spontaneously but requires ruling out secondary causes, especially in cases like Down Syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Benign paroxysmal tonic upgaze syndrome (BPTUS) was first described in 1988.
- Characterized by paroxysmal upgaze deviation episodes in early infancy.
Observation:
- Episodes occur without altered consciousness and resolve during sleep.
- Fixation nystagmus is noted on downward gaze.
- Neurological examination is typically normal, barring mild ataxia.
Findings:
- The idiopathic form of BPTUS tends toward spontaneous recovery.
- Secondary forms of BPTUS necessitate careful evaluation due to varied prognoses.
- Two cases are presented, including one patient with Down Syndrome, to analyze clinical features and differential diagnoses.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of differentiating idiopathic BPTUS from secondary causes.
- Emphasizes the need for thorough clinical assessment in infants presenting with upgaze abnormalities.
- Contributes to understanding the clinical spectrum and management of BPTUS, particularly in syndromic cases.
Abstract:
In 1988, Ouvrier and Billson described four children with a condition they termed "benign paroxysmal tonic upgaze syndrome". The clinical picture is characterized by the appearance, in the first months of life, of episodes of paroxysmal upgaze deviation of varying duration, and without alteration of consciousness. Fixation nystagmus is observed when trying to look down. Episodes disappear during sleep. The neurological examination is usually normal, except for mild ataxia. In its idiopatic way, the syndrome tends to spontaneous recovery, but secondary types with different evolution should be rule out. We report two patients, one with Down Syndrome, and we analyze clinical aspects, evolution and differential diagnosis.
More Related Videos
07:26Characterizing the Relationship Between Eye Movement Parameters and Cognitive Functions in Non-demented Parkinson's Disease Patients with Eye Tracking
Published on: September 26, 2019
07:11Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) of the Visual Cortex with Wide-View Retinotopic Stimulation
Published on: December 8, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Glaucoma: Overview
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Visual Agnosia
Equilibrium and Balance
Prosopagnosia