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Intracranial pathology in young children with apparently isolated nystagmus

Mansoor A Shammari1, Sahar M Elkhamary, Arif O Khan

  • 1King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
|March 1, 2012
PubMed

Insights

In young children, isolated nystagmus rarely indicates brain pathology. Careful assessment of optic nerve head pallor is crucial; if present, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recommended.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Ophthalmology
  • Neuro-ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Neurology

Background:

  • Nystagmus in early childhood can be a concerning symptom.
  • Investigating the underlying cause is critical for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of intracranial pathology in young children presenting with apparently isolated nystagmus.
  • To evaluate the utility of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing such cases.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of institutional records.
  • Inclusion criteria: children up to 5 years old with nystagmus investigated by brain MRI.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-six children (17 boys, 9 girls) were analyzed.
  • Only 12% (3/26) showed significant MRI findings, all with optic nerve head pallor.
  • Nystagmus characteristics did not predict intracranial pathology.

Conclusions:

  • Isolated nystagmus in early childhood is unlikely to be associated with intracranial pathology.
  • Optic nerve head assessment for pallor is essential; if present, brain MRI is indicated.
  • Clinical nystagmus description was not predictive of intracranial findings.
Abstract

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