Paroxysmal downbeat nystagmus, a case report and a review of the literature

We report a case of paroxysmal downbeat nystagmus, ataxia, and dysarthria in the context of a delirium in a patient with severe hypomagnesemia. Extensive workup did not provide alternative explanations. Her attacks subsided within 48 h after the start of magnesium substitution and the patient remained confused and ataxic with a gradual but full recovery over 6 weeks. Hypomagnesemia resulted most probably from long-term proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) intake. Paroxysmal downbeat nystagmus is rare and has so far only been consistently described in association with hypomagnesemia of various causes.