[Macrosaccadic oscillations in a case of paraneoplastic myoclonic encephalopathy (author's transl)]

Abnormal ocular movements were observed in a patient with myoclonic encephalopathy secondary to branchial carcinoma. Clinical, cinematographic, and oculographic studies demonstrated the presence of rapid, large amplitude, conjugated, horizontal movements which occurred in bursts. They had a tapered appearance and were triggered by fixing vision and jerking movements, while they were abolished by rest and closing the eyelids. These features are similar to those seen in macrosaccadic oscillations. Other types of oscillating ocular movements are discussed as well as the physiopathological features of this disorder.