title: Periodic alternating nystagmus.
abstract: Horizontal jerk nystagmus is indicative of a disorder involving the vestibular system. Periodic alternating nystagmus is a form of spontaneous nystagmus with a specific pattern. It is identified by the presence of spontaneous nystagmus in the primary direction of gaze, which beats in one direction for 1 or 2 minutes, followed by a null period, and then reappearance of the nystagmus in the opposite direction for a similar length of time. It may be congenital or acquired, and may be seen in association with vestibular-cerebellar disease or loss of vision. Recent case reports indicate that some forms of periodic alternating nystagmus may respond favorably to baclofen therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Head and Neck Surgery, UCLA School of Medicine.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: DiBartolomeo
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Yee
mesh_terms: D001418:Baclofen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004584:Electronystagmography; D006801:Humans; D007759:Labyrinth Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009759:Nystagmus, Pathologic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D010507:Periodicity; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D001418:Baclofen