The Heimann-Bielscholwsky phenomenon: dissociated vertical nystagmus.
BACKGROUND
The Heimann-Bielschowsky phenomenon (HBP) is a unilateral vertical nystagmus with coarse, slow pendular movements that typically occurs in an eye with profound visual loss. There are no sinister neurological implications.


METHODS
Symptoms and signs on presentation and the subsequent course are described in detail in 10 patients. Eye movements were recorded for one patient.


RESULTS
Three patients had corrected vision of 6/24 or better. Strabismus was seen in eight patients. Symptoms of diplopia and oscillopsia were infrequent.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe that the HBP may be a reasonably common condition, although very under diagnosed. This condition may be similar to Central Fusion Disruption. Patients with HBP appear to have lost the potential for fusion.
Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and The University of Melbourne Department of Ophthalmology, East Melbourne, Australia.
K
K
Davey
L
L
Kowal
R
R
Friling
Z
Z
Georgievski
J
J
Sandbach
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D000550:Amblyopia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D002386:Cataract / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004172:Diplopia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D005133:Eye Movements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009759:Nystagmus, Pathologic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013285:Strabismus / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis