Characteristics of Central vs. Peripheral Nystagmus

Question 1

Central Lesion: Direction of Nystagmus

Answer 1

Either Bidirectional or Unidirectional

Question 2

Central Lesion: Visual Fixation

Answer 2

No inhibition with fixation

Question 3

Central Lesion: Vertigo

Answer 3

Mild

Question 4

Central Lesion: Length of Symptoms

Answer 4

May be Chronic

Question 5

Central Lesion: Etiology

Answer 5

Demyelination of nerves, Vascular Lesion, Cancer/Tumor

Question 6

Peripheral Lesion: Direction

Answer 6

Unidirectional

• Fast segment of movement indication the [OPPOSITE] direction of lesion

Question 7

Peripheral Lesion: Visual Fixation

Answer 7

Will inhibit nystagmus and vertigo

Question 8

Peripheral Lesion: Vertigo

Answer 8

Significant

Question 9

Peripheral Lesion: Length of Symptoms

Answer 9

Minutes
Days
Weeks
- usually a finite period of time
- recurrent

Question 10

Peripheral Lesion: Etiology

Answer 10

Meniere’s disease
Vascular Disorders
Trauma
Toxicity
Infection of inner ear