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Vosoughi AR, Barbosa NB, Micieli J, Margolin E. Unilateral Pendular Nystagmus in Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Series. J Neuroophthalmol 2024; 44:414-418. [PMID: 37486916 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000001944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acquired pendular nystagmus is most often seen in patients with demyelinating disease. Although it is often bilateral, rare cases may be monocular. There is paucity of data on the spectrum of clinical presentation, underlying mechanism, and response to treatment in patients with monocular pendular nystagmus. METHODS Retrospective case series of patients with monocular pendular nystagmus seen in 2 tertiary neuro-ophthalmology clinics between January 2019 and June 2022. All patients underwent a complete neuro-ophthalmological assessment and MRI. RESULTS We describe 5 patients (3 women) aged 31-49 with monocular pendular nystagmus. All had a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Three patients had horizontal and 2 had vertical pendular nystagmus. The Snellen visual acuity in the eye with pendular nystagmus varied from 20/20 to 20/200. Two patients were asymptomatic and 3 suffered visually debilitating oscillopsia. Treatment response was available for 2 patients, both of which responded well to treatment with memantine. The pendular nystagmus was observed in the eye with worse visual acuity in 4 of 5 cases (80%). Three patients had bilateral pontine lesions, and 2 had unilateral pontine lesion ipsilateral to the side of nystagmus. CONCLUSIONS Monocular pendular nystagmus in adults is seen most often in patients with multiple sclerosis. Asymmetry in brainstem lesions and afferent visual input may be the culprit. Treatment with memantine may result in significant improvement in symptomatic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir R Vosoughi
- Max Rady College of Medicine (ARV), Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences (NBB, JM, EM), University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; and Division of Neurology (JM, EM), Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Sheeba S, Cavaleri R, Summers S, Browne C. Effectiveness of non-pharmacological treatments for vestibular and oculomotor dysfunction in patients with persistent post-concussive symptoms: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066634. [PMID: 36609322 PMCID: PMC9827270 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Concussion is a form of mild traumatic brain injury that disrupts brain function. Although symptoms are mostly transient, recovery can be delayed and result in persistent postconcussive symptoms (PPCS). Vestibular and oculomotor dysfunction are among the most debilitating impairments associated with PPCS. However, pharmacological interventions for these impairments are associated with deleterious side effects. Accordingly, increasing research has examined the utility of non-pharmacological interventions for PPCS. The aim of this review is to synthesise and evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for the treatment of vestibular and oculomotor dysfunction for patients with PPCS. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Systematic searches of MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus will identify randomised controlled trials employing non-pharmacological treatments for vestibular and/or oculomotor dysfunction for PPCS. Such interventions may include, but are not limited to, vestibular rehabilitation, optokinetic stimulation and vestibulo-ocular reflex exercises. Assessments of oculomotor function will include versional eye movements, vergence eye movements, visual-fixation movements and accommodation response. Assessments of vestibular function will include the Fukuda Step test, functional balance tests, force displacement tests, and subjective reports of balance disruption or vertigo. Where appropriate, meta-analyses of standardised mean differences will be conducted using a random effects model for continuous outcomes. For dichotomous outcomes (improved vs not improved following treatment), effects will be expressed as relative risk. The impact of heterogeneity will be calculated using the I2 statistic. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale will be used to determine the methodological quality of individual studies and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations used to assess the certainty and quality of evidence for each outcome. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval is not required for this review. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021254720.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Sheeba
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation (BrainStAR) Lab, School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rocco Cavaleri
- Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation (BrainStAR) Lab, School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon Summers
- Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation (BrainStAR) Lab, School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Cherylea Browne
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation (BrainStAR) Lab, School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Martins AI, Soares-dos-Reis R, Jorge A, Duque C, Pereira DJ, Fontes Ribeiro C, Sargento-Freitas J, Matos A, Negrão L, Lemos J. A 6-month trial of memantine for nystagmus and associated phenomena in oculopalatal tremor. Front Neurol 2022; 13:921341. [PMID: 36061989 PMCID: PMC9428258 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.921341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Oculopalatal tremor (OPT) is a late manifestation of a Guillain-Mollaret triangle lesion. Memantine has been shown to improve nystagmus in OPT, but its long-term efficacy and putative distinct effects on each plane of nystagmus and on associated phenomena (e.g., gravity perception) are largely unknown. Methods We conducted a 6-month open-label study to evaluate the effect of memantine in OPT patients. Baseline (visit 1), 2 (visit 2), and 6 months (visit 3) assessments included video-oculography, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual function questionnaire (VFQ25), palatal tremor frequency, and subjective visual vertical (SVV). Memantine was titrated to 20 mg per day and stopped after 6 months. Results We included six patients (5 females; mean age 68.5+/-9.7). At visit 2, nystagmus improved >50% only along the horizontal plane in two patients, while worsening >50% along the vertical and horizontal planes in 4 and 1 patients, respectively. At visit 3, previous improvement of nystagmus along the horizontal plane in two patients was not sustained, and it further worsened >50% along the vertical plane in 4. The mean vertical velocity and amplitude of nystagmus in the left eye significantly worsened from visit 2 to visit 3 (p = 0.028). Throughout the study, nystagmus frequency remained unchanged (p = 0.074), BCVA improved in both eyes (p = 0.047, p = 0.017), SVV progression was unpredictable (p = 0.513), and the mean VFQ-25 score (p = 0.223) and mean palatal frequency remained unchanged. Conclusion The long-term use of memantine 20 mg per day in OPT produced a modest and only transient improvement in nystagmus, predominantly along the horizontal plane. Visual acuity improved, albeit without relevant changes in vision-related quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Inês Martins
- Department of Neurology, Coimbra University and Hospital Centre, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Soares-dos-Reis
- Department of Neurology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - André Jorge
- Department of Neurology, Coimbra University and Hospital Centre, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cristina Duque
- Department of Neurology, Pedro Hispano Hospital, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Daniela Jardim Pereira
- Department of Neuroradiology Unit/Imaging, Coimbra University and Hospital Centre, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - João Sargento-Freitas
- Department of Neurology, Coimbra University and Hospital Centre, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra University, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Anabela Matos
- Department of Neurology, Coimbra University and Hospital Centre, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Negrão
- Department of Neurology, Coimbra University and Hospital Centre, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Lemos
- Department of Neurology, Coimbra University and Hospital Centre, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra University, Coimbra, Portugal
- *Correspondence: João Lemos
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Fiani B, Runnels J, Sarhadi K, Sarno E, Kondilis A. Oncologic causes of oculopalatal tremors: neurophysiology and treatment. Acta Neurol Belg 2021; 121:1111-1116. [PMID: 34286476 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-021-01761-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Oculopalatal tremor (OPT) is an acquired pathology characterized by continuous and rhythmical soft palatal movements combined with pendular nystagmus. Aside from vascular lesions, oncological masses affecting the dentatorubro-olivary pathway can impair brainstem and/or cerebellar pathways, manifesting as dyssynchronous movement. In this review, we delve into the neurophysiology of OPT along with oncological causes and treatment options based on the most recent clinical trial data. This literature review includes medication treatment data from clinical trials enrolling individuals with features of OPT, including acquired pendular nystagmus (APN). Trials were deemed eligible for inclusion in this review if one or more participants had symptoms determined by the trial authors to be caused by OPT. Trials investigating the treatment of APN secondary to a separate cause, such as multiple sclerosis, were excluded from this review. Several early treatments failed to demonstrate a benefit for patients with APN due to OPT. Trials of anticholinergic agents were largely ineffective and poorly tolerated. Botulinum toxin A demonstrated improvement in APN symptoms. Most recently, trials including memantine and gabapentin have demonstrated success with attenuation of APN. Surgical modalities such as DBS have yet to show improvement, though with only a single case report as evidence. Oculopalatal tremor is a unique manifestation of posterior fossa tumors disrupting the Guillain-Mollaret triangle. Symptom control through medication management has had limited success attributed to poor response and medication intolerance. Surgical modalities like DBS may have an emerging role in OPT treatment by targeting dyssynchronous activity in the dentatorubro-olivary pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Fiani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Desert Regional Medical Center, 1150 N. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA, 92262, USA.
| | - Juliana Runnels
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kasra Sarhadi
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Erika Sarno
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Athanasios Kondilis
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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Stulin ID, Tardov MV, Kunel'skaya NL, Chugunova MA, Bajbakova EV, Boldin AV, Filin AA. [Vertical nystagmus]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2021; 121:119-124. [PMID: 34481447 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2021121081119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The review article provides a definition and classification of different nystagmus types, a comparative description of the central and peripheral vestibular nystagmus. The pathogenetic patterns of up-beating and down-beating nystagmus are accurately described. The features of nystagmus formation in various diseases are discussed, such as Wernicke encephalopathy, Arnold-Chiari anomaly, spinocerebellar ataxia and vestibular migraine. The authors provide their own data on oculomotor disorders in 100 patients with vestibular migraine and migraine with a brain stem aura. This article considers approaches to treatment: surgical and conservative. In conclusion, was noted the possibility of differentiating the central and peripheral vestibular nystagmus by means of clinical study. As well, the differences between vertical nystagmus associated with organic lesions of the brain stem or cerebellum and transient nystagmus with vestibular migraine are highlighted. The authors note the need for in-depth studies of nystagmus in vestibular migraine patients and methods of dealing with it.
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Affiliation(s)
- I D Stulin
- Yevdokimov Moscow State Medical and Dental University, Moscow, Russia
| | - M V Tardov
- Sverzhevskiy Otorhinolaryngology Healthcare Research Institute, Moscow, Russia
| | - N L Kunel'skaya
- Sverzhevskiy Otorhinolaryngology Healthcare Research Institute, Moscow, Russia.,Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - M A Chugunova
- Sverzhevskiy Otorhinolaryngology Healthcare Research Institute, Moscow, Russia
| | - E V Bajbakova
- Sverzhevskiy Otorhinolaryngology Healthcare Research Institute, Moscow, Russia
| | - A V Boldin
- Sverzhevskiy Otorhinolaryngology Healthcare Research Institute, Moscow, Russia.,Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - A A Filin
- Sverzhevskiy Otorhinolaryngology Healthcare Research Institute, Moscow, Russia
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