Clinical significance of rebound nystagmus
Journal
Laryngoscope
Journal Volume
109
Journal Issue
11
Date Issued
1999-11-01
Author(s)
Lin, Chao Yu
Abstract
Objective/Hypothesis: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination is performed in cases of rebound nystagmus to elucidate the responsible site for rebound nystagmus. Methods: Patients with vertigo or tinnitus received a battery of audiological and neuro-otological tests. Those who had rebound nystagmus were rechecked by electronystagmography and examined by MRI. Results: Ten patients had a second-degree nystagmus evoked by changing direction of fixation, from the lateral to the forward gaze. All patients displayed positive MRI findings in cerebellum or brainstem, including tumor in seven cases and stroke in three cases. Moreover, in seven of eight cases with unilateral lesions, rebound nystagmus was ipsilateral with respect to the side of the lesion. Conclusion: Rebound nystagmus implies a lesion in cerebellum or brainstem for which MRI examination is 100% sensitive. It has a certain lateralizing value, with its direction away from the lesioned side.
Subjects
Brainstem | Cerebellum | Electronystagmography | Magnetic resonance examination | Rebound nystagmus
Type
journal article