Walsh & Hoyt: Pharmacologic Treatments

Nystagmus caused by peripheral vestibular lesions usually resolves spontaneously over the course of a few days. Present approaches use vestibular suppressants for 24-48 hours, primarily for severe vertigo and nausea. If the nystagmus persists after this time, exercises are used to accelerate the brain's ability to redress the imbalance. In the case of BPPV, maneuvers to displace otolithic debris from the affected semicircular canal and exercises to sustain recovery are usually effective. Central vestibular mechanisms pharmacologic basis. Downbeat and upbeat nystagmus. Periodic alternating nystagmus. Acquired pendular nystagmus. Seesaw nystagmus. Familial episodic ataxia with nystagmus. Saccadic intrusions: square-wave jerks. Ocular flutter and opsoclonus. Superior oblique myokymia and ocular neuromyotonia.