Ocular Oscillations in the Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum

Four French West Indian women complained of oscillopsia and were found to have an acquired eye movement disorder. In 3 of them, different types of nystagmus were found, including upbeat, downbeat, and central form of vestibular nystagmus. One developed opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome. Three patients had neuromyelitis optica antibodies, and 3 had brainstem abnormalities detected on MRI. Two patients had definite NMO, while the other 2 were considered to be at high risk for developing NMO. Treatment with high-dose systemic corticosteroids, with plasma exchanges, or in combination led to resolution of oscillopsia. We propose that eye movement disorders be added to the neurological manifestations of NMO.