Visual impairment due to a dyskinetic eye movement disorder in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy

Abstract

Neurological lesions that cause dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP) commonly involve ocular movements. This report describes a group of 14 children (nine males, five females) whose CP is associated with severe dyskinetic eye movements. Ages ranged from 4 months to 13 years (mean 6.9 years). Clinical features of this eye movement disorder are discussed and defined. The visual function of these children is slow, variable, and highly inefficient. They are often misdiagnosed as blind, due to cortical visual impairment. Early recognition of dyskinetic eye moment disorder and appropriate developmental and educational management are important.