Pseudonystagmus in progressive supranuclear palsy

Abstract

Ocular oscillations often have critical role in diagnostic algorithm of neurodegenerative disorders. Nystagmus, if present in parkinsonian syndrome, suggests cerebellar involvement that is typical of multiple system atrophy. We found vertical jerky oscillations of the eyes during oculographic assessments using head-fixed corneal curvature trackers in six patients with progressive supranuclear palsy. The oscillations were eliminated by adequate head stabilization of the patients. Although this phenomenon gave the initial impression of "downbeat nystagmus", the oscillations were phase locked and frequency matched with subtle jerky head oscillations. We interpreted such jerky eye oscillations as "pseudonystagmus" representing the vestibulo-ocular reflex in response to involuntary subtle jerky head oscillations in our patients. This study further emphasizes the importance of head stabilization during instrumented or clinical assessment of gaze holding.

Keywords: Basal ganglia; Cerebellum; Nystagmus; Parkinsonism.