Clinical and pathogenetic aspects of positional nystagmus

Kutlubaev M.A.

doi:https://doi.org/10.17116/jnevro2021121121123

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Abstract:

Positional nystagmus (PN) is a heterogeneous clinical phenomenon. Most often it develops in benign positional paroxysmal vertigo as a result of otolithiasis. Rarely PN is observed in cases of lesion location in the cerebellum and brainstem. Recently a theory of light cupula was suggested to explain persisting geotropic PN. It explains the development of nystagmus by the changes in the ratio of the density of cupula to the density of endolymph, making the former sensitive to gravitational forces. Several theories were suggested: lighter cupula theory, heavier endolymph theory, theories of light debris and of density difference between perilymph and endolymph. However, the exact mechanism of light cupula syndrome is unclear. Clear diagnosis of the causes of PN requires detailed evaluation of neurological status with the use of diagnostic tests and additional research methods.

Keywords:

benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

central positional nystagmus

light cupula

endolymph

Authors:

Kutlubaev M.A.

Bashkir State Medical University

SPIN RSCI: 4713-0312
Scopus AuthorID: 9241930700
ORCID: 0000-0003-1001-2024

Received:

16.04.2020

Accepted:

17.04.2020

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References:

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