About this episode
Author: Erik Verzemnieks, M.D. Educational Pearls: ● Common causes of nystagmus: Congenital disorders, CNS diseases (MS, CVA), Intoxication ● Drugs associated (ETOH, Ketamine, PCP, SSRI, MDMA, Lithium, Phenytoin, Barbiturates) ● If a patient has nystagmus and is intoxicated, consider other drugs and etiologies as potential sources References: Alpert JN. (1978). Downbeat nystagmus due to anticonvulsant toxicity. Annals of Neurology. 4(5):471-3. Rosenberg, ML. (1987) Reversible downbeat nystagmus secondary to excessive alcohol intake. Journal of Clinical Neuroophthalmology. 7(1):23-5. Weiner AL, Vieira L, McKay CA, Bayer MJ. (2000). Ketamine abusers presenting to the emergency department: a case series. Journal of Emergency Medicine. 18(4):447-51.