Surgical treatment of trauma-induced periodic alternating nystagmus.

Abstract

To report a new treatment for acquired periodic alternating nystagmus in which medical therapy with baclofen was not tolerated. Interventional case report and literature review. Simultaneous adjustable bilateral retroequatorial horizontal rectus muscle recessions. Ocular alignment and ocular motility recordings. A 30-year-old man had blurred vision after an emergency left temporal craniotomy for gunshot wounds. Ophthalmologic examination revealed periodic alternating nystagmus that was documented by an infrared electronystagmogram. Baclofen was started but was not tolerated. Bilateral lateral and medial retroequatorial rectus muscle recessions were performed and were successful in the treatment of this patient. Simultaneous bilateral retroequatorial horizontal rectus recessions may be an effective treatment for intractable acquired periodic alternating nystagmus.