Saccadic intrusions: review and update.

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW:

This work reviews saccadic intrusions focusing on recent developments in pathophysiology and treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS:

Saccadic intrusions have been recognized as features of oculomotor apraxia type 2 and neuromyelitis optica. Novel fixation instabilities have been identified such as 'staircase' square wave jerks, or the pervasive ocular microtremor seen in Parkinson's disease. Although evidence supports a network underlying the pathophysiology of square wave jerks involving cerebral hemispheres, subcortex, brainstem and cerebellum, the debate regarding the pathogenesis of ocular flutter and opsoclonus centres on a cerebellar and brainstem hypotheses. The cerebellar hypothesis explains functional imaging findings, whereas the brainstem hypothesis provides possible explanations for some therapeutic responses as well as accompanying myoclonus, startle and tremor. A study of immunotherapies in children with opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome found that treatment combinations were more effective than corticotropin alone.

SUMMARY:

Recognition of saccadic intrusions can assist in the diagnosis of neurological disease. We are gaining new insights about pathogenesis through models, functional imaging and genetic approaches.

• Authors: João Lemos, Eric Eggenberger
• Journal: Current opinion in neurology (Curr Opin Neurol) Vol. 26 Issue 1 Pg. 59-66 (Feb 2013) ISSN: 1473-6551 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 23302805 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Eye Movements (physiology)
• Humans
• Ocular Motility Disorders (physiopathology)