central (malignant) positional nystagmus

Last reviewed 09/2023

In central positional nystagmus, a coarse, variable and non-fatiguable nystagmus is set up when the head is placed in a certain position. There is no latent period before the nystagmus begins.

The condition occurs with:

  • tumours of the posterior cranial fossa or midbrain
  • multiple sclerosis
  • vascular lesions