Upbeat and downbeat nystagmus occurring successively in a patient with posterior medullary haemorrhage

• Published in: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry Vol. 54; no. 4; pp. 367 - 369
• Main Authors: Rousseaux, M, Dupard, T, Lesoin, F, Barbaste, P, Hache, J C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 01-04-1991; BMJ; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Brain Edema - diagnosis; Brain Edema - physiopathology; Cerebral Hemorrhage - diagnosis; Cerebral Hemorrhage - physiopathology; Electronystagmography; Eye Movements - physiology; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Medical sciences; Medulla Oblongata - pathology; Medulla Oblongata - physiopathology; Neural Pathways - pathology; Neural Pathways - physiopathology; Neurology; Nystagmus, Pathologic - diagnosis; Nystagmus, Pathologic - physiopathology; Oculomotor Nerve - pathology; Oculomotor Nerve - physiopathology; Vascular diseases and vascular malformations of the nervous system; Vestibular Nuclei - pathology; Vestibular Nuclei - physiopathology; Human; Case study; Vertical nystagmus; Intracranial; Eye disease; Nervous system diseases; Young adult; Complication; Medulla oblongata; Oculomotor syndrome; Hemorrhage; Cerebrovascular disease
• ISSN: 0022-3050; 1468-330X
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.54.4.367

In a patient with posterior medullary haemorrhage, first upbeat and later downbeat nystagmus occurred in the primary position. The lesion was limited to the posterior and medial part of the medulla. Clinical and electro-oculographic examination first showed upbeat nystagmus in the primary position and upgaze, with downbeat nystagmus in downgaze. Two and a half months later, there was downbeat nystagmus in the primary position and downgaze and upbeat nystagmus in upgaze.