Spasmus Nutans Overview
Learn About Spasmus Nutans
Spasmus nutans is a disorder affecting infants and young children. It involves rapid, uncontrolled eye movements, head bobbing, and sometimes, holding the neck in an abnormal position.
Most cases of spasmus nutans begin between age 6 months and 1 year. It usually lasts about 2 years but can go on as long as 5 years.
The cause is unknown, although it may be associated with other medical conditions. A link with iron or vitamin D deficiency has been suggested. In very rare cases, symptoms similar to spasmus nutans may be due to certain types of brain tumors or other serious conditions.
Symptoms of spasmus nutans include:
- Small, quick, side-to-side eye movements called nystagmus (both eyes are involved, but each eye may move differently)
- Head nodding
- Head tilting
Spasmus nutans that isn't related to another medical problem, such as brain tumor, requires no treatment. If the symptoms are caused by another condition, your provider will recommend appropriate treatment.
University Hospitals Medical Group Inc
Jun Park is a Pediatric Neurologist and a Neurologist in Westlake, Ohio. Dr. Park and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Spasmus Nutans. His top areas of expertise are Epilepsy in Children, Epilepsy, Seizures, and West Syndrome. Dr. Park is currently accepting new patients.
Sucheta Joshi is a Pediatric Neurologist and a Neurologist in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Dr. Joshi and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Spasmus Nutans. Her top areas of expertise are West Syndrome, Spasmus Nutans, Epilepsy, and Epilepsy in Children. Dr. Joshi is currently accepting new patients.
Kelsey Poisson is a Pediatric Neurologist and a Neurologist in Findlay, Ohio. Dr. Poisson and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Spasmus Nutans. Her top areas of expertise are West Syndrome, Neuromyelitis Optica, Transverse Myelitis, and Optic Neuritis. Dr. Poisson is currently accepting new patients.
Usually, this disorder goes away on its own without treatment.
Call for an appointment with your child's provider if your child has rapid, movements of the eyes, or head nodding. The provider will need to perform an exam to rule out other possible causes for the symptoms.
Summary: Infantile spasms are defined by the occurrence of epileptic episodes characterized by the appearance of very specific motor seizures, made up of rapid, repeated contractions in flexion or extension known as spasms. This syndrome is of high concern as it will lead to mental retardation if it is not early identified and treated. Most often, spasms are characterized by sudden contractions of the body...
Summary: Investigators at Boston Children's Hospital are conducting research in order to better understand the genetic factors which may contribute to epilepsy and related disorders. These findings may help explain the broad spectrum of clinical characteristics and outcomes seen in people with epilepsy.
Published Date: April 29, 2023
Published By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Hertle RW, Hanna NN. Supranuclear eye movement disorders, acquired and neurologic nystagmus. In: Lyons CJ, Lambert SR, eds. Taylor and Hoyt's Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 91.
Rucker JC, Lavin PJM. Neuro-ophthalmology: ocular motor system. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley's and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 18.