Saccadic oscillations: membrane, model and medicine

Abstract

Saccadic oscillations are continuous back-to-back saccades that cause excessive image motion across fovea and threaten clear vision. Acquired processes, related to immune or metabolic mechanisms, are common culprits. Saccadic oscillations are also seen in degenerative cerebellar disease or as a part of a familial syndrome of saccadic oscillations and limb tremor. Some normal individuals have innate ability to voluntarily trigger saccadic oscillations (i.e., voluntary nystagmus). Contemporary theory for the pathogenesis for saccadic oscillations has emphasized a hyperexcitable or disinhibited state of the brainstem saccadic burst neuron membrane. This review discusses etiologies and treatment of saccadic oscillations in light of a novel cell membrane-based theory.