Acquired pendular nystagmus in toluene addiction

Neurology. 1991 Feb;41(2 ( Pt 1)):282-5. doi: 10.1212/wnl.41.2_part_1.282.

Abstract

We studied the ocular motor abnormalities in 4 patients chronically addicted to sniffing glue containing toluene. They showed acquired pendular nystagmus with horizontal and vertical components. One patient also showed saccadic oscillations. The pendular nystagmus may be a manifestation of a disturbance in brainstem-cerebellar connections secondary to the toxic effect of toluene on white matter.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nystagmus, Pathologic / etiology*
  • Nystagmus, Pathologic / physiopathology
  • Oculomotor Muscles / physiopathology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Toluene* / poisoning

Substances

  • Toluene