EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE ON FOVEATION CHARACTERISTICS IN CONGENITAL NYSTAGMUS

Aims/background-To examine the effects of acupuncture at the sternocle idomastoid muscles on foveation characteristics in congenital nystagmu s. Methods-Six patients with congenital nystagmus (CN) received a seri es of treatments consisting of two needles inserted into each sternocl eidomastoid, stimulated by tapping gently every 5 minutes, for 20 minu tes per session. Their eye movements were recorded using scleral searc h coils and changes in their CN waveforms analysed at each point in th e treatment. Changes in the stability and duration of foveation period s were examined. Results-Four of the six patients showed improved fove ation at the commencement of treatment; three maintained this response throughout the treatment period and after the needles were removed. I n two, the CN waveform itself was modified. Conclusion-This study and others involving afferent stimulation to the neck and face suggest tha t projections from these areas to the reticular formation and vestibul ar nucleus may alter the behaviour of the pathophysiological mechanism underlying congenital nystagmus.