Electroretinography is necessary for spasmus nutans diagnosis

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether that which clinic ally appeared to he spasmus nutans could actually represent retinal sensory deficits diagnosable by electroreinography. Eight patients clinically thou ght to have spasmus nutans underwent electroretinography according to inter national standards. Five had normal electroretinograms and represented case s of true spasmus nutans, Three patients had abnormal electroretinograms, i ndicating that they did not have spasmus nutans, The clinical findings used to diagnose spasmus nutans can be simulated by retinal dystrophies, A norm al electroretinogram is needed to confirm the diagnosis of spasmus nutans. (C) 2000 by Elsevier Science Inc, All rights reserved.