Professional
Technical
IVT
opsoclonus
Pronunciation: op-so-CLOH-nus
Chaotic, multidirectional saccadic eye movements often associated with myoclonus.
Full Definition
A rare oculomotor disorder characterized by involuntary, chaotic, high-amplitude saccadic eye movements occurring in all directions without intersaccadic intervals. Often accompanied by myoclonus (muscle jerks) and ataxia, forming the opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia syndrome. Can be paraneoplastic (especially with neuroblastoma in children or lung/breast cancer in adults), postinfectious, or idiopathic. The movements persist during sleep and interfere significantly with vision and daily activities.
Usage
Usage note: Often used in combination as 'opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome'; singular and plural forms are the same.
In Context
- "The child's opsoclonus prompted urgent screening for occult neuroblastoma." — Pediatric oncology consultation
- "Immunotherapy was initiated for the paraneoplastic opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome." — Neuro-immunology treatment plan
Also known as
saccadomania
dancing eyes
Don't confuse with
ocular flutter
nystagmus
square-wave jerks