Blink nystagmus

R. J. Keim

A pattern of eye movement similar to vestibular nystagmus associated with blink is characterized. This artifact can be seen in asymptomatic, otologically normal subjects and is considered to have different meaning than lateral conjugate deviation of the eyes on forced closure of the lids (Cogan sign). Since this nystagmus artifact is most evident during electronystagmographic testing for spontaneous and semispontaneous nystagmus, its importance can be overestimated. Simultaneous monitoring of horizontal and vertical eye movement presently provides a definitive means of identification.