Tag: Nystagmus

While standard field sobriety test protocols suggest that only Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants and certain medical conditions cause Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), some medical and legal experts acknowledge that excessive caffeine can be a contributing factor to various nystagmus types.

According to a study published in *Neurology*, horizontal nystagmus can be the earliest ocular motor sign of thiamine deficiency. This confirms that a B1 deficiency can indeed cause nystagmus, typically as a component of a serious neurological condition known as Wernicke encephalopathy. Early diagnosis is critical for a positive outcome.

While nystagmus, a condition of involuntary eye movements, has many potential causes, research confirms that deficiencies in certain B vitamins can trigger this neurological symptom. Addressing the underlying nutritional gap through diet and supplementation can sometimes resolve or improve the condition, making it essential to understand the connection between nutrition and eye health. In short, it is not a vitamin that *causes* nystagmus, but a *deficiency* in a key vitamin, specifically thiamine or B12, that can lead to it.

Studies show that severe thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, and less commonly, cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency, can trigger neurological problems that manifest as involuntary eye movements. Understanding **what vitamin deficiency can cause nystagmus** is the first step toward a proper medical diagnosis and management plan.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a deficiency of thiamine, or vitamin B1, is the root cause of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a neurological disorder where nystagmus is a common symptom. This article will delve into what deficiency causes nystagmus and how nutritional status can profoundly impact eye and brain health.