Ambulance 912HAP 9252
Back to all symptoms and conditions
General health information

Involuntary eye movements (nystagmus)

Shaking eyes often refers to nystagmus: repeated involuntary eye movements. This may be present from infancy or develop later. New nystagmus with dizziness, double vision, difficulty walking or loss of neurological function may indicate an acute neurological problem.

In this article
Choose which sections to read

Shaking eyes often refers to nystagmus: repeated involuntary eye movements. This may be present from infancy or develop later. New nystagmus with dizziness, double vision, difficulty walking or loss of neurological function may indicate an acute neurological problem.

  • Visible repeated movements of the eyeballs from side to side, up and down or in a rotating pattern.
  • A feeling that the surroundings are shaking or moving, called oscillopsia, particularly with nystagmus that develops later in life.
  • Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery if you newly see the surroundings moving, have double vision or severe dizziness.
  • Note the onset, duration, triggering position, medication and accompanying symptoms; a short video may help the doctor.
  • Make an appointment if you or your child has repeated involuntary movements of the eyeballs.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

Your response

Two anonymous questions

Did you find what you were looking for?

Do you now have a clearer idea of your next step?

Share article

Email

Do you need a healthcare provider after reading?

Search by type of care, organisation, name or district.

Further reading

Browse A–Z
R
Reduced vision in adultsReduced vision in adults can result from a focusing error, cataract or eye disease, but sometimes from a retinal problem or stroke. Gradually blurred vision needs investigation; sudden sight loss, flashes with a curtain or sight loss with neurological deficits is urgent.
M
Ménière’s diseaseMénière’s disease is an inner ear condition with attacks of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus and a feeling of fullness in one or both ears. New loss of neurological function, sudden deafness in one ear or dizziness clearly different from previous attacks requires prompt assessment.
B
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)BPPV causes brief attacks of spinning dizziness when turning over in bed, looking up or bending down. Loose calcium crystals stimulate a balance canal. A targeted repositioning manoeuvre often helps. New loss of neurological function or inability to walk is not ordinary BPPV.