The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and outcomes of ocular motor apraxia (OMA) in a paediatric neuro-ophthalmology clinic over 10 years. This was a retrospective case review and included 37 patients of which 46% were idiopathic and 54% non-idiopathic. The latter included 15% with acquired causes, 40% secondary to genetic disorders and 45% with structural brain abnormalities (30% being Joubert syndrome). There was no difference in groups for age and sex. Non-idiopathic cases had involvement of vertical saccades. There were no differences in groups for asymmetrical horizontal OMA or head thrusts. Strabismus was more prevalent for non-idiopathic cases as was nystagmus, neuro-imaging findings, and developmental delay, and with slower improvement in saccades (139 months versus 56 months for idiopathic cases). Limitations of this study include its retrospective nature and small numbers. However, it provides useful information regarding the differences for idiopathic versus non-idiopathic OMA and showing the importance of neuroimaging and additional genetic and medical work-up where indicated by additional clinical signs.
Features of idiopathic versus non-idiopathic ocular motor apraxia
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe
Characteristics and outcomes of idiopathic and non-idiopathic ocular motor apraxia in children.
CONTRIBUTOR
Fiona Rowe (Prof)
Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, UK.
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