Ocular Motor Paroxysmal Events in Neonates and Infants: A Review of the Literature

Background: Ocular paroxysmal events can accompany a variety of neurological disorders. Particularly in infants, ocular paroxysmal events often represent a diagnostic challenge. Distinguishing between epileptic and nonepileptic events or between physiological and pathologic paroxysmal events can be challenging at this age because the clinical evaluation and physical examination are often limited. Continuous polygraphic video-electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring can be helpful in these situations.

Methods: We review ocular paroxysmal events in newborns and infants. The aim is to improve clinical recognition of ocular paroxysmal events and provide a guide to further management. Using the PubMed database, we identified studies focused on all ocular motor paroxysmal events in neonates and infants.

Results: Fifty-eight articles were selected on the topic. We summarized and divided these studies into those describing nonepileptic and epileptic ocular paroxysmal events.

Conclusions: The diagnosis of ocular paroxysmal events can be difficult, but their recognition is important because of the variety of underlying etiologies. The distinction between epileptic versus nonepileptic ocular paroxysmal events often often requires polygraphic video-EEG to identify the epileptic events. For nonepileptic events, further testing can characterize pathologic ocular movements. To determine the etiology and prognosis of ocular paroxysmal events, a multimodal approach is required, including a thorough full history and clinical examination, polygraphic video-EEG monitoring, neuroimaging, and a careful follow-up plan.