Which are the symptoms of Ocular Motor Apraxia?

Symptoms of Ocular Motor Apraxia

Ocular Motor Apraxia (OMA), also known as Cogan's syndrome, is a rare neurological disorder that affects eye movements. It is characterized by the inability to voluntarily move the eyes in a coordinated manner. OMA primarily affects children, and its symptoms can vary in severity.

Delayed or Incomplete Eye Movements: One of the key symptoms of OMA is the difficulty in initiating or completing eye movements. Individuals with OMA may exhibit jerky or irregular eye movements, or they may have trouble moving their eyes in a specific direction.

Nystagmus: Nystagmus refers to involuntary, repetitive eye movements. In OMA, nystagmus may occur as a compensatory mechanism to overcome the impaired voluntary eye movements. These eye movements can be horizontal, vertical, or rotary in nature.

Head Movements: Due to the inability to move their eyes properly, individuals with OMA may compensate by moving their head instead. They may turn their head to look at objects or track moving targets, which can be a noticeable symptom.

Difficulties with Visual Tracking: OMA can make it challenging for individuals to visually track objects or follow a moving target smoothly. This can affect their ability to read, play sports, or engage in activities that require accurate eye-hand coordination.

Impaired Depth Perception: Depth perception relies on the ability of the eyes to work together and focus on objects at different distances. OMA can disrupt this coordination, leading to difficulties in perceiving depth accurately. This can affect tasks such as judging distances or navigating through space.

Strabismus: Strabismus, or crossed eyes, is another common symptom of OMA. The misalignment of the eyes can occur due to the inability to control their movements properly. Strabismus can be constant or intermittent, and it may worsen when the individual is tired or stressed.

Difficulties with Gaze Shifting: OMA can make it challenging for individuals to shift their gaze from one object to another quickly. This can affect their ability to scan their surroundings efficiently or follow a conversation involving multiple speakers.

Balance and Coordination Issues: Some individuals with OMA may experience difficulties with balance and coordination. This can manifest as unsteady gait, clumsiness, or problems with fine motor skills.

Speech and Language Delays: In some cases, OMA may be associated with speech and language delays. The impaired eye movements can affect visual attention, which is crucial for language development in early childhood.

Other Associated Symptoms: OMA can sometimes be accompanied by additional neurological symptoms, such as developmental delays, intellectual disability, or hearing loss. These associated symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause of OMA.

If you suspect that you or your child may have Ocular Motor Apraxia, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis. An ophthalmologist or a neurologist can evaluate the symptoms, conduct specialized eye movement tests, and recommend appropriate management strategies.