What are smooth pursuit and saccade problems, and how do they cause chronic dizziness?

What symptoms suggest an eye movement problem?

• Losing your place when reading or skipping lines
• Headache or eye strain with screens or reading
• Dizziness in busy visual environments
• Trouble tracking a ball or moving traffic
• Double vision or blurring up close, which can suggest a convergence problem

How do you test smooth pursuit and saccades?

We test pursuits and saccades in different directions and speeds, convergence (bringing the eyes together for near vision) and the vestibulo-ocular reflex, watching for catch-up saccades, slowing and symptoms, with infrared video goggles to see eye movements more clearly. Abnormal pursuits or saccades can also signal a central nervous system problem, so unexplained findings are shared with your physician.

What do eye movement exercises involve?

Exercises progress from simple tracking and target jumps to faster, more complex tasks, combined with head movement, balance and busier visual backgrounds. Concussion guidelines support oculomotor and vestibular treatment when these impairments are found¹. Sessions are dosed to stay below a significant flare in symptoms.

Where can I get eye movement therapy in Alpharetta or Cumming?

We provide oculomotor and vestibular rehabilitation at our Cumming and Alpharetta clinics for patients from Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell, Suwanee and Forsyth County. For a quick starting point, try the free symptom self-check.

Where can I get help in Alpharetta, Cumming and nearby?

Dr. Manan Patel, PT, DPT, TPS and our team of physical therapists see patients from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell, Cumming, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Buford, Duluth and Forsyth County at two North Atlanta clinics. Every visit is 60 minutes, one-on-one, and urgent appointments are available within 48 hours. We are in-network with Traditional Medicare, BCBS / Anthem and Tricare, and offer a $129 rate per visit for self-pay and out-of-network plans. Not sure where to start? Take the free symptom self-check, or visit our Alpharetta clinic or Cumming clinic page.

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References

1. Quatman-Yates CC, et al. Physical Therapy Evaluation and Treatment After Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Clinical Practice Guidelines. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2020.
2. Patricios JS, et al. Consensus statement on concussion in sport: the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport, Amsterdam 2022. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2023.

Answered by Dr. Manan Patel, PT, DPT, TPSDoctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Vestibular Specialist and one of the few certified Therapeutic Pain Specialists in North Atlanta, with 15+ years of outpatient care. About Dr. Patel

This answer is general education, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination. If you have new or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor. Call 911 for sudden severe dizziness with trouble speaking, weakness, numbness, double vision or a severe headache.