What type of nystagmus is associated with peripheral vertigo?

The type of nystagmus that is typically associated with peripheral vertigo is characterized as having a horizontal component, often with a rotary or torsional aspect. This presentation is due to disturbances in the vestibular system, particularly related to the inner ear where peripheral vestibular disorders occur. Conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or vestibular neuritis can lead to this type of nystagmus, which is more apparent when the patient is in certain positions or while moving.

Horizontal with a rotary component indicates that the eyes move horizontally in one direction and have a slight rotational aspect, reflecting the imbalance in vestibular function. This pattern helps differentiate peripheral vertigo from central vertigo sources, where different types of nystagmus might be observed, such as vertical or specific directional components.

Vertical nystagmus, upbeat nystagmus, and downbeat nystagmus are more closely associated with central causes of vertigo, which often involve lesions in the central nervous system rather than the peripheral structures. Therefore, the horizontal nystagmus with a rotary component is a hallmark sign of peripheral vestibular dysfunction and is a key clinical indicator for diagnosing conditions causing peripheral vertigo.