Nystagmus is particularly associated with which hallucinogen?

Nystagmus is particularly associated with which hallucinogen?

• A. Cannabis
• B. LSD
• C. MDMA
• D. PCP

Answer: (D)

Nystagmus is involuntary, rhythmic eye movement. Among common hallucinogens, PCP is the one most strongly linked to it. PCP’s effects on the nervous system often produce prominent eye movement abnormalities, including horizontal and vertical nystagmus, along with ataxia and agitation. This makes nystagmus a useful clinical clue pointing toward PCP intoxication. In contrast, cannabis typically causes conjunctival injection and slowed reactions; LSD mainly produces perceptual changes and dilated pupils without the classic nystagmus; MDMA leads to effects like tachycardia, hyperthermia, and dehydration rather than pronounced eye movements. So when you see nystagmus in a patient with signs of drug intoxication, PCP should be strongly considered.

Nystagmus is involuntary, rhythmic eye movement. Among common hallucinogens, PCP is the one most strongly linked to it. PCP’s effects on the nervous system often produce prominent eye movement abnormalities, including horizontal and vertical nystagmus, along with ataxia and agitation. This makes nystagmus a useful clinical clue pointing toward PCP intoxication.

In contrast, cannabis typically causes conjunctival injection and slowed reactions; LSD mainly produces perceptual changes and dilated pupils without the classic nystagmus; MDMA leads to effects like tachycardia, hyperthermia, and dehydration rather than pronounced eye movements. So when you see nystagmus in a patient with signs of drug intoxication, PCP should be strongly considered.