Dyspraxias of Gaze

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Abstract
Much has been written about disorders of movement of the extremities resulting from an impairment of the "higher" levels of cerebral function ("apraxia" or "dyspraxia"), but little attention has been given to similar disorders of movement of the eyes. Such disorders occur, although rarely, and in the individual case interpretation may be difficult. Three distinct types of disturbance of gaze will be described, 2 of these by case reports. An attempt will be made to provide a functional explanation and a classification of these dyspraxias of gaze. Report of Cases Case 1.—A 35-year-old right-handed woman developed a severe, generalized headache, attributed to spinal anesthesia, and occurring several hours after the delivery of her third child. The headache persisted, and 4 days later a disturbance of vision occurred. This was described by the patient as, "Everything seemed to be floating around, but I couldn't get it into focus," and, "Everything was