Friday Quick Fic–Nystagmus

5/22/2015

I've stolen today's word from Nick Wilford at Scattergun Scribblings. Thanks Nick!

Nystagmus

A congenital or acquired persistent, rapid, involuntary, and oscillatory movement of the eyeball, usually from side to side.

[1815-25; <New Latin<Greek nystagmós nodding, derivative ofnystázein to nod]

Sally’s eyes darted back and forth. A tremble rolled through her and her heart raced. She clutched the edge of the chair she sat in. Her lungs burned and she realized she was holding her breath. She let it out in with a whoosh.

“You okay?”

“Y-yeah.”

“We’re almost done. Just another minute.”

That minute lasted forever.

Doctor Matthews sat back. “It’s Nystagmus. I’m surprised it took so long to be diagnosed. From what you’ve said, it’s something you’ve dealt with most your life.”

Sally slumped back. A weight had lifted off her. Finally, she had an answer.

7 Comments

Patricia Lynne link

5/22/2015 06:05:19 am

Testing since someone said my submit button was dead.

Yvonne link

5/23/2015 12:30:55 am

Definitely an unusual word!

Patricia Lynne link

5/24/2015 06:21:09 am

Save it for use for Scrabble! ;)

Chrys Fey link

5/23/2015 03:48:44 am

I know someone who can make her eyes do that. I didn't know there was a condition where it happens involuntarily though or what it was called. Interesting!

Patricia Lynne link

5/24/2015 06:21:46 am

I didn't know either. Too bad when I looked it up, there really wasn't a cure. Just a way to manage it.

Jenni Enzor link

6/4/2015 12:53:15 pm

My son has this. He sometimes says he notices his eyes' movement, but most often he doesn't. I'm glad you featured this as not a lot of people know about this condition.