What term describes the involuntary movement of the eyes?

The term that describes the involuntary movement of the eyes is nystagmus. This condition is characterized by rhythmic oscillations of the eyes, which can occur in different patterns, such as side-to-side or up-and-down movements. Nystagmus can be a result of various factors, including vestibular disorders, neurological conditions, or the effects of certain substances, including alcohol and drugs. It is often evaluated in clinical settings to assess the functioning of the vestibular system and can be an important indicator of an individual's level of intoxication.

In context, ataxia refers to a lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements, which is different from the involuntary eye movements seen in nystagmus. Dizziness typically describes a sensation of spinning or loss of balance but does not specifically refer to eye movements. Intoxication indicates a state of impaired functionality due to the consumption of substances but does not specifically pinpoint the eye movements associated with nystagmus. Overall, understanding these distinctions is key for recognizing the manifestations of various conditions in the field of alcohol and drug counseling.