When a doctor notices abnormal jerking movement of a patient’s eyes, this is referred to as nystagmusAbnormal, to-and-fro, movements of the eyes, brought on when they turn to one side or the other, or when looking down. The eyes can move from side to side (horizontal nystagmus), up and down (vertical nystagmus) or in a twisting manner (rotatory nystagmus). See also oscillopsia.. NystagmusAbnormal, to-and-fro, movements of the eyes, brought on when they turn to one side or the other, or when looking down. The eyes can move from side to side (horizontal nystagmus), up and down (vertical nystagmus) or in a twisting manner (rotatory nystagmus). See also oscillopsia. is an objectiveSomething is objective when it can be seen to be present by more than one person. The term usually refers to something that can be seen, or assessed as being present by a medical professional, as well as being experienced by the patient. The patient’s experience is referred to as being subjective. A patient may complain of the subjective symptom of pain in one knee. A doctor may notice swelling of the knee, which is an objective, physical sign. physical signSomething that a doctor notices when examining a patient. It may be obvious to the patient as well, such as a weak muscle, in which case it can also be a symptom. It may, on the other hand, only be obvious to the trained eye, for example an altered body reflex.. When the patient has subjectiveSomething is subjective when it is felt by the individual. Another person cannot perceive whatever sensation it is. All symptoms are subjective. One person cannot directly experience another individual’s discomfort. There is no means by which we can prove or disprove that somebody is indeed experiencing the symptoms that she or he describes. See also objective. awareness of such abnormal eye movements this symptomA symptom is anything of which a patient complains with respect to his or her own body. It may also be obvious to an observer, for example a rash, but it may be entirely subjective, such as a pain somewhere or an emotional feeling. is referred to as oscillopsia.