Progressive ophthalmoplegia with acute ischemic abducens nerve palsies

Am J Ophthalmol. 1996 Aug;122(2):278-9. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(14)72029-x.

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the frequency of early progression of opthalmoplegia in patients with acute ischemic abducens nerve palsies.

Methods: Patients with ischemic abducens nerve palsy examined within one week from the onset of symptoms were identified using predetermined entry criteria and serially followed up using a standardized ophthalmoplegia grading scheme.

Results: Only two of the 35 patients initially had a complete abduction deficit. Of the 33 patients who initially had an incomplete abduction deficit, 18 (54%) showed progression of their ophthalmoplegia.

Conclusions: Patients with acute incomplete ischemic abducens nerve palsies frequently demonstrate early progression of their ophthalmoplegia.

MeSH terms

  • Abducens Nerve / blood supply*
  • Abducens Nerve / physiopathology
  • Acute Disease
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ischemia / complications*
  • Ischemia / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oculomotor Nerve Diseases / complications*
  • Oculomotor Nerve Diseases / physiopathology
  • Ophthalmoplegia / etiology*
  • Ophthalmoplegia / physiopathology