Abducens Nerve Palsy: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery

Abducens Nerve Palsy: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery

Article
Brain & Nerve
Eye & Vision
+1
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBA+1 moreMar 29, 2023

Introduction:

Abducens nerve palsy, also known as sixth nerve palsy, is a condition that affects the sixth cranial nerve, which controls the movement of the lateral rectus muscle in the eye. The condition can cause double vision and difficulty with eye movement.

Causes:

The causes of abducens nerve palsy may include:

  • Head trauma
  • Brain tumor or mass
  • Infection
  • Inflammation
  • Increased intracranial pressure
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Multiple sclerosis

Symptoms:

The symptoms of abducens nerve palsy may include:

  • Double vision, especially when looking to the affected side
  • Difficulty moving the affected eye outward
  • Head tilt to compensate for double vision
  • Eye fatigue or strain
  • Headache

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis of abducens nerve palsy may involve:

  • A comprehensive eye exam
  • A neurological exam
  • Imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to identify any underlying causes

Treatment:

The treatment of abducens nerve palsy may include:

  • Treating the underlying cause, if possible
  • Eye patches or prisms to correct double vision
  • Eye muscle exercises or surgery to improve eye movement
  • Botox injections to temporarily paralyze the unaffected eye muscles and alleviate double vision

Recovery:

Recovery after abducens nerve palsy depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. However, most people can expect the following:

  • Improvement in eye movement and double vision within several weeks to months
  • Residual double vision or eye movement problems in some cases
  • Follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider

Conclusion:

Abducens nerve palsy is a condition that affects the sixth cranial nerve, causing double vision and difficulty with eye movement. The condition may be caused by head trauma, tumors, infection, or other medical conditions. Treatment may include addressing the underlying cause, eye patches or prisms, eye muscle exercises or surgery, and Botox injections. Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause.

Hashtags: #AbducensNervePalsy #SixthNervePalsy #Causes #Symptoms #Diagnosis #Treatment #Recovery

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Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Author

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team
Alexander Enabnit picture
Author

Alexander Enabnit

Senior Editorial Staff

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