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Semin Neurol 2015; 35(05): 539-548
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1563568
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Isolated Ocular Motor Nerve Palsies

Nathan H. Kung
1   Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
,
Gregory P. Van Stavern
2   Department of Ophthalmology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
06 October 2015 (online)

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Abstract

An isolated ocular motor nerve palsy is defined as dysfunction of a single ocular motor nerve (oculomotor, trochlear, or abducens) with no associated or localizing neurologic signs or symptoms. When occurring in patients aged 50 or older, the most common cause is microvascular ischemia, but serious etiologies such as aneurysm, malignancy, and giant cell arteritis should always be considered. In this article, the authors review the clinical approach, anatomy, and differential diagnosis of each isolated ocular motor nerve palsy and discuss the clinical characteristics, pathophysiology, and treatment of microvascular ischemia.

Keywords

ocular motility - diplopia - microvascular ischemia
 

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