Abducens palsy

Abducens Palsy is a medical condition characterized by the weakness or paralysis of the abducens nerve, which is responsible for the movement of the lateral rectus muscle in the eye. This condition can result in diplopia (double vision) and strabismus (misalignment of the eyes).

Causes

Abducens palsy can be caused by a variety of factors. These include brain tumors, meningitis, stroke, trauma, and multiple sclerosis. In some cases, the cause of abducens palsy may be idiopathic, meaning it is unknown.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of abducens palsy is diplopia, or double vision. This occurs because the affected eye cannot move outward properly, causing the images seen by each eye to be misaligned. Other symptoms may include strabismus, or misalignment of the eyes, and difficulty moving the affected eye to the side.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of abducens palsy typically involves a thorough neurological examination. This may include tests of eye movement, as well as imaging studies such as MRI or CT scan to identify any underlying conditions that may be causing the palsy.

Treatment

Treatment for abducens palsy depends on the underlying cause. If the palsy is caused by a treatable condition, such as a brain tumor or meningitis, treating that condition may resolve the palsy. In other cases, treatment may involve physical therapy to improve eye movement, or surgery to correct the alignment of the eyes.

Prognosis

The prognosis for abducens palsy varies depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, the palsy may resolve on its own without treatment. In other cases, treatment may be able to improve symptoms and restore normal eye movement.

See also

• Cranial nerve palsy
• Ophthalmoplegia
• Neuro-ophthalmology