Oculomotor nerve palsy

Oculomotor Nerve Palsy[edit | edit source]

Illustration of human eye anatomy showing cranial nerves, including the oculomotor nerve.

Oculomotor Nerve Palsy is an eye condition resulting from damage to the third cranial nerve, or its branch, which significantly affects eye movement. It is a disorder that can lead to serious limitations in eye mobility.

Anatomy and Function[edit | edit source]

The oculomotor nerve is the third cranial nerve and is responsible for controlling most of the eye's movements. It innervates four out of the six extracocular muscles, excluding the Lateral Rectus and Superior Oblique. Additionally, it supplies the levator palpebrae superioris muscle of the upper eyelid and contains parasympathetic fibers that innervate the muscles responsible for pupil constriction (sphincter pupillae).

Causes[edit | edit source]

Causes of oculomotor nerve palsy may include:

Head trauma
Brain aneurysms
Infections
Tumors
Diabetic neuropathy

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of oculomotor nerve palsy include:

Double vision
Drooping eyelid (ptosis)
Difficulty moving the eye in certain directions
Pupil dilation and lack of response to light

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Eye examination, a crucial part of diagnosing oculomotor nerve palsy.

Diagnosis involves a comprehensive eye examination, medical history review, and may include imaging studies like MRI or CT scans.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment options vary based on the underlying cause and may include:

Treating the underlying condition (e.g., surgery for an aneurysm)
Prism glasses to correct double vision
Eyelid surgery for severe ptosis

External Links[edit | edit source]

Oculomotor nerve palsy Resources
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