Causes and risk factors
Cranial mononeuropathy III – compression type is a mononeuropathy where only one nerve is affected. This condition affects the third cranial nerve; it is one of the nerves which controls eye movements. This nerve is also called as oculomotor nerve. Local tumors or swelling can press on and damage the nerve. In some cases, no cause can be found. Possible causes may include infections, sinus thrombosis, infarction of the nerve, brain aneurysms, poorly formed blood vessels, head injury, trauma caused accidentally during surgery, and migraine headaches.
Clinical presentation
Symptoms include headache, eye pain. There is double vision experienced by the patient. Ptosis, i.e., drooping of eyelids is seen. Enlarged pupil that reacts poorly to light is seen. If the cause is a tumor or trauma, then other symptoms like decreased consciousness may occur. It can be a sign of brain damage.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Eye examination which will show changes in eye movements, dilated pupils of the affected eye, and that the eyes are not aligned. Doctor will also perform a complete medical and neurological examination. Tests include blood tests, MRI or CT scan of brain, lumbar puncture [spinal tap] as well as tests such as cerebral angiogram, CT angiogram, MR angiogram to check the blood vessels in the brain. One may be referred to a neuro-ophthalmologist.
Treatment
In some cases, the problem may disappear on its own. In other cases, treatment may include corticosteroid medicines to relieve the pressure on the nerve and reduce the pain, wearing an eye patch, or glasses with prisms to reduce double vision. Medicines like analgesics may help to reduce the pain. Surgery may be required to correct eyelid drooping or eyes that are not aligned.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating cranial mononeuropathy III – compression type. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly, the Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating cranial mononeuropathy III – compression type.
