Causes and risk factors
Cranial mononeuropathy VI is the damage to the 6th cranial nerve [abducens nerve], which controls the eye movements. In some cases, no obvious cause is found. Damage to this nerve can occur in conditions such as head injury, brain aneurysm, tumors, diabetic neuropathy, and stroke. Increased intracranial pressure can also lead to cranial mononeuropathy VI. Infections such as meningitis or sinusitis, diseases like multiple sclerosis, conditions like pregnancy or trauma caused accidentally during surgery can cause the disease.
Clinical presentation
Patient presents with headache, double vision when a person is looking at one side. There is pain around the eyes. When the 6th cranial nerve is damaged, the person cannot turn the eyes laterally, that is, towards the ears.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and clinical examination by the ophthalmologist helps in diagnosis. Eye examination – which shows that the eyes do not line up when at rest. One eye has trouble looking laterally and the other eye moves normally. Additional investigations including blood tests, MRI, or CT scan of head is recommended. Lumbar puncture is advised. A neuro-ophthalmologist’s reference must be sought.
Treatment
No treatment is required for many patients as the problem gets cured on its own. Corticosteroids and analgesics may be required. If the patient is diabetic, then controlling blood sugar will help. Wearing an eye patch till the nerve heals will also help in managing the condition.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating cranial mononeuropathy VI. 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 VI.
