Causes and risk factors
Oculomotor nerve palsy could be congenital or acquired. Most of the cases have a congenital or idiopathic onset.
Acquired oculomotor nerve palsy could be due to:
– Tumors
– Lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, heart disease
– Injury due to physical or postoperative trauma
– Infections and other diseases such as myasthenia gravis
Clinical presentation
The person suffering from 3rd nerve palsy usually develops strabismus, i.e., abnormal alignment of the eyes. Diplopia, i.e., double vision is also a commonly occurring symptom. Usually ptosis is present. On clinical examination, the eye looks displaced downwards and outwards. The pupil becomes dilated and loses its ability to react to light.
Investigations
Oculomotor nerve palsy can be diagnosed clinically. CT or MRI scan of the brain can be performed to look for the cause.
Treatment
Oculomotor nerve palsy can resolve spontaneously. If not, there is no specific treatment modality. Surgical intervention is necessary in some cases.
When to contact a doctor
Contact a doctor as soon as you experience any abnormal eye symptoms such as diplopia or strabismus.
Systems involved
Ophthalmic system, nervous system
Organs involved
Eyes, nerves
