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Acute VIth cranial nerve dysfunction in multiple sclerosis. Evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging.
J W Rose1, K B Digre, S G Lynch
1Department of Neurology, University of Utah Medical School, Salt Lake City.
Journal of Clinical Neuro-Ophthalmology
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Acute VIth nerve palsy can be an early indicator of multiple sclerosis (MS). This study highlights diplopia as a key symptom leading to MS diagnosis in patients with VIth nerve dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuro-ophthalmology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
- VIth nerve palsy, or abducens nerve palsy, can manifest as double vision (diplopia).
Observation:
- This study investigated four patients presenting with acute VIth nerve palsy as the primary symptom.
- Clinical evaluation revealed no other focal brainstem signs in these patients.
Findings:
- Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed characteristic white matter lesions in all patients.
- Lesions were periventricular in all cases and pontine in three, often near the VIth nerve nucleus or fasciculus.
Implications:
- VIth nerve palsy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of MS presentations.
- Early identification through neuroimaging can aid in MS diagnosis and management.