Isolated oculomotor nerve palsy from minor head trauma

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Trauma Medicine
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Third cranial nerve (oculomotor nerve) palsies in head trauma are typically linked to severe injuries.
• These injuries often involve direct or indirect damage to the oculomotor nerve, affecting eye movement and pupil function.

Observation:

• A case of isolated oculomotor nerve palsy following a minor head injury is presented.
• The patient had no recalled loss of consciousness.
• Brain imaging, including CT, MRI, and MRA, revealed normal findings.

Findings:

• Minor head trauma can cause isolated oculomotor nerve palsy.
• The palsy can occur without significant neurological deficits or abnormal brain imaging.
• Review of literature suggests potential injury mechanisms for such cases.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider oculomotor nerve palsy in patients with minor head injuries, even with normal imaging.
• This highlights the importance of thorough neurological and ophthalmological examination after head trauma.
• Understanding this association is crucial, particularly in sports-related head injuries.