Recurrent idiopathic lateral rectus muscle palsy in adults

Recurrent, unilateral, isolated, idiopathic lateral rectus muscle palsy is an uncommon but well-recognized disorder in children that has not been recognized as well in other age groups. We studied five cases of this uncommon entity that we encountered in adults and adolescents. Ages at onset ranged from 15 to 72 years and there were three to eight episodes per patient. Most of the patients shared the following features with the previously reported pediatric cases: ipsilateral recurrence, lack of pain, spontaneous recovery within six months, and no clear cause. Unlike the children, females or left-eye involvement was not preponderant in adults.