Cranial Nerve Six Palsy Occurring in PreEclampsia: A Case Report

Isolated palsy of cranial nerve VI, also known as the abducens nerve, is a condition rarely seen in the obstetric population; however, there is a growing body of literature that suggests an association with pre-eclampsia and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. We present the sixteenth case documenting this association involving a 30-year-old G1 admitted for induction of labor at 39 weeks gestational age (WGA) subsequently diagnosed with pre-eclampsia with severe features and, after an otherwise uncomplicated vaginal delivery, developed an isolated abducens nerve palsy. While similar cases reviewed in the current body of literature document self-resolution of the palsy, a thorough workup is warranted because of other potentially malignant causes for this presentation. Appropriate management and risk factor counseling are discussed following a review of cases.