Abducens Nerve Schwannoma: A Case Report on Extremely Rare Cranial Nerve Tumor

Abducens nerve (CN VI) schwannomas are exceedingly rare intracranial tumors, constituting less than 10% of all primary cranial nerve schwannomas. This report details the case of a 30-year-old woman presenting with diplopia and progressive visual deterioration due to an abducens nerve schwannoma. Imaging revealed an extra-axial lesion involving the right cavernous sinus and encasing the right internal carotid artery. Surgical resection via frontotemporal craniotomy achieved near-total tumor removal, with histopathological analysis confirming a benign schwannoma. Postoperatively, the patient exhibited persistent right lateral rectus palsy as preoperative status but improvement in diplopia. This case underscores the rarity of abducens nerve schwannomas, the challenges in achieving complete resection due to neurovascular adherence, and the importance of careful surgical planning for optimal patient outcomes.