Abducens palsy after lumbar myelography with watersoluble contrast media

Five patients who developed abducens palsy after myelography with watersoluble contrast media are reported. These palsies can be compared to abducens palsies after spinal anesthesia and diagnostic lumbar puncture. They are most likely due to the lumbar puncture. The arguments for this explanation are discussed. The experience with these five patients suggests a greater incidence of postpuncture abducens palsy after myelography with watersoluble contrast media than after spinal anesthesia or lumbar puncture. If this first impression is verified, it could point to an additional toxic action.