Isolated oculomotor nerve palsy from minor head trauma
- 1Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- 2School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Correspondence to: Chee-Fah Chong Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Emergency Department, Taipei 111, Taiwan; jack.cfchongmsa.hinet.net
- Accepted 11 January 2005
Abstract
Isolated third cranial nerve palsies in head trauma patients can be the result of direct or indirect damage to the oculomotor nerve. They are usually associated with severe head trauma. We reported a case of isolated oculomotor nerve palsy associated with minor head injury. No initial loss of consciousness was recalled. Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the brain were normal. Previous reports in the literature were reviewed and the possible mechanism of injury was discussed. Head injuries are commonly seen in sports settings. Our case illustrated that even minor head trauma can cause isolated oculomotor nerve palsy in the absence of abnormal brain imaging findings.
Footnotes
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Competing interests: none declared
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The patient detailed in this case report agreed to her details being published.
