Chronic isolated sixth nerve palsies
S. L. Galetta and J. L. Smith
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33101.
Twenty-seven cases of chronic isolated abduction deficit, seen in 25 years
of neuro-ophthalmology consultation, were reviewed. "Isolated" was defined
as the lack of any other neurologic or ophthalmologic findings for at least
six months. Cases were further subdivided into the categories of true and
pseudo-abducens paresis. The origin, diagnosis, and management of
long-standing abducens palsies were determined. Cases of pontine glioma,
chordoma, chondrosarcoma, and meningioma that presented as an isolated
abducens palsy and remained undiagnosed for at least six months were
reviewed.
