Magnetic resonance imaging in a case of migraine with ophthalmoplegia

Abstract

We present the case of a migrainous girl who suffered an episode of migraine-like headache associated with ophthalmoplegia. MRI showed reversible enhancement and thickening of the cisternal portion of the oculomotor nerve. This finding suggests a mechanism different from diabetic ischaemic neuropathy, as similar MRI abnormalities were rarely reported in diabetic ophthalmoplegia. The MRI findings are most in favour of an inflammatory cause.