Neurilemmoma of the oculomotor nerve

Abstract

A case is presented of neurilemmoma of the left oculomotor nerve occurring in a 64 yr old hypertensive woman. The incipient tumor produced ptosis, limited inwards rotation of the eyeball, and persistent pupillary dilatation on the left side. The mechanism of this process is discussed, having regard to the interruption of the fibres innervating these structures by the tumor, and considering the mode of occurrence of the ocular and pupillary impairments. The patient also had generalized atherosclerosis and fusiform aneurysm of the terminal part of the left internal carotid artery. The symptoms of headache, seizure, coma, and temporary right hemiparesis were considered as manifestations of hypertensive encephalopathy unrelated to the tumor.