Diplopia, third nerve palsies, and sixth nerve palsies

Abstract

Ocular motor deficits are common clinical manifestations of neurological emergencies, with third (oculomotor) and sixth (abducens) paresis among the most frequent. This chapter focuses on recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of these cranial neuropathies in true neurological emergencies that carry a high risk of major morbidity or mortality if left undiagnosed. Emergencies discussed include alterations in intracranial pressure, intracranial aneurysms, fungal sinusitis, giant cell arteritis, meningitis, pituitary apoplexy, stroke, and Wernicke’s encephalopathy.