Imaging of Oculomotor (Third) Cranial Nerve Palsy

Abstract

The evaluation of an isolated third cranial nerve palsy can be difficult and dangerous. The choices for initial imaging of a third nerve palsy is challenging in part because of the number of potential neuroimaging choices (e.g., magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), computed tomography angiography (CTA), intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA), or routine MRI or CT scan). This chapter describes the clinical guidelines in the evaluation of third nerve palsy, reviews the neuroimaging techniques, and outlines potential the advantages and disadvantages of each type of imaging.