Spinal procedures, pneumocephalus, and cranial nerve palsies: A review of the literature.

Purpose: Minimally invasive and surgical spine procedures are commonplace with various risks and complications. Cranial nerve palsies, however, are infrequently encountered, particularly after procedures such as lumbar punctures, epidural anesthesia, or intrathecal injections, and are understandably worrisome for clinicians and patients as they may be interpreted as secondary to a sinister etiology. However, a less commonly considered source is a pneumocephalus which may, in rare cases, abut cranial nerves and cause a palsy as a benign and often self-resolving complication. Here, we present the case of a patient who underwent an intrathecal methotrexate infusion for newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin's T-cell lymphoma and subsequently developed an abducens nerve palsy due to pneumocephalus. We highlight the utility of various imaging modalities, treatment options, and review current literature on spinal procedures resulting in cranial nerve palsies attributable to pneumocephalus presenting as malignant etiologies.

Diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension: A proposal for evidence-based diagnostic criteria.

BACKGROUND: Based on expert opinion, abducens nerve palsy and a neuroimaging criterion (≥3 neuroimaging signs suggestive of elevated intracranial pressure) were added to the diagnostic criteria for idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Our objective was to validate this. METHODS: This prospective study included patients with new-onset idiopathic intracranial hypertension for a standardized work-up: interview, neuro-ophthalmological exam, lumbar puncture, neuroimaging. Neuroimaging was evaluated by a blinded neuroradiologist. RESULTS: We included 157 patients classified as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (56.7%), probable idiopathic intracranial hypertension (1.9%), idiopathic intracranial hypertension without papilledema (idiopathic intracranial hypertension-without papill edema; 0%), suggested idiopathic intracranial hypertension-without papill edema (4.5%), or non-idiopathic intracranial hypertension (36.9%). Moderate suprasellar herniation was more common in idiopathic intracranial hypertension than non-idiopathic intracranial hypertension (71.4% versus 47.4%, p < 0.01), as was perioptic nerve sheath distension (69.8% versus 29.3%, p < 0.001), flattening of the globe (67.1% versus 11.1%, p < 0.001) and transverse sinus stenosis (60.2% versus 18.9%, p < 0.001). Abducens nerve palsy was of no diagnostic significance. Sensitivity of ≥3 neuroimaging signs was 59.5% and specificity was 93.5%. CONCLUSION: Moderate suprasellar herniation, distension of the perioptic nerve sheath, flattening of the globe and transverse sinus stenosis were associated with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. We propose that idiopathic intracranial hypertension can be defined by two out of three objective findings (papilledema, opening pressure ≥25 cm cerebrospinal fluid and ≥3 neuroimaging signs).

Pearls & Oy-sters: Trigeminal Cystic Schwannoma Presenting With Foster Kennedy Syndrome, Sixth Nerve Palsy, and Focal Seizures.

Foster Kennedy syndrome refers to a finding of optic atrophy in one eye from direct compression of the optic nerve by a mass lesion and contralateral papilledema in the nonatrophic optic nerve caused by an increased intracranial pressure. When the fundoscopy finding is not due to a direct compressive mass, the term pseudo-Foster Kennedy syndrome is used; this can be caused by any process or processes that result in optic atrophy in one eye and optic disc edema in the other. Identifying Foster Kennedy syndrome in a patient calls for expedient neuroimaging looking for an intracranial mass lesion. In this article, we present the case of a patient presenting with vision loss and Foster Kennedy syndrome who was found to have a large trigeminal cystic schwannoma. While several other accompanying symptoms were not evident from the patient complaint, a careful history and physical examination revealed additional localizing clues: unilateral sensory changes in the face and pterygoid and masseter atrophy, unilateral cranial nerve VI palsy, and episodes of intense déjà vu sensation, which were presumed to represent temporal lobe-onset focal aware seizures. Trigeminal schwannomas are a rare entity, and they are even more rarely cystic. This case highlights an unusual scenario where a slow expansion of the tumor ultimately resulted in vision loss and presentation of the patient to medical attention.

Síndrome de Moebius y ortotropía en posición primaria: ¿es infrecuente esta asociación? (Colombia) / Moebius syndrome and orthotropia in primary position: is this association uncommon? (Colombia) / Síndrome de Moebius e ortotropia em posição primária: é uma associação incomum? (Colômbia)

El síndrome de Moebius es una enfermedad congénita poco común que se caracteriza por el compromiso unilateral o bilateral del VI y VII par craneal, lo que compromete los músculos que controlan la oculomotricidad, produciendo una parálisis en la abducción del globo ocular y los músculos involucrados en la expresión facial. Su presentación clínica y grados de severidad son variables, puede presentar compromiso simétrico o asimétrico. Adicionalmente, gran parte de los casos se relacionan con trastornos del lenguaje, anomalías musculoesqueléticas y orofaciales. En el presente artículo se presenta el caso de una paciente femenina de 3 años producto de un embarazo trigemelar con diagnóstico clínico de síndrome de Moebius al nacer, confirmado por neuroimagen en la que se evidencia la ausencia bilateral del nervio facial en ángulos pontocerebelosos, adicionalmente con un defecto completo en los movimientos oculares de abducción y aducción lo que impide el estrabismo convergente común en estos pacientes.

Moebius syndrome is a rare congenital disease characterized by unilateral or bilateral involvement of the VI and VII cranial nerves, which compromises the muscles that control ocular motricity with paralysis in the abduction of the eyeball and the muscles involved in the facial expression. Its clinical presentation and degrees of severity are variable, and it can be symmetric or asymmetric. Additionally, most of the cases are related to language disorders, musculoskeletal and orofacial anomalies. This paper presents the case of a 3-year-old female patient, product of a trigemellar pregnancy with a clinical diagnosis of Moebius syndrome at birth, confirmed by neuroimaging, which shows the bilateral absence of the facial nerve in point-lateral angles. Additionally she has a complete defect in abduction and adduction eye movements, which prevents the common convergent strabismus in these patients.

A síndrome de Moebius é uma doença congênita rara caracterizada pelo envolvimento unilateral ou bilateral dos nervos cranianos VI e VII, que compromete os músculos que controlam a oculomotricidade com paralisia na abdução do globo ocular e dos músculos envolvidos na expressão facial. Sua apresentação clínica e graus de gravidade são variáveis, podendo ser um comprometimento simétrico ou assimétrico. Além disso, a maioria dos casos está relacionada a distúrbios de linguagem, anomalias musculoesqueléticas e orofaciais. Este paper apresenta o caso de uma paciente de 3 anos de idade, fruto de uma gravidez trigêmea com diagnóstico clínico de Síndrome de Moebius ao nascimento, confirmado por neuroimagem em que é evidente a ausência bilateral do nervo facial nos ângulos ponto-cerebelares. Além disso, ela tem um defeito completo nos movimentos oculares de abdução e adução, o que impede o estrabismo convergente comum nesses pacientes.

[CASE SERIES OF EARLY NEUROIMAGING IN PATIENTS WITH VASCULAR RISK FACTORS AND ISOLATED SIX CRANIAL NERVE PALSY, DEMONSTRATING THE DILEMMA OF EARLY IMAGING].

INTRODUCTION: There are various etiologies for isolated third, fourth and sixth cranial nerve palsies. The most common etiology in adults aged 50 years and older with vascular risk factors such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hyperlipidemia, is microvascular ischemia. The role of early neuroimaging in older patients with vascular risk factors presenting with acute isolated ocular motor nerve palsy is controversial. AIMS: We present six cases of patients aged 50 years and older, with vascular risk factors, who suffered from acute isolated paralysis of the sixth nerve. All cases were diagnosed with a non-microvascular ischemia etiology. RESULTS: The identified etiologies included petroclival meningioma with involvement of the cavernous sinus, metastatic hepatoma, plasmacytoma, venous thrombosis, arterial-venous malformation and aneurysm. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high cost and presumed low yield, early neuroimaging can change the clinical management in certain cases. DISCUSSION: Previous studies have found the yield of early neuroimaging in older vasculopathic patients with acute 4th or 6th cranial nerve palsies to be 1-15%. In spite of these reports, our cases demonstrate the need for early onset imaging in these cases.

A rare cause of acquired esotropia: Leprosy.

Leprosy is an infective chronic granulomatous disease involving the skin and peripheral nerves caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Complications such as lagophthalmos, corneal opacity and uveitis are common, but cranial nerve involvement is rarely seen. The fifth and seventh cranial nerves are most commonly involved. We report a case of acquired esotropia due to sixth nerve palsy following a rare cranial nerve involvement by leprosy.

Petrous Apicitis: A Systematic Review and Case Presentation.

INTRODUCTION: Petrous apicitis (PA) is a rare but dangerous complication of acute otitis media. The objective of this study is to present a case of PA and systematically review the existing literature on PA to characterize clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcomes in the antibiotic era. METHODS: A comprehensive search from 1983 to June 1, 2020, of PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and EmBase databases was conducted. Studies with clinical data regarding patients with PA were included. Non-English literature or studies with insufficient individual patient data were excluded. Sixty-seven studies were included with a total of 134 patients. RESULTS: A total of 67 articles were found to meet criteria for inclusion. The mean age of presentation was 33 years. Recent acute otitis media was reported in 78 patients (58.2%). Only 3 patients (2.2%) were immunocompromised, and 8 patients (6.0%) had a history of diabetes. Gradenigo's triad of abducens palsy, otorrhea, and retro-orbital or facial pain was reported in 28 patients (20.9%); however, these presenting symptoms were common individually (51.5%, 48.5%, and 64.2%, respectively). Hearing loss (35.8%), facial weakness (17.9%), and vertigo (7.5%) were also reported.The most frequently cultured pathogen was Pseudomonas (34.2%), followed by Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. All 134 patients underwent imaging, with computed tomography being the most frequently used modality (56.0%). Nearly all patients received antibiotic therapy (95.6%), with 91 (67.9%) undergoing surgery ranging from myringotomy (26.9%) to petrosectomy (25.4%). Five patients (5.7%) died because of complications related to PA. Mean follow-up was 11.0 months. CONCLUSIONS: Petrous apicitis has a variable presentation with potential for severe morbidity. Mortality rates are low, and presentation with Gradenigo's triad is uncommon. Appropriate medical management with surgical drainage can avoid long-term sequelae.

Recurrent Isolated Sixth Nerve Palsy in Childhood-Review on a Rare Phenomenon.

Sixth nerve palsy is an ominous sign in pediatric neurology. Due to the long and tortuous course of the sixth (abducens) nerve, it is generally considered a sign of intracranial pathology. Sixth nerve palsy is associated with increased intracranial pressure and neoplasms, among other less frequent causes. In ∼5 to 15% of cases, no cause can be identified. These cases are classified as idiopathic or "benign" and recovery is typically complete. A recurrence of symptoms is very rare. We provide a rare case report of recurrent benign sixth nerve palsy in a 5-year-old child. In addition, we provide an overview of all earlier published cases of recurrent isolated sixth nerve palsy. To date, only 72 pediatric patients with recurrent isolated sixth nerve palsy have been reported. Young females with left-sided sixth nerve palsy and recent immunization are at risk of recurrence. Pathophysiological mechanisms have been discussed, but have yet to be clarified. Recurrent isolated sixth nerve palsy is only rarely associated with severe causes and the need for extensive investigation may be questioned.

Abducens Nerve Schwannoma: First Case to Be Treated With an Expanded Endonasal Approach.

Abducens nerve schwannomas are incredibly rare, with very few cases being reported previously. Our patient is the first to have been treated through use of an endoscopic endonasal approach. A 61-year-old woman presented with diplopia over a 1-year period. Magnetic resonance imaging identified a 2.8-cm lesion expanding into her right sphenoid sinus. She underwent an endoscopic endonasal approach for histological diagnosis and clearance of the lesion. Intraoperative exploration found the lesion to be originating from Dorello canal. Histological analysis confirmed a benign schwannoma. Following a multidisciplinary case review, we have followed a conservative approach and she remains well on radiological surveillance. In patients presenting with a sixth nerve palsy/paresis and a concomitant sphenoid lesion, clinicians should consider an abducens schwannoma as a possible diagnosis.

The spectrum and differential diagnosis of acquired ocular motor nerve palsies: a clinical study of 502 patients.

BACKGROUND: Ocular motor nerve palsies (OMNP) frequently cause patients to present in an emergency room. In the following study, we report the differential diagnosis of OMNP by use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CSF examination as a standard. METHOD: We performed a data analysis of N = 502 patients who presented with oculomotor, trochlear, and/or abducens nerve palsy in the emergency room of the Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, between January 2006 and December 2019. We report clinical and MRI scan findings in all patients; furthermore, the CSF of 398 patients has been analysed. RESULTS: Abducens nerve palsies were most common (45%), followed by palsies of the oculomotor (31%) (CNP III) and trochlear nerve (15%). Multiple OMNPs were seen in 9% of our cohort. The most common causes included inflammations (32.7%), space-occupying lesions, such as aneurysms or neoplasms (17.3%), diabetes mellitus (13.3%), and brainstem infarctions (11%). Still 23.4% of the patients could not be assigned to any specific cause after differential diagnostic procedures and were described as idiopathic. One of three patients with an inflammation and 39% of the patients with space-occupying lesions showed additional cranial nerve deficits. CONCLUSION: Inflammation and space-occupying processes were the most frequent causes of OMNP, although brainstem infarctions also play a significant role, in particular in CNP III. The presence of additional CNPs increases the probability of an inflammatory or space-occupying cause.

Etiology and Outcomes of Acquired Pediatric Sixth Nerve Palsies.

BACKGROUND: Acquired sixth nerve (CN6) palsies in children may be benign or associated with an underlying neurologic condition. In children who presented with isolated (no associated neurologic or ophthalmic symptoms or signs) CN6 palsies, the rate of newly diagnosed neurologic disorders (such as tumors) is unclear. Moreover, the factors associated with spontaneous resolution and amblyopia in children with acquired CN6 palsies are unknown. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all children younger than 18 years diagnosed with CN6 palsy at our institution from 2010 to 2020. We recorded ophthalmologic and neurologic history and examination findings, neuroimaging results, etiology of CN6 palsy, and outcomes including spontaneous resolution and amblyopia. We assessed etiologies of isolated and nonisolated CN6 palsies as well as frequency and factors associated with spontaneous resolution and amblyopia (in children ≤7 years). RESULTS: One hundred seventy-two children met inclusion criteria. Twenty CN6 palsies (12%) were isolated at presentation. Most isolated cases were presumed postviral or postvaccination (50%) or idiopathic (30%), but 2 cases (10%) were associated with newly diagnosed tumors. Spontaneous resolution occurred in 59% of CN6 palsies at a median of 12.3 weeks and was associated with older age (P = 0.03) and nontumor etiology (P = 0.006). Amblyopia developed in 18% of children at risk, exclusively in those with anisometropia, pre-existing strabismus, or younger than 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings and chart reviews suggest that approximately 10% of isolated acquired pediatric CN6 palsies are associated with a newly diagnosed brain tumor. This risk must be discussed with parents when considering immediate vs delayed neuroimaging. In addition, infants and children ≤7 years with secondary amblyogenic risk factors (anisometropia or pre-existing strabismus) require close follow-up to monitor and treat amblyopia.

Sixth Nerve Palsy in Children Etiology, Long-Term Course, and a Diagnostic Algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Acute onset strabismus is worrisome for parents and physicians. This condition is sometimes attributed to sixth cranial nerve palsy, which may be secondary to various etiologies. Debate still exists about the appropriate diagnostic approach. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe the common etiologies of sixth nerve palsy in our pediatric population and to suggest a clear, implementable diagnostic algorithm. METHODS: The authors conducted an electronic medical review of files of patients admitted to the pediatric department at Emek Medical Center between January 2014 and April 2020. They reviewed the medical records from the study period of patients with the following diagnoses according to the International Classification of Diseases 9: sixth nerve palsy, acute infective polyneuritis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, benign intracranial hypertension, malignant neoplasm of the brain, strabismus, myasthenia gravis, and multiple sclerosis. The authors extracted information regarding clinical presentation, previous history, and diagnostic work-up, including serological testing, cerebrospinal fluid testing, and neuroimaging. Final diagnosis and clinical follow-up were assessed. RESULTS: Seventeen patients with sixth nerve palsy were identified. The most common etiologies were increased intracranial hypertension and anti-GQ1B syndrome (3 patients each). CONCLUSIONS: This is a retrospective study of patients diagnosed in one medical center. The suggested algorithm was not validated on a prospective study. The etiologies of sixth nerve palsy in children are variable. The authors suggest performing neuroimaging in all patients and considering serum and cerebrospinal fluid testing in selected patients. Initial neuroimaging combined with laboratory testing is useful and provides rational tools for proper diagnosis.

Fascicular Sixth Nerve Palsy as a Presenting Sign of Metastatic Ovarian Carcinoma.

ABSTRACT: The most common etiology of an isolated abducens nerve palsy in an older adult with vasculopathic risk factors is presumed microvascular ischemia. Because the diagnosis of microvascular ischemia in this setting would not alter patient management, there is debate as to whether further workup is warranted under these circumstances. In this report, we describe a fascicular sixth nerve palsy as the initial presenting sign of metastatic ovarian carcinoma, and we highlight the importance of considering additional workup in select cases of isolated abducens nerve palsies.

Abduction Deficit Mimicking Sixth Nerve Palsy due to Metastasis in Systemic Malignancy: Rare Case Report.

Lateral rectus palsy presenting as abduction deficit resulting in diplopia is attributed to neurogenic causes. Metastasis as a cause of sixth cranial palsy is an extremely rare entity but cannot be overlooked. Cases of metastasis to lateral rectus secondary to lung and breast carcinoma have been reported. Primary adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) metastasizing to lateral rectus muscle is extremely rare. Here, we report a case of ACC arising from the left adrenal gland that presented with left-sided abduction deficit in a 58-year-old male with vasculopathic risk factors. The case highlights the importance of neuroimaging in cases of isolated nontraumatic sixth nerve palsy or in cases with isolated ocular symptoms with associated systemic findings. The fact that all cases of muscle palsies may not be neurogenic and rare causes such as metastatic muscle involvement must be included as a differential diagnosis in suspected cases has been emphasized.

A Presentation of Pediatric Sjögren's Syndrome with Abducens Nerve Palsy.

Sjögren's syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease that classically presents with xerophthalmia and xerostomia. However, neurological manifestations occur in 10 to 60% of patients with Sjögren's syndrome and can often precede classic sicca symptoms in Sjögren's syndrome in some cases up to several years. Rarely, cranial neuropathy can be the initial presentation. Here, we present the first case of a 15-year-old girl with left abducens palsy in the setting of a new diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. Comprehensive evaluation revealed elevated Sjögren's syndrome-related antigen A-60 antibody. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was unremarkable. Radiological studies demonstrated evidence of chronic parotitis. Acute treatment included high-dose methylprednisolone and rituximab, and symptoms resolved by follow-up at 2 weeks. The most common neurological disorder of Sjögren's syndrome is pure sensory neuropathy. In pediatric Sjögren's syndrome, neurological complications are rare but include aseptic meningoencephalitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, transverse myelitis, optic neuritis, and cranial neuropathies. In the circumstance of a cranial neuropathy, the trigeminal nerve is most commonly involved but oculomotor nerves can occasionally be affected. Abducens palsies have been described in four patients with Sjögren's syndrome, typically women and all middle aged or older, with our patient being the first pediatric case. Thus, it is important to consider screening for Sjögren's syndrome in the evaluation of pediatric patients with new onset of isolated cranial neuropathy even in the absence of classic sicca symptoms.

Parálisis del nervio motor ocular externo luego de anestesia neuroaxial combinada epidural-espinal / Paralysis of the external oculomotor nerve after combined epidural-spinal neuroaxial anesthesia

Introducción: El abordaje del espacio subaracnoideo fue descrito por Quincke en el 1891. En la actualidad es práctica común para la realización de la anestesia neuroaxial subaracnoidea en las pacientes obstétricas. Las complicaciones descritas, asociadas a esto, son varias. Dentro de estas, la parálisis del nervio abducens o VI par no es frecuente y en ocasiones, no está relacionada a la punción ya que se produce días después del evento. Objetivo: Revisar la información relacionada con la complicación de parálisis del VI par. Presentación del caso: Paciente de 33 años de edad, femenina, de profesión médico, con antecedentes personales de migraña, historia de anestesia neuroaxial epidural sin complicaciones, que para la realización de una cesárea de segmento arciforme y salpinguectomia parcial bilateral, recibió una anestesia combinada peridural-espinal. El transoperatorio transcurre con estabilidad hemodinámica, hizo cefalea al tercer día del posoperatorio, que la atribuyó al antecedente de migraña y fue tratada sin evaluación por anestesiología con dipirona. A los 10 días de operada hace desviación de la mirada y diplopia, se diagnostica parálisis del VI par. Fue tratada por Neurología y se plantean varios diagnósticos diferenciales. Los estudios imagenológicos resultan negativos, se trató con vitaminas y se produjo remisión a las 6 semanas. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico de esta complicación es necesario ya que puede pasar inadvertida la relación con la anestesia y, por tanto, ser mal conducido su tratamiento(AU)

Introduction: The approach to the subarachnoid space was described by Quincke in 1891. It is now a common practice to perform subarachnoid neuroaxial anesthesia in obstetric patients. The complications described, associated with this, are several. Within these, the paralysis of the abducens nerve or sixth pair is not frequent and sometimes is not related to the puncture, since it occurs days after the event. Objective: To review the information related to the complication of paralysis of the sixth pair. Case presentation: A 33-year-old female patient, a physician, with a personal history of migraine, a history of epidural neuroaxial anesthesia without complications, who underwent combined epidural-spinal anesthesia for performing a cranial segment cesarean section and bilateral partial salpingectomy. The transoperative period runs with hemodynamic stability. There was headache three days after surgery, which was attributed to the migraine history and the patient was treated, without evaluation by anesthesiology, with dipyrone. At 10 days after surgery, the eyes are diverted and diplopia is manifested, paralysis of the sixth pair is diagnosed. She was treated by neurology and several differential diagnoses were proposed. Imaging studies are negative. She was treated with vitamins and remission occurred at six weeks. Conclusions: The diagnosis of this complication is necessary, since the relationship with anesthesia may go unnoticed and, therefore, its treatment may be poorly conducted(AU)

Spontaneous haemorrhage into a large abducens nerve schwannoma: a case report.

Purpose: Abducens schwannomas are rare tumors that are not known to present with acute haemorrhage. We present a case of a 59 year-old female on warfarin who presented acutely with a sudden onset headache, nausea and photophobia. Neuroimaging revealed an acute haemorrhage into a lesion that entered Dorello's canal and was consistent with an abducens nerve schwannoma.Materials and methods: The patient's case notes, imaging, histology and operative recording were reviewed retrospectively to compile this case report.Results: The tumor was resected via a retro-mastoid approach with sacrifice of the abducens nerve. Removal of the haematoma intra-operatively provided more space in the surgical corridor to facilitate resection. Final histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of schwannoma and the patient made a good post-operative recovery.Conclusion: We conclude that accurate pre-operative radiological diagnosis can facilitate surgical planning and removal of haematoma at an early stage during the operation can create space and facilitate resection. Furthermore, abducens schwannoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any heamorrhagic cerebello-pontine angle lesion.

Cause of acquired onset of diplopia due to isolated third, fourth, and sixth cranial nerve palsies in patients aged 20 to 50 years in Korea: A high resolution magnetic resonance imaging study.

AIMS: This study aimed to describe the etiologies of acquired onset of diplopia due to isolated third, fourth, and sixth cranial nerve palsies in young adults in Korea. METHODS: This retrospective study included 127 patients aged 20 to 50 years with acquired onset isolated third, fourth, and sixth cranial nerve palsies who received care at the Strabismus and Neuro-ophthalmology Department of Samsung Medical Center from 2013 to 2017. The etiologies of the palsies determined by clinical assessment, high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with three-dimensional constructive interference in steady state, and laboratory testing were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients manifested sixth cranial nerve palsy. Forty-six patients had fourth cranial nerve palsy and 22 patients had third cranial nerve palsy. The most common etiologies of the ocular motor nerve palsies were presumed inflammatory lesions (21.3%), followed by presumed microvascular causes (17.3%), and neoplasms involving the central nervous system (15.7%). Neoplasms were the most common cause of sixth cranial nerve palsy (25.4%). The most common cause of fourth cranial nerve palsy was presumed microvascular ischemia (28.3%), and presumed inflammatory lesions was the most common cause of third cranial nerve palsy (36.4%). Other non-traumatic causes included vascular lesions, ischemic brainstem stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, non-aneurysmal neuro-vascular contact, multiple sclerosis, and infection. CONCLUSION: A substantial proportion of young adult patients with ocular motor nerve palsies manifested pathologies other than presumed microvascular ischemia or idiopathic causes. Neuroimaging and laboratory tests have important roles in the evaluation of patients aged 20-50 years with acquired ocular motor nerve palsies.