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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2025; 133(02): 73-77
DOI: 10.1055/a-2463-7075
Mini-Review

Ocular Motor Mononeuropathies in Diabetes Mellitus: A Brief Review

Dimitrios Pantazopoulos
1   Diabetes Centre-Diabetic Foot Clinic, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece (Ringgold ID: RIN112220)
,
Evanthia Gouveri
1   Diabetes Centre-Diabetic Foot Clinic, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece (Ringgold ID: RIN112220)
,
Dimitrios Papazoglou
1   Diabetes Centre-Diabetic Foot Clinic, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece (Ringgold ID: RIN112220)
,
Nikolaos Papanas 
1   Diabetes Centre-Diabetic Foot Clinic, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece (Ringgold ID: RIN112220)
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Abstract

Ocular motor mononeuropathies affect cranial nerves III, IV and VI and are more frequent in diabetes mellitus, with oculomotor nerve involvement being predominant. This narrative brief review discusses the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management of ocular motor mononeuropathies in subjects with diabetes. Clinical manifestations often include ptosis, diplopia, and periorbital pain. Pupillary sparing is a characteristic of third nerve palsy. Differential diagnosis may be challenging due to overlapping symptoms with nerve palsies of other aetiologies. Treatment includes optimised glycaemic control and management of vascular risk factors. Neuroprotective agents, mainly alpha-lipoic acid and botulinum toxin A have been occasionally used, as well. Spontaneous recovery is seen in many cases.

Keywords

cranial nerve - diabetes mellitus - diabetic neuropathy - mononeuropathy - oculomotor


Publication History

Received: 05 August 2024

Accepted after revision: 07 November 2024

Accepted Manuscript online:
07 November 2024

Article published online:
13 January 2025

© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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