Isolated unilateral oculomotor nerve palsy due to head trauma

Unilateral oculomotor nerve palsy is a rare and challenging condition for both emergency department (ED) physicians and neurosurgeons. In this report, we present you a case of head trauma with oculomotor nerve palsy whose initial neuroimaging findings were normal. A 50-year-old female presented to our ED due to head trauma secondary to fall from height. On her physical examination, ptosis, minimal lateral deviation, and dilated pupilla unresponsive to the light were determined in the left eye. A computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed and both were found to be normal. Patient was consulted with an ophthalmologist and any sign of direct trauma to the eye was not determined. Then, the patient was consulted with a neurosurgeon and hospitalized. In some rare instances, minor traumas to the head may result in isolated oculomotor nerve palsy without accompanying findings. Neurosurgeons and ED physicians must be careful about this rare condition.

Key-words:

Emergency department - oculomotor nerve palsy - trauma

Publication History

Article published online:
22 September 2022