Third Nerve Palsy (Oculomotor Nerve Palsy) Questions & Answers

Updated: Jan 06, 2022
  • Author: Fiona Costello, MD, FRCP; Chief Editor: Andrew G Lee, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

What is the pathophysiology of third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

How common is third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy) in the US?

What is the mortality/morbidity of third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

What is the prognosis of third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

What should patients with third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy) be educated about?

Presentation

What are the symptoms of third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy) associated with lesions?

What neurologic symptoms of third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy) are associated with lesions?

What are the symptoms of oculomotor nerve palsy due to lesions in the nuclear portion of the third cranial nerve?

What are the symptoms of oculomotor nerve palsy due to lesions in the fascicular midbrain portion of the third cranial nerve?

What are the symptoms of oculomotor nerve palsy due to lesions in the fascicular subarachnoid portion of the third cranial nerve?

What are the symptoms of oculomotor nerve palsy due to lesions in the fascicular cavernous sinus portion of the third cranial nerve?

What are the symptoms of third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy) due to lesions in the orbit?

What are the physical findings in third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

What are physical exam findings in unilateral third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

How are the margin reflex distances (MRD) measured in unilateral third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

What are the pupillary findings in unilateral third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

What are the physical findings in nuclear third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

What are the physical findings in fascicular midbrain third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

What are the physical findings in fascicular subarachnoid third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

How is fourth cranial nerve palsy diagnosed in the setting of third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

How is trigeminal nerve sensory function tested in third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

What are the physical findings in orbital third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

What causes third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

What causes nuclear third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

What causes fascicular third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

DDX

Which condition is associated with pupil-sparing third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

What are the differential diagnoses for Third Nerve Palsy (Oculomotor Nerve Palsy)?

Workup

What are the approach considerations in the workup of third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

Which imaging studies are indicated in the workup of third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

What is the role of MRI/MRA in the workup of third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

What is the role of CT scanning in the workup of third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

What is the role of lumbar puncture in the workup of third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

What is the role of cerebral angiography in the workup of third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

What histologic findings are associated with third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

Which lab studies are indicated in the workup of third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

Treatment

What medical care is indicated in the treatment of third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

What surgical care is indicated in the treatment of third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

Which specialist consultations are indicated in the treatment of third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?

What activity restrictions are indicated in patients with third cranial nerve palsy (oculomotor cranial nerve palsy)?