Progressive ophthalmoplegia with acute ischemic abducens nerve palsies.

Abstract

To determine the frequency of early progression of opthalmoplegia in patients with acute ischemic abducens nerve palsies. Patients with ischemic abducens nerve palsy examined within one week from the onset of symptoms were identified using predetermined entry criteria and serially followed up using a standardized ophthalmoplegia grading scheme. Only two of the 35 patients initially had a complete abduction deficit. Of the 33 patients who initially had an incomplete abduction deficit, 18 (54%) showed progression of their ophthalmoplegia. Patients with acute incomplete ischemic abducens nerve palsies frequently demonstrate early progression of their ophthalmoplegia.