Third nerve palsy is a type of paralysis that affects the eye’s functions, caused by damage to the oculomotor nerve. Symptoms vary, and treatment involves a team of doctors and may include surgery.
Third nerve palsy, also known as third oculomotor nerve palsy, is a type of paralysis that affects the functions of the eye. It is so called because it affects the third of the 12 cranial nerves. This particular nerve paralysis can be partial or complete.
The third cranial nerve is responsible for the eye and its four muscles and controls the eyelid, focusing abilities, and pupil constriction. Third nerve palsy can affect any of the eye’s functions, but it’s not always chronic or permanent. Partial paralysis can cause droopy eyelids or a wandering eye, known as lazy eye. Complete paralysis can cause more severe symptoms, and the eyelid may be completely closed or the eye may not be able to move at all.
Third nerve palsy is usually caused by damage to the oculomotor nerve. Brain tumors, severe head trauma, brain infections, encephalitis, and an aneurysm can all be possible causes of these types of nerve palsy. These conditions are referred to as acquired oculomotor palsy. In some cases, paralysis is present at birth and there is not always a clear understanding of the causes of nerve paralysis.
Nerve paralysis symptoms for this condition vary depending on the severity of the paralysis, the cause, and the person’s age. Common symptoms include double vision because the eyes are misaligned, an enlarged pupil that doesn’t react to light, and a droopy eyelid.
Some scientists believe that children born with these types of paralysis have inherited a familial tendency in a recessive gene from a parent. Studies have also suggested that aplasia or an instance of incomplete development of the oculomotor nerve may be two possible explanations. Most cases of neonatal oculomotor palsy, however, are usually caused by trauma sustained during delivery.
Acquired cases of third nerve palsy can have many different causes. Vascular conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, can lead to nerve damage. Furthermore, they can be due to diseases that cause lesions or tumors in the brain, such as multiple sclerosis and sinus thrombosis. In some cases, neurosurgery performed near the nerve can lead to damage if scar tissue replaces healthy tissue in the area. Autoimmune disorders, such as Sjogren’s syndrome and myasthenia gravis, can also cause gradual oculomotor nerve palsy.
There are several aspects involved in the treatment of third nerve palsy. A team of several doctors in different specialties will need to work together to treat the symptoms and underlying causes. The nerve itself must be repaired naturally by the body. Double vision can be treated by covering one eye, and special glasses can be used to retrain the eye muscles to treat lazy eye. Surgery can be used to lift the eyelid in severe cases.
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