Cranial mononeuropathy III - compression type

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Central nervous system

Third cranial nerve palsy; Oculomotor palsy; Pupil-involving third cranial nerve palsy

Some cases may resolve without treatment if the cause is benign. Treatment of the cause (if it can be identified) may relieve the symptoms in many cases. In some cases, corticosteroids may reduce swelling and relieve pressure on the nerve. Surgery may be appropriate to treat eye lid drooping or dysconjugate gaze.

The outcome varies. Some cranial nerve dysfunctions will respond to treatment, but a few cases result in some degree of permanent loss of function. If the dysfunction is caused by brain swelling due to a tumor or stroke, those conditions may cause death.

• Permanent vision changes
• Disfigurement, permanent eyelid drooping

Call the local emergency number such as 911 or go to the emergency room if double vision develops, if there are signs of altered consciousness, unusual headache, or inability to feel or control parts of the body.

Review Date: 08/07/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.