Third cranial nerve palsy from midbrain neurocysticercosis: repeated exacerbation on tapering corticosteroids

Abstract

Third cranial nerve palsy is rare in neurocysticercosis and is usually caused by supratentorial or sub-arachnoid lesions with accompanying hydrocephalus or meningitis. We report a patient who presented with third cranial nerve palsy caused by neurocysticercosis involving the midbrain. The patient showed repeated exacerbation of symptoms on tapering corticosteroids. The experience with this patient indicates that tapering of corticosteroids should be performed very slowly in such cases.