Recurrent abducens nerve palsy associated with neurovascular compression

Abstract

We report a 50-year-old man who suffered from 5 transient diplopia episodes in 16 months. His diplopia lasted between 2 weeks and 3 months and examination revealed isolated left abducens palsy during the attacks of diplopia. Magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and MR imaging with constructive interference in the steady state sequence showed neurovascular compression of the left abducens nerve at the point of exit from the brain stem. Together with a lack of the preceding headache or febrile illness, we propose that neurovascular compression is a possible etiology of recurrent, isolated abducens nerve palsy.