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Definition

Cranial mononeuropathy III is a problem with the function of the third cranial nerve, which is located behind the eye.

Alternative Names

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Cranial mononeuropathy III - compression type is a mononeuropathy, which means that only one nerve is affected. It affects the third cranial (oculomotor) nerve, one of the cranial nerves that controls eye movement. Local tumors or swelling can press down on and damage the nerve.

Causes may include:

  • Brain aneurysms
  • Disorders such as mononeuritis multiplex
  • Infections
  • Poorly formed blood vessels (vascular malformations)
  • Sinus thrombosis
  • Tissue damage from loss of blood flow (infarction)
  • Trauma (from head injury or caused accidentally during surgery)
  • Tumors or other lesions (especially tumors at the base of the brain and pituitary gland)

Rarely, people with migraine headaches may have a temporary problem with the oculomotor nerve. This is probably due to a spasm of the blood vessels. In some cases, no cause can be found.

Symptoms

Other symptoms may occur if the cause is a tumor or trauma. Decreasing consciousness is a serious sign, because it could indicate brain damage or death.

Signs and tests

An eye examination may show:

  • Enlarged (dilated) pupil of the affected eye
  • Eye movement abnormalities
  • Eyes that are not aligned (dysconjugate gaze)

A complete medical and nervous system (neurological) examination can show whether any other parts of the body are affected.

Other tests may include:

Treatment

Some cases may get better without treatment. Treating the cause (if it can be found) may relieve the symptoms in many cases.

Treatment may include:

  • Corticosteroid medications to reduce swelling and relieve pressure on the nerve
  • Surgery to treat eyelid drooping or eyes that are not aligned
  • Wearing an eye patch or prisms
Expectations (prognosis)

Some cranial nerve dysfunctions will respond to treatment. A few cases result in some permanent loss of function. If the problem is caused by brain swelling due to a tumor or stroke, those conditions may be life-threatening.

Complications
  • Permanent eyelid drooping
  • Permanent vision changes
Calling your health care provider

Call the local emergency number (such as 911) or go to the emergency room if you have:

  • Double vision
  • No feeling in or control over parts of your body
  • Signs of changed consciousness
  • Unusual headache
Prevention

Quickly treating disorders that could press down on the nerve may reduce the risk of developing cranial mononeuropathy III.

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Cranial mononeuropathy III - diabetic type?

DefinitionCranial mononeuropathy III is a complication of diabetes that involves double vision and eyelid drooping.Alternative NamesDiabetic third nerve palsy; Pupil-sparing third cranial nerve palsyCauses, incidence, and risk factorsCranial mononeuropathy III - diabetic type is a mononeuropathy, which means that only one nerve is damaged. It involves the third cranial (oculomotor) nerve, which is one of the cranial nerves that controls eye movement. This type of damage usually occurs with diabetic neuropathy.Cranial mononeuropathy III is the most common cranial nerve disorder in people with diabetes.SymptomsDouble visionthat comes on quicklyDrooping of one eyelidPain in head or behind eyeSigns and testsAn examination of the eyes will determine whether only the third nerve is affected or if other nerves have also been damaged. Signs may include:Eyes that are not aligned (dysconjugate gaze)Normal or abnormal pupil reactionIn some cases, it may not be clear if the nerve damage is due to diabetes or some other cause, such as an aneurysm. Tests to rule out other causes may include:Computed tomography (CT) angiogramLumbar punctureMagnetic resonance angiography (MRA)TreatmentThere is no specific treatment to correct the nerve injury.Treatments may include:Close control of blood sugar levelsEye patch or prisms to reduce double visionPain medications (analgesics)Surgery to correct eyelid drooping or eyes that are not alignedSome people may recover without treatment.Expectations (prognosis)Many patients get better over time, although some have permanent eye muscle weakness.ComplicationsPermanent eyelid droopingPermanent vision changesCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have double vision and it doesn't go away in a few minutes, especially if you also have eyelid drooping.PreventionControl of blood sugar levels in people with diabetes may reduce the risk of developing this disorder.


Are the eyelid controlled by cranial nerve?

Occulomotor nerve (CN III) controls levator palpebrae so yes, the eyelids are controlled by cranial nerves.


What nevre opens the eye?

Cranial nerve III (CN3) is responsible for keeping the eye open. Cranial nerve VII (CN7) closes the eyelid.


Which cranial nerves are not sensory?

Cranial nerves III (oculomotor), IV (trochlear), VI (abducens), XI (accessory), and XII (hypoglossal) are motor nerves only.


What does the roman number III mean in medical terms?

III in a medical chart typically refers to the third cranial nerve, the oculomotor nerve.


What three Cranial nerve is involved in rolling the eyes?

Eye movement is controlled by cranial nerves III, IV, and VI (Oculomotor, Trohlear, and Abducens, respectively). CN III innervates most of the muscles of the eye and is responsible for most eye movements.


Which cranial nerve if damaged causes inability to see close?

The cranial nerve that, if damaged, can cause an inability to see close objects is the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III). Damage to this nerve can affect the movement of the eye muscles responsible for changing focus and adjusting the shape of the lens to see objects up close.


Which cranial nerve in responsible for the reflex constriction of the pupil in response to light and accomodation?

The oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III) is responsible for the reflex constriction of the pupil in response to light and accommodation.


What cranial nerve causes pupil consriction?

A dilated pupil is when the black part of the eye becomes big due to reactions to light or medication. A fixed pupil is one where the black part is stuck open big due to pressure inside of the eye.