Ocular motility problems after head trauma

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of ocular motility defects and the prevalence of most common cranial nerve palsies associated with eye movement disorders among the patients with head trauma and also to determine the association of the type of head injury with type of palsy. Methods: Cross sectional study involving 35 patients with head trauma was carried out. Distance and near Visual acuity of patients was taken using Snellen visual acuity chart. Ocular motility was assessed using torch light. Lea screen was also used for final diagnosis. Results: Fourth nerve palsy was the most common nerve palsy followed by the sixth cranial nerve palsy. Back side of head was involved in 5 patients while the 8 patients had injuries around the orbit. Most of them had normal distance and near visual acuity. Road traffic accident was the commonest cause of the head injuries. Conclusion: Fourth nerve palsy was most common ocular motility disorder in head trauma followed by the sixth cranial nerve palsy. Total third nerve palsy was rare. However, isolated medial rectus and superior rectus palsy were also seen.