CASE STUDY: LATERAL RECTUS PALSY

Abstract

Lateral rectus palsy, also known as abducens nerve palsy, primarily results from damage to the sixth cranial nerve. Head trauma is one of the most common causes of this condition. Trauma to the orbital or facial muscles can also directly or indirectly affect the lateral rectus (LR) muscle. Diagnosis is mainly through physical examination, confirmed by CT or MRI scans. The pathophysiology of LR palsy involves ischemia or dysfunction of the sixth nerve, or lesions affecting the surrounding nerves, leading to symptoms such as diplopia. Management of LR palsy is challenging; it typically resolves on its own within six months or can be treated with Botulinum toxin injections. This report presents a case of lateral rectus palsy resulting in diplopia in a 40-year-old female patient. She was admitted with complaints of head injury, episodic vomiting, and irrelevant talk. The patient was treated in a private hospital with neuroprotective drugs and corticosteroids.