Alternate Names : Third cranial nerve palsy, Oculomotor palsy, Pupil-involving third cranial nerve palsy
Definition
Cranial mononeuropathy III is a problem with the function of the third cranial nerve, which is located behind the eye.
Overview, Causes, & 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.
Pictures & Images
Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system
The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes all peripheral nerves.
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Cranial mononeuropathy III – compression type : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Cranial mononeuropathy III – compression type : Symptoms & Sign, Diagnosis & Tests
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Cranial mononeuropathy III – compression type : Treatment
Review Date : 12/21/2009
Reviewed By : Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
