Fourth nerve palsy
Fourth nerve palsy
Fourth nerve palsy, also known as trochlear nerve palsy or superior oblique palsy, is a condition characterized by the weakening or damage of the fourth cranial nerve, which controls the superior oblique muscle of the eye. This condition can result in vertical or oblique diplopia (double vision), where two images of a single object are seen.
Pronunciation
Fourth nerve palsy: /fɔːrθ nɜːrv pɔːlzi/
Etymology
The term "palsy" originates from the Old French word "paralisie", meaning paralysis. The term "fourth nerve" refers to the fourth cranial nerve, also known as the trochlear nerve, which is the nerve responsible for innervating the superior oblique muscle of the eye.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of fourth nerve palsy is diplopia (double vision), which is often more pronounced when the affected individual is looking downward or inward. Other symptoms may include strabismus (misalignment of the eyes), hypertropia (upward deviation of the eye), and torticollis (head tilt).
Causes
Fourth nerve palsy can be caused by several factors, including congenital abnormalities, trauma, tumors, vascular diseases, and inflammatory diseases. In many cases, the exact cause of the condition is unknown.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of fourth nerve palsy typically involves a comprehensive eye examination, including tests to assess eye alignment and movement. Additional tests, such as MRI or CT scan, may be performed to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment for fourth nerve palsy may include prism therapy, eye muscle surgery, or a combination of both. The goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and improve eye alignment and function.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Fourth nerve palsy
- Wikipedia's article - Fourth nerve palsy
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