Acquired oculomotor nerve paresis with cyclic spasms in a young woman, a rare subtype of neuromyotonia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

To report an unusual case of cyclic oculomotor nerve paresis and spasms, which developed 5 years following brain radiotherapy for cerebellar medulloblastoma.

METHODS:

Observational case report.

RESULTS:

The cyclic oculomotor nerve paresis and spasms resolved in our patient when treated with carbamazepine. However, because of severe photophobia and tearing, carbamazepine had to be discontinued leading to reappearance of the eye movement disorder.

CONCLUSION:

Cyclic oculomotor nerve paresis and spasms appear to be a delayed effect of radiotherapy and respond to carbamazepine therapy. It may be a rare form of ocular neuromyotonia.

• Authors: Avi Gadoth, Svetlana Kipervasser, Amos D Korczyn, Miri Y Neufeld, Anat Kesler
• Journal: Journal of neuro-ophthalmology : the official journal of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (J Neuroophthalmol) Vol. 33 Issue 3 Pg. 247-8 (Sep 2013) ISSN: 1536-5166 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23807462 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anticonvulsants
• Carbamazepine

Topics

• Adult
• Anticonvulsants (therapeutic use)
• Carbamazepine (therapeutic use)
• Cerebellar Neoplasms (radiotherapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Isaacs Syndrome (diagnosis, drug therapy, etiology)
• Medulloblastoma (radiotherapy)
• Oculomotor Nerve Diseases (diagnosis, drug therapy, etiology)
• Radiotherapy (adverse effects)
• Treatment Outcome