Painful ophthalmoplegia of the right eye in a 20-year-old man.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Painful ophthalmoplegia is an infrequent but very important presentation in the acute care setting and requires a thorough neurologic evaluation to determine its cause. This clinical sign has a large differential and generally indicates a serious cerebrovascular process.

CASE REPORT:

We describe a patient with a subacute presentation of painful ophthalmoplegia, ultimately diagnosed as Tolosa-Hunt syndrome, a rare inflammatory process of the cavernous sinus.

CONCLUSION:

This case highlights the importance for the Emergency Physician to quickly recognize painful ophthalmoplegia and rapidly elucidate the cause to prevent further complications for the patient.

• Authors: Stephen Beckham, Hyung Kim, Anh Truong
• Journal: The Journal of emergency medicine (J Emerg Med) Vol. 44 Issue 2 Pg. e231-4 (Feb 2013) ISSN: 0736-4679 [Print] United States
• PMID: 22981660 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Glucocorticoids
• Prednisone

Topics

• Blepharoptosis (etiology)
• Diplopia (etiology)
• Emergency Service, Hospital
• Glucocorticoids (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Hypesthesia (etiology)
• Magnetic Resonance Angiography
• Male
• Prednisone (therapeutic use)
• Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome (diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Tooth Extraction
• Young Adult