Isolated superior branch palsy of the oculomotor nerve in influenza A

Abstract

An isolated superior branch palsy of the oculomotor nerve is very rare. In the literature only one case could be found, in which this palsy was caused by an infection. After a cold a five-year-old boy developed a ptosis and a paresis of the superior rectus muscle on the right side. Three years ago he had already had a completely reversible ptosis during an otitis media. The remaining neurological examination, the CT-scan and the examination of the CSF were unremarkable. The CBR of influenza A virus was increased (1:32) in the blood. It normalized during the following six months. The oculomotor nerve palsy vanished completely during the following four months.

Key Words:

• oculomotor nerve palsy
• superior branch
• childhood influenza A virus