Benign Isolated Abducens Nerve Palsy

Cranial nerve VI (abducens nerve) innervates the lateral rectus muscle. Acquired isolated abducens nerve palsy in infants and children is a rare condition. A lesion of abducens nerve will result in esotropia greater at distance, an ipsilateral abduction deficiency, and a double vision. The abducens nerve palsy in a child may be caused by serious neurological diseases such as raised intracranial pressure, tumors, or tuberculous meningitis. However, the abducens nerve palsy can rarely occur in children after minor febrile episodes or upper respiratory infections, and that is named as benign sixth nerve palsy which is generally reversible. In this report, we discussed the diagnostic and therapeutic approach in a pediatric case had a benign isolated abducens nerve palsy.