Outcome of abducens nerve paralysis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2002 Jan-Feb;12(1):55-9. doi: 10.1177/112067210201200111.

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence, management and outcome of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) who developed Vlth nerve palsy.

Methods: Between December 1993 and December 1999, we investigated retrospectively the charts of 166 patients with NPC.

Results: Twenty-eight of 166 patients (16.8%) had cranial nerve involvement at the time of the diagnosis of NPC. Sixteen (57.2%) were identified as having abducens nerve palsy. In 25% abducens nerve palsy was the presenting symptom. Three patients were able to compensate for their diplopia after prism correction or botulinum toxin-A injection, and six (50%) completely recovered from abducens nerve palsy after either radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Conclusions: Abducens is the most common cranial nerve involved in NPC, radiotherapy and or chemotherapy relieves the paralysis in half the patients. Prism correction or botulinum toxin-A injection are effective non-invasive procedures for patients with significant diplopia.

MeSH terms

  • Abducens Nerve Diseases / drug therapy
  • Abducens Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Adult
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / complications*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / radiotherapy
  • Diplopia / drug therapy
  • Diplopia / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / complications*
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Strabismus / drug therapy
  • Strabismus / etiology

Substances

  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A