Sixth Nerve Palsy
The Abducens nerve innovates the Lateral Rectus Extraocular muscle. This abducts the eye (moves out).
If the sixth cranial nerve is damaged, it would result in a sixth nerve palsy.
The eye would sit inwards as it cannot abduct so may present as an esotropia.
Some causes of a 6th Nerve Palsy:
- Microvascular
- High intracranial pressure
- Stroke
- Trauma
- Inflammation or infection
- Brain tumour.
‘See also’ below the eye movement recordings made by an Orthoptist of a right sixth nerve palsy, and photos of a bilateral sixth nerve palsy in five positions of gaze.
Orthoptics: How to be a Brilliant Allied Health Professional
Orthoptics: How to be a Brilliant Allied Health Professional
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