ABSTRACT
Acquired cranial nerve palsy is characterized by typical muscle sequelae. We undertook a retrospective review over eighteen months of acquired unilateral VIN palsy. Twenty-seven patients were identified and 6 patients had a total paralysis of the lateral rectus. The remaining 21 had partial palsy. There were 14 males and 13 females whose ages ranged from 26–87 years. We analysed aetiology, duration and recovery of the palsy, and ocular motility with emphasis on analysis of Hess charts. Five of the six patients with total palsy had no ipsilateral medial rectus overaction and none showed any subsequent recovery. Of the 21 partial palsy patients all except 4 showed complete recovery. Twelve had ipsilateral medial rectus overaction from the onset and the remaining 9 had no medial rectus overaction. Medial Rectus overaction does not always develop in cases of total VIN palsy and further investigation may help clarify this.
