Ocular neuromyotonia treated by microvascular decompression: usefulness of preoperative 3D imaging: case report

J Neurosurg. 2012 Dec;117(6):1166-9. doi: 10.3171/2012.9.JNS112361. Epub 2012 Sep 28.

Abstract

Ocular neuromyotonia is a rare ocular motility disorder characterized by involuntary contraction of extraocular muscles resulting in paroxysmal diplopia. Although ocular neuromyotonia is reported as a rare complication after radiation therapy, there are a few cases of ocular neuromyotonia in the absence of irradiation. In the reported cases the possibility of vascular compression has been suggested on radiological imaging. The authors report a case of ocular neuromyotonia treated by microvascular decompression of the third cranial nerve, supporting the hypothesis that neurovascular compression may play a role in its pathogenesis. The usefulness of preoperative 3D imaging for microvascular decompression is also discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Carbamazepine / therapeutic use
  • Diplopia / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional*
  • Microvascular Decompression Surgery*
  • Middle Aged
  • Ocular Motility Disorders / complications
  • Ocular Motility Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Ocular Motility Disorders / physiopathology
  • Ocular Motility Disorders / surgery*
  • Oculomotor Muscles / physiopathology*
  • Oculomotor Muscles / surgery*
  • Oculomotor Nerve / physiopathology*
  • Oculomotor Nerve / surgery*
  • Posterior Cerebral Artery
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Preoperative Period
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Carbamazepine