Dr.KARTHIK KUAMR MANI

Dr.VIRNA SHAH

Abstract

Aim: To study the etiology and clinical profile of patients with multiple cranial nerve palsies.Design: Retrospective observational studyMaterials and Methods: Data of 16 patients with multiple cranial nerve palsies including history, systemic illness, etiology, neuroimaging and blood investigations were analysed from the hospital record.Results: Mean age of presentation was 44 ± 9.19 years. Cranial nerves 2,3,4,5(1) and 6 were commonly affected. The most common causes were trauma (37.5%) and inflammatory (31.25%). 3 patients (18.75%) had infective causes out of which 2 had fungal etiology. 2 patients had neoplasm. Both patients with fungal etiology had poor visual prognosis.Conclusion: Clinical examination of all cranial nerves is essential, and neuroimaging plays an important role in finding out the exact etiology and prompt treatment. Fungal etiology and neoplasm should be ruled out since they are vision and life threatening which needs timely intervention.