Bilateral sixth nerve palsy after head trauma

Abstract

Gaze deficits are not uncommon after head trauma and might be caused by injury to the central nervous system, the peripheral nerve, or the motor unit. Traumatic bilateral sixth cranial nerve palsies are a rare condition and are typically associated with additional intracranial, skull, and cervical spine injuries. We describe a case of a complete bilateral sixth nerve palsy in a 44-year-old male patient with trauma with no intracranial lesion, no associated skull or cervical spine fracture, and no altered level of consciousness. The emergency physician should be aware of the differential diagnosis, initial workup, and injuries associated with a traumatic gaze deficit. [Ann Emerg Med. 2003;41:27-31.]